Despite Budget Woes, WISHA Issuing 2011 Safety Calendar
Some of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries' operations were closed Tuesday because of the state's budget problems. But its 2011 workplace calendar, "Keep Washington Safe and Working," nevertheless will be available later this month.
Real workers in various jobs, including tulip fields in Skagit Valley and a vineyard in Pasco, are featured in the "Keep Washington Safe and Working" 2011 workplace calendar the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Division of Occupational Safety and Health will publish later this month. The division considers the calendars part of its mission to promote occupational safety and health and produces them just ahead of the annual Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference, which will be held Sept. 29-30 in Spokane.
"We want employers to see real-world examples of Washington businesses handling typical workplace hazards effectively and in a way that any company can replicate," said Bruce Zeller, the division's education and outreach services manager.
In this edition of the calendar are pages about workplace violence, fall protection, flagging, bloodborne pathogens, respirator use, outdoor heat exposure, and suggested topics for the safety and health meetings that businesses are required to hold with their employees. Companies that allowed L&I to photograph workers on the job included Providence St. Peter Hospital, Gordon Brothers Family Vineyards, Tenaska Operations, Washington Bulb Farm, New Market Skills Center, Washington State Patrol Fire Protection Bureau, Absolute Solutions roofing, Trident Seafoods, Pierce County Public Works, TMX Aerospace, Village Market, and Nucor Steel.
Businesses in the state can order them free after Sept. 13, while supplies last, by e-mailing name, company name, mailing address, and phone number to [email protected]. To order by phone, call 1-800-574-9881. Limited quantities will be available in local L&I offices after Sept. 30.