Here's a collection of safety news and resources from around the web this month:
Free Resources for National Safety Stand-Down May 2-6
OSHA has designated May 2-6, 2016, for the third annual National Safety Stand-Down. The event is a nationwide effort to remind and educate employers and workers in the construction industry of the serious dangers of falls. Employers are encouraged to pause during the workday for topic discussions, demonstrations and training on how to recognize hazards and prevent falls. Download free stand-down resources from OSHA.
GAO Report Highlights Violence in Health Care Settings
A new Government Accountability Office report released April 14 recommends actions to address violence directed at the nation's health care workers. According to data from three federal datasets GAO reviewed, workers in health care facilities experience substantially higher estimated rates of nonfatal injury due to workplace violence compared to workers overall. The report Additional Efforts Needed to Help Protect Health Care Workers from Workplace Violence describes violence as a serious concern for health workers, although the full extent of the problem is unknown. Review the report. (pdf)
New Eye and Face Protection Standards Take Effect April 25
OSHA published a final rule that updates requirements for personal protective equipment for workers in general industry, shipyards, longshoring, marine terminals and construction. The new rule updates references in OSHA’s Eye and Face Protection Standards to include ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2010. Learn more.
OSHA Quadruples Fine for Failing to Report Employee Injuries
OSHA recently issued new guidance to inspectors that can have a major impact on employers. OSHA memorandum "Revised Interim Enforcement Procedures for Reporting Requirements under 29 C.F.R. 1904.39" raises the maximum penalty for not reporting fatalities, hospitalizations, amputations and eye losses from $1,000 to $5,000 — a 400% increase. And area directors still have authority to raise the penalty to as much as $7,000 if they determine the higher fine is necessary to create a “deterrent effect.” Review the memo.
Did You Know OSHA Online Reporting is Finally Active?
Although it was delayed several months past the announced start date, OSHA online reporting is now active to help employers meet the new 8- and 24-hour reporting requirements for fatalities and severe injuries. Allow about 30 minutes to report online. Be prepared to supply: Business name; names of employees affected; location and time of the incident; brief description of the incident; contact person and phone number. All employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. An in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss must be reported within 24 hours. Visit the OSHA reporting page.
Upcoming Safety Webinars by OH&S
April 27 - Hidden Dangers for Electric Utility Workers
May 3 - GHS and the status of the new SDS
May 4 - Preparing your organization for Electrical Compliance/NFPA 70E
May 5 - Construction Safety Mistakes You're Probably Making and How to Avoid Them
May 12 - Enhance Your Safety Culture From the Inside Out
Learn more or sign up here.