Category: Safety News & Information (English)

OSHA’s Top 10 Remains Much the Same.

Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 14th consecutive year. The announcement was made during the 2024 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando.

OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, Scott Ketcham, presented the initial list – which represents OSHA Information System data from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 5. (The finalized data, will be released in December.) “OSHA takes falls very seriously,” Ketcham said during the presentation. “We’re trying to curb this hazard and make inroads to help people understand the standard and requirements. Too many lives are lost each year from workers who fall to their death.”

As is typical, the standards that comprise the Top 10 remained unchanged from FY 2023. However, there was movement within the ranking. Respiratory Protection climbed three spots to No. 4. It was seventh in FY 2023. “What’s more precious than our lungs?” Ketcham asked the audience. Additionally, Scaffolding, fell four spots to No. 8.

The Full List of Top 10 Most Cited OSHA Standards:

1. Fall Protection– General Requirements: 6,307 violations
2. Hazard Communication: 2,888 violations
3. Ladders: 2,573 violations
4. Respiratory Protection: 2,470 violations
5. Lockout/Tagout: 2,443 violations
6. Powered Industrial Trucks: 2,248 violations
7. Fall Protection – Training Requirements: 2,050 violations
8. Scaffolding: 1,873 violations
9. Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection: 1,814 violations
10. Machine Guarding: 1,541 violations

While OSHA generally does not post the official top ten list of violations until after the first week in April (in order to allow the prior fiscal year’s inspection data to finalize), it is unlikely that the top ten will see any changes to what was announced at the Expo. Here at National Safety Compliance we offer a variety of resources for each of these OSHA standards. Employers can utilize training options to improve their company’s efforts to keep workers safe and ensure that every employee makes it home safely.

Beginning in 1922 and continuing for over 100 years, the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) has sponsored the annual public observance of Fire Prevention Week. Additionally, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance in 1925. In fact, it is the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, participants learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Among other efforts, firefighters graciously provide lifesaving public education in an effort to decrease casualties caused by fires.

In commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th. Sadly, this disastrous fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

This year, Fire Prevention Week is October 6-12. This is a great opportunity to review fire hazards in the workplace and what to do in a fire emergency. This year’s campaign strives to educate everyone about the importance of having working smoke alarms. For information on how to plan and implement a successful FPW campaign using NFPA resources, visit NPFA.org.

National Fire Protection Association Resources for Fire Prevention Week:

• Key Smoke Alarm Safety Guidelines and Tips
• Smoke Alarm Technology Updates
• Best Practices
• Action Steps: Install, Test, and Replace
• Educator Toolkit
• Smoke Alarm Activities
• Digital Catalog

At National Safety Compliance we offer a variety of fire safety training items including training kits, booklets, and fire safety posters. Injuries due to fire can be prevented and smoke detectors that are functioning properly is one step towards protecting all our employees.

True to its mission, OSHA is always working to assure America’s workers have safe and healthful working conditions, OSHA has recently updated The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The update seeks to better align the HCS with Revision 7 of the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, as well as improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners. The updated standard will improve effectiveness by better informing employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. This final rule will increase worker protections and reduce the incidences of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by improving the information on the labels and safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals.

Highlights of the Changes

• Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
• Clearer Hazard Classification
• Improved Physical Hazard Classes
• Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. 

In light of these updates to the Hazard Communication Standard, we have updated a series of three Hazard Communication training programs. At NSC we strive to ensure that our training programs contain the most relevant and up to date content for your training efforts.

Updated Training Programs

• Hazard Communication
• Hazard Communication: Safety Data Sheets
• Hazard Communication: Chemical Safety

Hazard Communication 

The number of existing chemical products is estimated to be in the hundreds of thousands with hundreds of new ones being introduced into the workplace each year.  This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employers. This training program has been developed to assist with training all employees concerning chemical products and the hazards they present.

Hazard Communication: Safety Data Sheets

Thousands of chemicals are used in our personal lives and at work.  Most of us encounter chemicals at work on a daily basis. While many chemicals are relatively harmless when handled properly, many are dangerous substances by nature. With some chemicals, the simple act of pouring from one container to another can be hazardous. All chemicals can pose serious physical and/or health hazards when transported, handled, or used improperly. Manufacturers are constantly developing new chemicals to be used in ever widening ways.  Without accurate adequate knowledge about these chemicals, their hazards, and appropriate precautionary measures, employees are at a great risk of harmful and even fatal accidents.

Hazard Communication: Chemical Safety

The basic goal of any effective Hazard Communication program is to ensure the safety of the employee who works with and around different hazardous chemicals. Each and every workday, over 30 million workers in the U.S. are potentially exposed to a chemical hazard. Exposure to chemicals can cause serious physical and health problems. For employees to be safe when dealing with chemicals, information must be transmitted to them about the identities and hazards of the chemicals. This training program was created to assist with training employees concerning these chemical products and the hazards they present. The focus of this training will be the chemical label.

Overall, this significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). It is vital that employers and employees have training that is in alignment with these revisions.

Participate in Safe + Sound Week 2024: August 12-18

All organizations looking for an opportunity to recognize their commitment to safety are welcome to participate. Last year, more than 3,900 businesses helped to raise awareness about workers’ health and safety! Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe. This year for Safe + Sound Week OSHA will be providing resources for businesses on Job Hazard Analysis (JHA). 

OSHA is providing many ways to participate in Safe + Sound Week including several Core Element challenges this year. The challenges are grouped into Management Leadership Challenges, Worker Participation Challenges, and Find & Fix Hazards Challenges.

Management Leadership Challenges:

• Take 3 in 30 Challenge
• Lead With Safety Challenge
• Champion Safety Challenge
• Hazard Huddle Challenge

Worker Participation Challenges:

• All in on Safety Challenge
• Speak Up for Safety Challenge
• Safety is Our Right Challenge

Find & Fix Hazards Challenges:

• Check on Safety Challenge
• Eyes on Safety Challenge
• Halt a Hazard Challenge
• Safety Shuffle Challange

OSHA is providing a variety of resources for each of the challenges on its website so businesses can make the most of these challenges. Resources include worksheets, assessment tools, toolkits, posters, conversation starters, surveys, and challenge coins.

Successful safety and health programs can proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they cause injury or illness, improving sustainability and the bottom line. Participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get your program started, energize an existing one, or provide a chance to recognize your safety successes.

Updated Hazard Communication Standard Effective July 19, 2024

With a significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Further, OSHA seeks to better align the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, primarily Revision 7 (GHS), and improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners.

History of the Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave the workers the ‘right to know,’ and the 2012 Globally Harmonized System ensured workers had the ‘right to understand.’ The original standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they chose. However, the modified 2012 standard provided a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets. The updated Hazard Communication Standard tackles concerns identified since the 2012 update by addressing past issues and promoting alignment. Additionally, it fosters better alignment with other federal agencies and Canada, promoting a more unified approach to workplace chemical safety across North America.

Highlights of the Changes

• Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
• Clearer Hazard Classification
• Improved Physical Hazard Classes
• Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. The updated standards are effective July 19, 2024, however, OSHA has established a phased set of deadlines for compliance.

Timeframe for Implementing Compliance

At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of Hazard Communication products to help businesses keep workers safe while handling hazardous materials including several video training courses, SDS binders, HAZCOM booklets, and several posters.

California leads the nation in efforts to prevent workplace violence.

In a historic move, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 553 creating the first general industry workplace violence prevention safety requirements in the United States. This groundbreaking legislation mandates a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) for nearly all employers in California. The required WVPP can be built into an existing injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP). Employers are required to create or adopt, implement and train employees on the WVPP.

Effective July 1, 2024, this law is likely to be a landmark legislative move, as it is the first law of its kind nationwide to be applicable across various industries. Further, there is speculation it will be used as a template for similar laws across the country in coming years. The law incorporates many aspects beginning with developing the plan in cooperation with employees and others, regular training on workplace violence hazards, procedures for each element of the prevention plan, maintaining a detailed violent incident log, and conducting regular reviews of the WVPP. The enforcement of these requirements fall under the jurisdiction of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).

What is “workplace violence”?

Labor Code Section 6401.9 defines workplace violence as “any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in a place of employment,” but does not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others.

Workplace violence specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Type 1 violence: workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches employees with the intent to commit a crime.
2. Type 2 violence: workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors.
3. Type 3 violence: workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager.
4. Type 4 violence: workplace violence committed in the workplace by a person who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee.

What are the Essential Elements of a WVPP?

• Responsible Personnel: Designate individuals responsible for the WVPP, recommending more than one person for this role. 
• Employee Input and Enforcement: Develop procedures for obtaining input from employees on the plan and its enforcement. 
• Training Procedures: Establish comprehensive training procedures covering all aspects of the WVPP. 
• Incident Reporting: Create procedures for reporting both potential and actual workplace violence incidents. 
• Incident Investigation: Implement procedures for investigating potential workplace violence incidents and issues. 
• Plan Implementation: Set procedures for the plan’s implementation, including periodic inspections, annual reviews, and ensuring comprehensive training for all employees. 
• Anti-Retaliation Clause: Incorporate an anti-retaliation clause to protect employees who report workplace violence. 
• Role Coordination: Develop procedures for coordinating roles between supervisors and management. 
• Interdepartmental Communication: Establish communication procedures between departments or shifts, as necessary for specific job positions. 
• Training Development: Focus on developing effective training procedures. 
• Risk Identification: Identify environmental and other risk factors, including considerations for contingent workers, temporary staff, and remote employees. 
• Risk Evaluation and Control Development: Create procedures for evaluating specific work-related risks (e.g., customer interactions, security roles) and developing appropriate controls, including engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment. 
• Recordkeeping: Implement procedures for maintaining records, including workplace violence incident logs. 
• Post-Incident Response and Investigation: Establish emergency response procedures and investigation protocols for incidents that occur. 

Employers are required to train employees on the WVPP when the program is first established, and then every year thereafter. The employee training required under the new law must cover particular subjects, allow for “interactive questions and answers,” and be in “vocabulary appropriate to the educational level, literacy, and language of the employees.” Further, as part of the training, employers also must provide employees with an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with a person knowledgeable about the WVPP. Additional training must take place when a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard has been identified and when changes are made to the WVPP for clarity, this training may be limited to addressing the new hazard or change. 

Training requirements

• The employer’s plan, how to obtain a copy, and how to participate in development and implementation of the WVPP.
• The definition of workplace violence and requirements of Labor Code Section 6401.9.
• How to report workplace violence incidents to the employer or law enforcement.
• Workplace violence hazards specific to the employer’s industry, corrective measures the employer has implemented, and strategies on how to prevent or respond to violence.
• The violence log required by the Labor Code and how to obtain a copy.
• An opportunity for interactive questions with a person knowledgeable about the plan.

What are employer responsibilities? Employers are required to take reasonable care to prevent and correct harassment. This includes having a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). Key steps to demonstrating reasonable care include: Having a broadly disseminated policy. Establishing an effective complaint process. Providing regular training to ensure employees and supervisors and managers. Understand their rights and responsibilities. Monitoring the workplace to ensure adherence to the employer’s policy.

To help California employers meet this new regulation, and other employers throughout the country, NSC has updated its Workplace Violence Training Program to include the following:

• Impact of Workplace Violence
• Types of Workplace Violence
• OSHA and State Requirements for Workplace Violence (*NEW)
• Developing a Written Workplace Violence Plan (*NEW)
• Risk Factors for Workplace Violence
• Warning Signs of Workplace Violence
• Preventing/Reducing Workplace Violence
• Response Actions
• Training Employees on Workplace Violence (*NEW)

OSHA is again sponsoring a photo contest to help raise awareness of the dangers of heat exposure. Excessive heat exposure, both indoors and outdoors, can be deadly. The goal is to highlight many effective strategies that protect workers from heat. OSHA hopes that seeing heat safety in action will encourage others to follow suit and protect workers.

Participation is open to any industry. Practically anyone can compete, including private citizens, associations, trade groups, individual businesses educational institutions, research organizations, non-profits, and unions. Each participant may submit up to five photos related to heat safety in the workplace.

Photo Ideas Include:

• Photos of controls being used to protect workers.
• Photos of shade structures that workers may be using for protection.
• Photos that show workers using shade structures during the workday.
• Photos of training and engagement around the topic of heat.
• Photos of innovative ways workplaces are cooling workers (i.e., air-conditioned rooms, etc.). 
• Photos of workers utilizing controls.
• Photos of how employers are ensuring cold water access outdoors.

Participation Requirements:

• Must promote heat safety in the workplace.
• Must be original creations, not copied from OSHA.gov or any other source, and under the submitter’s ownership and control. Contestant is responsible for getting authorization from the people captured in the photo to use and submit their image in OSHA’s contest and for OSHA’s use. See Written Consent from Personal Identifiable Information under Terms and Conditions below.
• Photographs must not depict a violation of an OSHA standard, uncontrolled hazard, or any unsafe procedure or practice.
• Photographs must not endorse or be perceived to endorse a commercial product or service. This includes but is not limited to the display of brand names or trademarks on any people, equipment, or other objects visible in the photograph. Note: OSHA reserves the right to alter any submitted image by blurring identifying brand names, trademarks and other third-party intellectual property.
• Must submit web form.
• Entries must be in one of the following formats (weblink, JPG, PNG, Word, PPT).
• Contestants must acknowledge contest rules and provide contact information.

Contest Categories (2023):

• Strongest Message
• Most Innovative
• Most Creative
• Highlighting Indoor Heat Hazards
• Best Non-English Submission

Judging Criteria:

• Quality of photograph.
• Suitability for possible use in OSHA publications.
• Clarity of the safety and health information or “message” conveyed.
• Originality 
• Creativity 
• Inclusion of workers, employer, or workplace imagery.

The photo contest is open now and will close on July 19, 2024. Submissions will be reviewed and announced in the summer. Sign up here to participate.

In construction, falls have been the leading cause of workplace fatalities for many years. According to BLS data, 395 workers lost their lives due to falls in 2022. Falls are preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. This year the event will be held May 6-19, 2024.

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a Stand-Down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down.

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort:

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
• OSHA-approved State Plans
• State consultation programs
• Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR)
• American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
• National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE)
• U.S. Air Force
• OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers

Companies have many options for conducting a Safety Stand-Down, for example, taking a break to have a toolbox talk. Other safety activities include conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job-specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a Stand-Down that works best for their workplace. OSHA’s website hosts an Events page to help employers and employees find events in your area. Additionally, OSHA offers suggestions to prepare for a successful “Stand-Down” and highlights from past “Stand-Downs.”

At NSC we offer a Fall Protection Training Course that has everything you need to equip employees to be safe at work and prevent falls. Our Fall Protection Bundle is an all-in-one resource for fall prevention and awareness in the workplace. It includes our Fall Protection Training and Booklets, which can inform your employees on the existence and use of industry-regulated fall prevention systems. We will also include our Fall Protection Standards & Regulations Manual, an easy-to-read resource on federal fall prevention regulations.

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. An event that started with a local campaign in Bristol, Virginia to raise awareness for work zone safety has grown into an annual national event for 24 years. This year it is hosted by the Maryland Department of Transportation, April 15-19.

In 1999 VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation), the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials began working in collaboration to launch the first NWZAW in 2000. Together they outlined goals for the campaign.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Goals:

• Initiate efforts to raise awareness of the need for more caution when driving through work zones to decrease fatalities and injuries;
• Establish and promote a uniform set of safety tips;
• The value of training and importance of best practices in regard to work zone safety would be promoted among individuals in the private sector, industry, and roadway workers;
• Reach out to both roadway workers and contractors to communicate possible effects of motorists’ behavior in response to traffic delays, and advise on what steps might possibly be taken to lessen negative behavior; and
• Outreach efforts would be made to work with entities involved with work zone safety and to form partnerships.

The initial national kickoff event was held in Springfield, Virginia. Every other year, the kickoff event is hosted in the Washington, D.C. area and in the alternate years it travels to cities around the country. In 2004, NWZAW’s fifth year, the executive committee decided to incorporate a theme with the event to better promote work zone safety. The first theme was, “The Worker’s Office Is the Roadway.” This year the theme is, “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

In 2016 National Go Orange Day was introduced as a new element of NWZAW. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to wear orange to show support for work zone safety. Posting to social media using #Orange4Safety and # NWZAW is another way to to spread the message.

Thankfully, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across the country. It is easy to get involved and help bring awareness to this responsibility we all share. It is everyone’s duty to be alert, obey the signs, and keep workers and other drivers safe in work zones.

Nationwide events include:

• Work Zone Safety Training Day – April 15
• National kickoff event – April 16
• Go Orange Day – April 17
• Social media storm – April 18
• Moment of Silence – April 19. The moment of silence was started in 2022 to remember the men and women whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.

The American Ladder Institute (ALI) has announced March as National Ladder Safety Month. It is designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable. Beginning with thorough safety planning, proper training, and finally continuous innovation in product design. The more people learn about proper ladder safety, the wider the message spreads and accidents are prevented.

Themes of Ladder Safety Month

• Week One: Training and Awareness
• Week Two: Inspection and Maintenance
• Week Three: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories
• Week Four: Safe Climbing and Positioning

Nearly every home and workplace has at least one ladder. While ladders are great pieces of equipment, they pose a serious threat to safety if not used correctly. They should mainly be used for simple access jobs for a short duration. If at all possible, an alternative can be used in place of a ladder, such as scaffolding or an elevated work platform. However, if ladders are the only option, ladder safety tips and precautions should be taken.

Goals of Ladder Safety Month

• Decrease number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities
• Increase the number of ladder safety training certificates issued by ALI
• Increase the frequency that ladder safety training modules are viewed on www.laddersafetytraining.org
• Lower the rankings of ladder-related safety citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
• Increase the number of in-person ladder trainings
• Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

OSHA offers three steps: “Plan.Provide.Train.” to prevent falls from ladders. Plan ahead to Get the job done safely. Provide the right extension ladder for the job with the proper load capacity. Train workers to use extension ladders safely. In addition OSHA recommends a list of “dos” and “do nots” for safe ladder use.

Safe Ladder Use—DO:

• Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.
• Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.
• Keep the body inside the side rails.
• Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom.
• Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out.
• Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line.
• Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
• Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

Safe Ladder Use—DO NOT:

• Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or unstable bases.
• Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.
• Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.
• Tie two ladders together to make them longer.
• Ignore nearby overhead power lines.
• Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.
• Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.
• Use an extension ladder horizontally like a platform.

There are many ways for your company to participate in National Ladder Safety Month this March. Ideas include hosting a ladder safety training event, using the hashtag #LadderSafetyMonth on social media, and becoming a National Ladder Safety Month sponsor. At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of training materials and posters to help equip workers to stay safe while using ladders.