Training


OSHA Clarifies HAZWOPER Training Rule: Video Alone Does Not Cut It

Employers cannot rely on online or video training tools as the sole source of training because physical manipulation of actual components of PPE (as opposed to virtual components of PPE) must be part of the program, the agency notes.

Safety on a Budget

Layoffs have hit safety and health professionals like everyone else. For those fortunate enough to still be employed, the economic crisis has quickly translated into a budget crisis. But how does one keep costs down and convince the boss it's worth every penny to continue to attend conferences?

DOL Settles Whistleblower Case against Steam Cleaning Company

Investigators found that an employee requested PPE while performing dry cleaning duties and the company denied the request.

USFA Releases Outdoor Fires Topical Report

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) has issued a special report examining the causes and characteristics of outdoor fires. The report, titled "Outdoor Fires," was developed by the National Fire Data Center, part of USFA.

Bridge Contractor Faces $180,950 in Fines for Fall, Drowning Hazards

"The significant hazard of a four-story plunge was exacerbated by the lack of required lifesaving rescue equipment," said C. William Freeman III, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.

from left, NFPA Chief Electrical Engineer Mark Earley; OSHA Regional Administrator Marthe Kent; NFPA President James Shannon; and OSHA Region 1 compliance assistance coordinator Kenneth Mastrullo

NFPA Dedicates New 70E Handbook to Ken Mastrullo

A former NFPA senior electrical specialist, Mastrullo is now an OSHA employee in Boston. NFPA says his evangelism in the cause of electrical safety helped to make 70E and other electrical safety programs more prominent around the world. This photo shows, from left, NFPA Chief Electrical Engineer Mark Earley; OSHA New England Regional Administrator Marthe Kent; NFPA President James Shannon; and Mastrullo.

HSE Creates Chemicals Regulation Directorate

This combines the British OSHA agency's Pesticides Safety Directorate and Chemicals Assessment Schemes Unit into a single entity responsible for regulating biocides, pesticides, detergents, chemicals, and duties under the Classification and Labelling regime.

ATA wants fleet members to share their 2009 safety experience so FMCSA can see how the current hours rule is working.

Applications Due April 17 for Top Trucking Safety Awards

The American Trucking Associations' Safety Management Council will present awards in September for best vehicle accident and worker injury incidence, as well as national safety director and HR professional of the year.



Mississippi Trench Death Leads to $73,500 Fine

The total penalty includes an other-than-serious proposed fine of $3,500 because the company allegedly failed to notify OSHA of the fatality within eight hours of the incident.

Stucco Contractor Cited for Fall Hazards in 2007, 2008, and now 2009

In the latest inspection, employees allegedly were working on scaffolding, in an aerial lift, and on the roof at a worksite in Torrington, Conn., with exposure to falls of up to 22 feet. Also, electrical, overhead, and chemical hazard communication deficiencies were identified at the site.

NCCCO Launches CCO Rigger Certification

Rigger (Basic) is the first level in a three-level program. Development work on the Intermediate and Advanced Rigger levels is nearing completion and will follow during the year.

OSHA Alliance Seeks to Protect Workers from Lyme Disease

A safety fact sheet on Lyme disease is among the products developed by the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) through the recently renewed OSHA alliance. The fact sheet describes the causes, symptoms, treatment, and methods for preventing Lyme disease for people who work or spend time outdoors in grassy or wooded areas.

A Fresh Approach to Foot Protection

Occupational foot protection is very often ignored until a serious injury occurs. Safety professionals should take the following steps to ensure their facilities and employees are following best practices when it comes to foot protection.

Q&A: HAVS Still a Threat

More than a million U.S. workers are exposed to potentially harmful vibrations from the tools they use at work, says Joseph D. McGarry, president of Gloves-Online.com.

12 Steps to Increase Your Total Health

Both wellness and workplace occupational health and safety (OHS) have benefits to employees and employers alike. While both can be implemented separately, there are proven additional benefits to combining the two programs into one overall Employee Health, Safety, and Wellness (HSW) Program where the total is greater than the sum of the parts. Combine your efforts in these 12 areas and enjoy improved wellness.

Practice Makes Perfect

In the midst of changes taking place throughout the health care industry, many OHNs are rightly feeling they are in a whole new profession, which helps explain why organizers of this year's annual AAOHN conference have for months now been plugging the event with the tagline "It's a Whole New Symposium."

the logo of NIOSHs WorkLife Initiative

NIOSH E-Newsletter Offers WorkLife Initiative Update

Three centers of excellence funded in 2006 and 2007 are researching beneficial approaches to make the workplace safer and healthier for health care workers and other groups.

OSHA Revises Field Compliance Manual

OSHA has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA compliance officers with a single comprehensive resource of updated guidance in implementing the agency's mission to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

Kathy Warye, CEO of The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology

Targeting Zero Gets Big 2009 Boost

The efforts of APIC and other organizations this year are aimed at significantly reducing health care-associated infections. APIC CEO Kathy Warye, shown here, hailed a recent CDC study showing gains against MRSA among ICU patients.

a worker equipped with compatible fall protection connections

Hardware Compatibility: Your Life Depends on It

Both lifelong users and those just introduced to fall protection equipment struggle with hardware compatibility. Unfortunately, there are cases where workers using equipment designed according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards have been seriously injured or have died as a result of incompatible connections.

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