Workplace discussions of respiratory protection frequently focus on required protection. We may ask, "What about comfort? Are you feeling secure and protected in work environments from potential or imagined respiratory hazards?" We want our employees to feel comfortable at work. One problem is when they "feel" better wearing a respirator when there is no real established need or exposure that would require it.
This 24-page document updates a 1987 guidance from the agency.
Unhealthy habits to lose weight, head injuries, and exposures to lead, fires, and other hazards have been brought to the agency's attention.
PPE
WHILE many new topics are addressed in the ANSI Z359 family of fall protection standards--which was available for purchase in late August and takes effect Oct. 15--one of the critical concepts presented is certified and non-certified anchorages for fall protection systems.
We live in a world of labels. We trust some labels to be precise: We expect a 250 mg capsule to deliver 250 milligrams of medication, and our 2-liter soft drink bottle undoubtedly holds two liters. But we also accept that some labels provide us only with an estimate.
WORK and safety footwear is developed for a specific end user, whether that person is an electrician or a drywaller. Choosing the proper safety and work boot can be as easy as breaking down what is most important to keep safe and comfortable on the job. Here are a few things to consider.
In any work environment, there can be many reasons to keep sound levels within a reasonable range. Sound levels above this range are perceived as "noise." Noise can distract the workforce, creating an unsafe workplace. Or, worse yet, it can cause hearing loss.
IGNORANCE is never bliss when it comes to the safety clothing you should be wearing. In fact, ignorance is no longer an excuse accepted by employers for workers not wearing the proper gear. Organizations such as OSHA impose a variety of safety requirements, and some insurance companies compel certain shops to publish minimum safety requirements in full view of the workers.
No new bronchiolitis obliterans cases since 2003 among microwave popcorn manufacturing workers have come to its attention, OSHA said in its notice announcing the meeting.
The event will focus on best practices for effective hearing protection programs.
Apparel, ergonomic furniture, security, and fire protection were hot at this year's event. The next A+A will take place Nov. 3-6, 2009.
The "supersport" motorcycles are extremely popular, with registrations up 83 percent in 2005 from 2000. Their drivers have a worrisome death rate.
The U.S. Labor Department, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Chicken Council, and American Meat Institute filed amicus briefs in the appeal.
This will be the latest hearing on Capitol Hill to ask why some responders and recovery workers developed respiratory illnesses.
The second annual event is intended to help employers of about 4,000 laborers who move from Arizona to California to harvest crops.
Safety committee chairmen in both houses of Congress want answers from MSHA about the Crandall Canyon mine disaster Aug. 6, which claimed nine lives in all. MSHA has already appointed its own investigative team.
A disgruntled field employee (in front of a crew of scowling, arms-crossed guys) tossed a set of dirty, beat-up safety glasses at me in disgust. "They're scratched, this no good piece of #@*!" he exclaimed. The explanation: A piece of debris or gravel had been slung while on a maintenance job, deeply scratching the lens.
File a notice by Oct. 1 if you want to testify at the hearing, where opponents will challenge the plan to recognize "good design standards."