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Good News for Washington State Companies: Cheaper Comp Insurance in 2019

The price of workers' compensation insurance in Washington state will take the largest drop in more than 10 years on Jan. 1, 2019, as the state Department of Labor & Industries on Dec. 3 announced a 5 percent decrease in the average amount employers pay for the coverage.

Michigan Company Enjoined from Distributing Products

The complaint alleged that analysis of environmental samples collected from the defendants' facility during numerous inspections showed the facility contained a resident strain of Listeria monocytogenes. FDA most recently inspected the facility in late 2017, and its inspection showed the ready-to-eat food products that defendants manufactured and distributed were adulterated.

Pennsylvania Receives $10 Million Grant for Opioid Programs

"My administration has made fighting the opioid epidemic one of its top priorities, and this collaboration with Michael Bloomberg and Bloomberg Philanthropies will allow us to take an in-depth look at the areas where we can supplement our programs to successfully assist more Pennsylvanians," Gov. Tom Wolf said.

IAEA Signs Agreement to Aid Nuclear Medicine Training

Every year, more than 35 million nuclear medicine examinations are performed globally, particularly to diagnose and manage cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Countries often lack programs to train specialists and technical personnel to facilitate diagnosis and treatment, according to IAEA.

Funding Secured for Maryland Pre-Apprenticeship Program's Second Student Group

The program prepares motivated youth through classroom instruction and hands-on skills training for employment and registered apprenticeship in one of the fastest-growing occupations in construction.

AKOSH Local Emphasis Program Focused on Health Care Workplaces

AKOSH's enforcement inspections under the program will focus on the types of hazards commonly found in hospitals and other health care settings: slips, trips, and falls; bloodborne pathogens; tuberculosis; workplace violence; and ergonomics.

SPE Gulf Coast Section Hosting Oil & Gas Safety Workshop Feb. 14

The Houston workshop includes lunch, and participants will receive a certificate of participation. Proceeds will benefit the SPE Gulf Coast scholarship fund.

Florida Company Cited in Burn Case

"This owner's intentional disregard of the manufacturers' safety instructions and failure to take proper safety measures resulted in serious injuries to an employee," said OSHA Jacksonville Area Office Director Michelle Gonzalez.



MMWR Article Outlines Study of Newly Arrived Ticks

The Asian longhorned tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) has been found in several U.S. states since it was first discovered here in New Jersey in August 2017.

Three Winners in HHS Easy EHR Issue Reporting Challenge

"Helping reduce the burden of health IT continues to be a key area of focus at the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, and we anticipate the winning submissions to the Easy EHR Issue Reporting Challenge will help with those efforts," said Dr. Don Rucker, M.D., HHS national coordinator for health information technology.

We congratulate the 22 winners in our tenth annual contest recognizing the most innovative new safety products.

2018 NPOY Contest Winners Honored

OH&S congratulated winners of the tenth annual contest during the 2018 National Safety Council Congress & Expo in Houston.

The familiar hierarchy of controls shows that elimination is the most effective risk control strategy, while PPE is the least effective. (WorkSafeBC graphic)

Key Protections for Arc Welders

Controlling the risks is done by applying the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls (such as ventilation systems to remove welding fume), administrative controls, and finally, PPE.

Ohio Alliance Foresees a Safer Industry

Alliance partners will provide education and support to brewery owners and their employees on safety and health issues specific to craft brewers, as well as risks unique to their industry.

Communication with residents and building occupants is key to preparing them for emergencies.

Training Employees to Recognize and Respond to Hazards

Employees should be trained to respond appropriately to each scenario that is applicable to their workplace, which could mean training everyone not only to evacuate, but also to shelter in place and how to lock down areas.

BBS & HOP = Predictive-Based Safety

With accuracy rates as high as 86 percent, predictive analytics have helped organizations save lives.

Acclimating workers to cold exposure, hydration, scheduling frequent breaks, and equipment such as heaters are all part of the prevention process.

The Essence of Cold Weather Protection

Lightweight garments may seem counterintuitive for protecting against the cold, but layering up lightweight garments is one of the best ways to combat the cold and remain comfortable.

The Number 1 Reason to Demand Your Tool Tether Be Dynamic Drop Proven

A device may pass a static test with flying colors, but when put into a real-life situation it may still fail and break, and that's bad for anyone standing underneath.

According to the European Survey on Working Conditions, the proportion of workers who report being exposed to chemicals for at least one-quarter of their working time has not changed since 2000, remaining steady at about 17 percent.

EU-OSHA Seeks Better Management of Dangerous Substances

The ESENER-2 survey found 38 percent of EU companies reporting that chemical or biological substances in the form of liquids, fumes, or dust are present in their workplaces.

One of the easiest ways to monitor safety metrics is by using a safety management software. As you improve your safety performance analysis, you’ll need a system that can handle the influx of data, give you access to real-time metrics, and help you glean valuable insights hidden within the flood of information.

Dollars and Sense: The Business Case for Safety Management Systems

ISO 45001 and the revised ANSI/ASSP Z10 SMS Standard will help safety professionals make the case to executive leadership that integrating safety and health into existing business management systems is both financially prudent and increasingly feasible to achieve.

Balancing Safety: Overcoming Surprising Contributors to Slips, Trips, and Falls

Even with aging workforces, injuries can be greatly reduced with a blend of best engineering controls and practical training.

Product Showcase

  • HAZ LO HEADLAMPS

    With alkaline or rechargeable options, these safety rated, Class 1, Div. 1 Headlamps provide long runtime with both spot and flood options in the same light. Work safely and avoid trip hazards with flexible hands-free lighting from Streamlight. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker WBGT Monitoring for Workplace Safety

    Ensure safety with the Kestrel® 5400 Heat Stress Tracker, the go-to choice for safety professionals and endorsed by the Heat Safety & Performance Coalition. This robust, waterless WBGT meter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced monitoring and data logging essential for OSHA compliance. It features pre-programmed ACGIH guidelines and alert settings to quickly signal critical conditions. Integrated with the cloud-based Ambient Weather Network, the 5400 allows managers to view, track, and log job site conditions remotely, ensuring constant awareness of potential hazards. Its capability for real-time mobile alerts and remote data access promotes proactive safety management and workplace protection, solidifying its role as a crucial tool in industrial hygiene. Read More

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