OSHA Schedules Public Hearings on General Working Conditions in Shipyard Employment (29 CFR Parts 1910 and 1915)
OSHA is scheduling informal public hearings on the proposed rule on general working conditions in shipyard employment. Informal public hearings: The hearings will begin at 9:30 a.m., on the following dates:
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September 9, 2008, in Washington, DC (in the auditorium of the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210); and
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October 21, 2008, in Seattle, WA.
If necessary, the hearing will continue at the same time on subsequent days at each location. Interested persons who intend to present testimony or question witnesses at either the Washington, DC, or Seattle, WA, hearing must submit (transmit, send, postmark, deliver) a notice of their intention to do so by July 18, 2008. Interested persons who request more than 10 minutes to present testimony or who intend to submit documentary evidence at the hearing must submit (transmit, send, postmark, deliver) the full text of their testimony and all documentary evidence by August 8, 2008. You may submit (transmit, send, postmark, deliver) your notice of intention to appear, hearing testimony, and documentary evidence, identified by docket number OSHA-S049-2006-0675, by any of the following methods:
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Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions online for electronically submitting materials, including attachments;
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Fax: If your written submission does not exceed 10 pages, including attachments, you may fax it to the OSHA Docket Office at (202) 693-1648; or
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Regular mail, express delivery, hand delivery, and messenger and courier service: Submit your materials to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-S049-2006-0675, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20210; telephone (202) 693-2350 (TTY number (877) 889-5627). Deliveries (express mail, hand delivery, and messenger and courier service) are accepted during the Department of Labor's and OSHA Docket Office's normal hours of operation, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., e.t.
All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this rulemaking (Docket No. OSHA-S049-2006-0675). All submissions, including any personal information, are placed in the public docket without change and may be available online at http://www.regulations.gov. Therefore, OSHA cautions you about submitting certain personal information such as social security numbers and birthdates. Because of security-related procedures, the use of regular mail may cause a significant delay in the receipt of your submissions. For information about security-related procedures for submitting materials by express delivery, hand delivery, messenger, or courier service, please contact the OSHA Docket Office. For additional information on submitting notices of intention to appear, hearing testimony or documentary evidence, see the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.
To read or download background documents as well as ‡comments and materials submitted in response to the proposed rule or this Federal Register notice, go to Docket No. OSHA-S049-2006-0675 at http://www.regulations.gov. All submissions are listed in the http://www.regulations.gov index; however, some information (e.g., copyrighted material) is not publicly available to read or download through the Web page. All submissions and other material related to the proposed rule are available for public inspection and copying in the OSHA Docket Office. For information on reading or downloading materials in the docket and obtaining materials not available through the Web page, please contact the OSHA Docket Office.
Electronic copies of this Federal Register notice are available at http://www.regulations.gov. This notice as well as news releases and other relevant information also are available at OSHA's Web page at http://www.osha.gov.
NIOSH Offers Online Library for Preventing Work Traffic Injuries
NIOSH now offers an online library to house resources from around the world related to the prevention of road traffic injuries and deaths while at work. The resources are stored in the "Road Safety at Work" online library, at www.roadsafetyatwork.org. NIOSH encourages stakeholders to use the online library, free of charge, and consider the best practices that may be useful in their workplace. The online library contains information on the following:
- "Best practices" including engineering controls, policies, administrative procedures, and guidance to employers or workers about safety on roads.
- Materials that show evidence of implementation and evaluation of success.
- Statistics about worker injuries and fatalities on roads.
To contribute to the online library, www.roadsafetyatwork.org, please contact Jane Hingston at JHingston@cdc.gov. Information is needed on all types of occupational drivers: (1) drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses (workers for whom driving is the primary job duty); (2) workers who use smaller trucks or passenger vehicles provided by their employer (workers whose primary occupation is something other than "driver"); and (3) workers who drive personal vehicles for work purposes. Workers who are pedestrians and those who are working on roads are also included.
NIOSH Requests Comments on Control Banding
NIOSH has made available a draft document about Control Banding on its Web site for public review and comment. The document, entitled Qualitative Risk Characterization and Management of Occupational Hazards (Control Banding [CB]): A Literature Review and Critical Analysis, describes the evolution and concepts of control banding, a qualitative approach for assessing and managing hazards associated primarily with chemical exposures in the workplace. The comprehensive literature review is intended to inform employers, workers, safety and health practitioners, and other audiences about the concepts of control banding and to stimulate further dialogue about its potential usefulness in the United States by providing the appropriate background information and resources. Comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. ET on July 11, 2008. To submit comments regarding this draft publication, please use one of these options:
- Send NIOSH comments using this online form
- Send comments by email
- Fax comments to the NIOSH Docket Office: 513-533-8285
- Send by Mail to: NIOSH Mailstop: C-34, Robert A. Taft Lab, 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Read the rest of the summary and link to the draft at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/138/
Department of Homeland Security – Free Safety Images
The Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) is a capabilities and performance-based exercise program that provides a standardized methodology and terminology for exercise design, development, conduct, evaluation, and improvement planning. This section of the DHS provides public domain photos, audios and other media. Go to: https://hseep.dhs.gov/hseep_vols/default1.aspx?url=home.aspx and then click on multi-media library, then images, audio and/or video.
OSHA Pyrotechnics Video
OSHA has posted a video on Safety requirements in the manufacturing and retail sales of pyrotechnics. You can view the video at: http://www.osha.gov/video/downloads.html
Florida Governor Signs ASSE's Public Sector Safety & Health Coverage Task Force Bill
Thanks to the efforts of ASSE's members in Florida and support from national ASSE, Florida now has a task force to issue "recommendations regarding innovative ways in which the state may effectively ensure all" state, county and municipal workers have federal-level occupational safety and health protections.
As described in ASSE's press release, Governor Crist signed the bill on Wednesday, June 11, and marks a significant advancement of this issue that has long been at the top of ASSE's government affairs agenda. The law gives the Florida Governor, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives each the opportunity to appoint five members to the task force from a variety of interests, including safety, health and environmental professionals, business organizations, state government, academia and related organizations. The task force is to report back to the Governor and the legislature by January 1, 2009.
- ASSE Press Release: Florida Governor Signs American Society of Safety Engineers' Public Sector Safety & Health Coverage Task Force Bill
- 2008 FL H 967 Bill (doc)
House Committee Approves Nano Bill
A bill that would emphasize the need for federal agencies to address safety, health and environmental concerns about nanotechnology was approved by voice vote by the House Science and Technology Committee on May 7. HR 5940 also would direct federal agencies to take steps to help private companies commercialize various applications of nanotechnology. The bill can be found on Thomas at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.05940:
NORA Symposium July 29 in Denver
The NORA Symposium is held every three years to bring together those pursuing occupational safety and health (OSH) research under NIOSH funding. It is an excellent resource of information on the direction of OSH research, providing a positive opportunity for those interested in tapping into this world. The following is from NIOSH – NORA Symposium 2008: Public Market for Ideas and Partnerships will be held in Denver, CO on July 29, 2008. The Mountains and Plains Education and Research Center will be a co-sponsor. The goal of this event is to provide an open forum to facilitate effective communication about the importance of past and future work and opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to achieve impact in the workplace.
Florida April – May 2008 Legislative Activities Report
FL 32425 2007 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 32812 2007 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 32980 2007 |
AGENCY: Department of Health/Division of Health Access and Tobacco
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FL 33206 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Community Affairs/Division of Housing and Community Development
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FL 33412 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33413 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33414 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33415 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33416 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33418 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33419 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33546 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL 33549 2008 |
AGENCY: Department of Environmental Protection
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FL S 1294 |
COMPARE: FL S 1848
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FL S 1318 |
SIMILAR: FL H 567
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OSHA Announces Site-Specific Targeting Plan for 2008
OSHA announced that its 2008 Site-Specific Targeting (SST) plan will focus on approximately 3,800 high-hazard worksites on its primary list for unannounced comprehensive safety inspections over the coming year.
Over the past ten years, OSHA has used a site-specific targeting inspection program based on injury and illness data. This year's program (SST-08) was developed using the agency's Data Initiative for 2007, which surveyed approximately 80,000 employers to obtain their injury and illness numbers for 2006.
This program will initially cover about 3,800 individual worksites on the primary list that reported 11 or more injuries or illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer for every 100 full-time employees (known as the DART rate). The primary list will also include sites based on a "Days Away from Work Injury and Illness" (DAFWII) rate of 9 or higher (9 or more cases that involve days away from work per 100 full-time employees). Employers not on the primary list, who reported DART rates of between 7.0 and 11.0, or DAFWII rates of between 5.0 and 9.0, will be placed on a secondary list for possible inspection. The national DART rate in 2006 for private industry was 2.3, while the national DAFWII rate was 1.3.
The agency will also randomly select and inspect about 175 workplaces (with 100 or more employees) across the nation that reported low injury and illness rates for the purpose of reviewing their actual degree of compliance with OSHA requirements. These establishments are selected from those industries with above the national DART and DAFWII rates. Finally, the agency will include on the primary list some establishments that did not respond to the 2007 data survey.
Request for Comments on Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza
SUMMARY: The Department of Labor is inviting comments on its document entitled "Proposed Guidance on Workplace Stockpiling of Respirators and Facemasks for Pandemic Influenza" (Proposed Guidance). The Proposed Guidance is available on OSHA's Web page and through its publications office. Interested persons may submit written or electronic comments on the Proposed Guidance as discussed below.
Comments must be submitted by July 8, 2008. Click here for more info.
Florida Chamber of Commerce Files Injunction Against Gun Law
As you may know, the Florida Chamber has filed a lawsuit against the “Guns at Work” law passed this year. They have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to prevent it from going into effect on July 1. See attachment for the text of the injunction.
Labor Department Unveils New elaws® Advisor
Employers stand to benefit from a new elaws® Advisor debuted by the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this month. The FirstStep Recordkeeping, Reporting and Notices elaws®Advisor helps employers determine what recordkeeping, reporting and notice requirements apply to them under major laws administered by the department, including the Occupational Safety and Health Act. It has been integrated with the revised and expanded FirstStep Poster and FirstStep Employment Law Overview Advisors. All three Advisors help employers identify the federal employment laws relevant to them and explain how to comply with the requirements. This new suite of elaws® Advisors is available at firststep.
New Fact Sheet Available on Safety and Health Management Systems
Effective Workplace Safety and Health Management Systems is the latest in a series of fact sheets on various topics that OSHA produces for employers and employees. This new fact sheet pinpoints OSHA's resources for helping employers design a safety and health management system (SHMS). It also provides a checklist of action items for each SHMS element.
EPA’s 2008 Report on the Environment
Founded in 1970, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is a young federal agency, compared to other agencies that date back to the 1800’s. Part of an agency’s growing process is finding the best ways to measure and report on its progress. Therefore, EPA released its 2008 Report on the Environment (EPA 2008 ROE), an important resource that citizens can use to better understand trends in the condition of the air, water, and land and related changes in human health and the environment in the United States. The EPA 2008 ROE will also be a valuable resource that can inform and focus EPA activities to improve and protect America’s environment.
The EPA 2008 ROE uses scientifically sound indicators to measure and report on overall progress toward protecting the environment and human health. An environmental indicator must be quantifiable and provide valuable information on the condition of air, land, water, human health, or ecological condition. For example, one water ROE environmental indicator is the percentage each year of public or community water systems that have reported no violations of EPA health-based standards.
Later this year, EPA will also publish the 2008 Report on the Environment: Highlights of National Trends (2008 ROE Highlights), which summarizes highlights of the EPA 2008 ROE without all of the technical detail. EPA is committed to releasing periodic updates of the ROE and its indicators so that up-to-date information on environmental conditions and trends is available to the American public.
OSHA Publishes Latest Semiannual Regulatory agenda
OSHA released its semiannual regulatory agenda this week, showing very little change from the previous agenda. The only addition was to the proposed rule stage, which saw the reopening of the record on electric power transmission and distribution/electrical protective equipment to gather additional information on minimum approach distances.
A peer review of the health effects and risk assessments for occupational exposure to crystalline silica is scheduled for completion in August, while a peer review for beryllium is slated for completion in November. A notice of proposed rulemaking for cranes and derricks is scheduled for August, and a public hearing is scheduled for confined spaces in construction in September. See the document in its entirety.
NIOSH Releases Guidance on Exposures at Firing Ranges
NIOSH is accepting comment until June 30 on a new guidance document intended to prevent occupational exposures among law enforcement officials in firing ranges.
Officers who work in indoor firing ranges may be exposed to hazardous lead concentrations and noise levels, according to the document. Workers are advised to wear double ear protection (both earplugs and earmuffs), to wear gloves and eye protection when using chemicals to clean weapons, and to wash clothing worn at a firing range separately from other clothing. The document also lists symptoms associated with lead and noise exposures, and presents case studies.
OSHA Hosts Informal Hearing on Proposed Rule on Confined Spaces in Construction
OSHA is inviting the public to participate in an informal public hearing on the proposed rule for Confined Spaces in Construction. The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 22, 2008, at the U.S. Department of Labor's Frances Perkins Building in Washington. On Nov. 28, 2007, OSHA published the proposed Confined Spaces in Construction Standard to address construction-specific issues as they relate to confined spaces and to establish comprehensive procedures to protect employees. More details on the hearing are available in the April 21 Federal Register.
Updating OSHA Standards Based on National Consensus Standards
OSHA is confirming the effective date of its direct final rule that revises a number of standards for general industry that refer to national consensus standards. The direct final rule states that it would become effective on March 13, 2008 unless OSHA receives significant adverse comment on these revisions by January 14, 2008. OSHA received no adverse comments by that date and, therefore, is confirming that the rule will become effective on March 13, 2008. OSHA received six comments on the direct final rule; none of these comments was significantly adverse.
The direct final rule, which applies to general industry, removes a number of references to national consensus standards that have requirements that duplicate, or are comparable to, other OSHA rules; this action includes correcting a paragraph citation in one of these OSHA rules. The direct final rule also removes a reference to American Welding Society standard A3.0-1969 ("Terms and Definitions").
The direct final rule published on December 14, 2007 is effective March 13, 2008.
OSHA Notifies Workplaces With High Injury And Illness Rates
The Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health has notified 14,000 employers nationwide that their injury and illness rates are considerably higher than the national average. In a letter sent this month to those employers, Assistant Secretary Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. explained that the notification was a proactive step to encourage employers to take action now to reduce rates and improve safety and health conditions in their workplaces.
OSHA identified businesses with the nation's highest rates of workplace injuries and illnesses through employer-reported data from a 2007 survey of 80,000 worksites (this survey collected injury and illness data from calendar year 2006). Workplaces receiving notifications had 5.4 or more injuries resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity, or job transfer (DART) for every 100 full-time employees. Nationally, the average U.S. workplace had 2.3 DART occurrences for every 100 employees.
Employers receiving the letters were also provided copies of their injury and illness data, along with a list of the most frequently cited OSHA standards for their specific industry. The letter also offered assistance in helping turn the numbers around by suggesting, among other things, the use of free OSHA safety and health consultation services provided through the states, state workers' compensation agencies, insurance carriers, or outside safety and health consultants. Go to http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/foia/hot-14.html for a link to the list of 14,000 workplaces.
30,000 Workplaces Receive OSHA's SHIB titled Combustible Dust in Industry
OSHA has identified and sent a letter and Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) titled Combustible Dust in Industry: Preventing and Mitigating the Effects of Fire and Explosions to almost 30,000 workplaces within industries that often face the potentially deadly hazard of combustible dust. The letter emphasizes the importance of complying with all applicable OSHA standards, in particular those relevant to combustible dust, and encourages employers to consider assistance from OSHA's on-site consultation program. To see the letter and the list of workplaces who received it, see http://www.osha.gov/as/opa/foia/march08.html.
OSHA Booklet: Preventing Skin Problems from Working with Portland Cement
OSHA has a guidance document on preventing skin problems from working with Portland Cement. It is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace. It does not serve as a new standard or regulation. It creates no new legal obligations.
Portland cement is a generic term used to describe a variety of building materials valued for their strong adhesive properties when mixed with water. Employees who work with portland cement are at risk of developing skin problems, ranging from mild and brief to severe and chronic. Wet portland cement can damage the skin because it is caustic, abrasive, and absorbs moisture. Portland cement also contains trace amounts of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a toxin harmful to the skin. Dry portland cement is less hazardous to the skin because it is not as caustic as wet cement.
The purpose of this document is to make employers and employees aware of the skin problems associated with exposure to portland cement; to note the OSHA standards that apply to work with portland cement; and to provide guidance on how to prevent cement-related skin problems. Measures to protect employees from inhalation and eye hazards associated with exposure to portland cement are also noted. Read or download the entire document here: http://www.osha.gov/dsg/guidance/cement-guidance.html
EPA Launches Multimedia Site
The EPA has launched its new web multimedia portal: www.epa.gov/multimedia. The multimedia portal is EPA’s one-stop location for environmental video, audio/podcasts, and photography. The portal also includes interactive features such as “Ask EPA” and the Deputy Administrator's blog, “Flow of the River”. Another feature called "EPA in Action" goes behind-the-scenes; following the diverse jobs performed by the EPA workforce and examines some of the most pressing environmental issues facing our nation today. Viewing video is integrated into the site using flash player, while photos of events and EPA work will be posted in a series of online galleries. Users may also subscribe to several podcast series or select from a number of individual podcasts featuring EPA experts and senior officials.
This new multimedia portal is an important resource for the public, journalists, academia, local governments and the environmental community. The portal will help increase awareness of important news items through an intuitive, media-rich focus, rather than through traditional electronic print.
NIOSH Preventing Chronic Beryllium Disease and Beryllium Sensitization
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is conducting a public review of the NIOSH draft document entitled NIOSH Alert: Preventing Chronic Beryllium Disease and Beryllium Sensitization, NIOSH Docket Number NIOSH-120. This document has been determined by NIOSH to be a Significant Guidance document, in accordance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidelines under the Federal Data Quality Act of 2000 (Public Law 106-554, Section 1(a)(3)[515]). The overall goal of the review is to enhance the quality and credibility of Agency recommendations by ensuring that the scientific and technical work underlying these recommendations receives appropriate public review. This guidance document does not have the force and effect of law.
See http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/review/public/120/ for more info.
OSHA's First Citations Under the Petroleum Refinery Process Safety Management National Emphasis Program
The refinery has agreed to pay $155,250 in fines and already has taken corrective action to eliminate unsafe working conditions. OSHA initiated a safety inspection at the facility in August 2007 in response to the Agency's national emphasis program for petroleum refineries. OSHA found during the inspection that the company failed to include pressure relief system design and design bases in the process safety information, failed to document that equipment in the refining process complied with good engineering practice, and failed to develop normal operating procedures. Additional issues addressed were hazards found in process hazard analysis including: potential fire hazards; development of emergency procedures; failure to follow recognized and good engineering practice for inspection and testing procedures; inadequate training and education of employees; and other violations of federal safety regulations. Click here to see the entire press release and click here to see the CPL for this National Emphasis Program for Refineries.
OSHA Issues Compliance Directive for Hexchrome Standard
OSHA has issued a new compliance directive for occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The directive, OSHA Instruction CPL 02-02-074, Inspection Procedures for the Chromium (VI) Standards, was effective January 24, 2008. The Cr(VI) standards were originally published in the Feb. 28, 2006, Federal Register.
"This new directive provides guidance for enforcement of the final rule on hexavalent chromium standards," stated Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "OSHA anticipates these efforts will reduce the risks of exposure to Cr(VI), thereby improving the safety and health of employees affected by this hazard."
The standards became effective on May 30, 2006. Employers with 20 or more employees were given six months from the effective date to comply with most of the provisions. Employers with less than 20 employees were allowed 12 months from the effective date to come into compliance with most of the provisions. All employers were given four years from the effective date to install feasible engineering controls. Click here for more information.
OSHA Establishes a New National Emphasis Program on Silica
OSHA announced a new National Emphasis Program (NEP) to target worksites where employees are at risk for developing silicosis. "Exposure to silica threatens nearly two million American employees annually," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "Under this program, OSHA will work diligently to maximize the protection of employees and eliminate workplace exposures to silica-related hazards."
The NEP compliance directive builds on policies and procedures instituted in the 1996 Special Emphasis Program and includes an updated list of industries commonly known to have overexposures to silica; detailed information on potential hazards linked to silica and about current research regarding silica exposure hazards; guidance on calculating the Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for dust containing respirable crystalline silica in the construction and maritime industries; and guidance on conducting silica-related inspections.
Two additional elements included in the directive are an evaluation procedure for recording reductions of employee exposures to silica, as well as information on outreach programs, partnerships and alliances with employers to share resources and training to reduce employee exposures. Click here for more info from OSHA.gov.
OSHA Exceeds 2007 Inspection Goal
OSHA conducted 39,324 inspections in fiscal year 2007 – a 4.3 percent increase from its stated budgetary goal of 37,700, according to annual enforcement statistics released Dec. 28 by the agency. Total violations of OSHA's standards and regulations numbered 88,846 – a 6 percent increase from FY 2006 – and citations for serious violations increased 9 percent to 67,176. OSHA administrator Edwin G. Foulke Jr. said the statistics show the agency's enforcement commitment remains strong.
| Standard | Violations | |
| 1 | Hazard Communication (1910.1200) | 4,966 |
| 2 | Respiratory Protection (1910.134) | 4,111 |
| 3 | Lockout/Tagout (1910.147) | 3,980 |
| 4 | Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178) | 3,471 |
| 5 | Electrical - Wiring Methods (1910.305) | 3,191 |
| 6 | Machine Guarding (1910.212) | 2,741 |
| 7 | Electrical - General Requirements (1910.303) | 2,523 |
| 8 | Personal Protective Equipment (1910.132) | 1,880 |
| 9 | Mechanical Power - Transmission Apparatus (1910.219) | 1,690 |
| 10 | Guarding Floor and Wall Openings and Holes (1910.23) | 1,356 |
See http://www.osha.gov/dep/enforcement/enforcement_results_07.html for details.
FHWA Final Rule Addresses Work Zone Safety
New laws regulating work zone traffic control technology will attempt to decrease the likelihood of fatalities and injuries among highway workers, law enforcement officials and drivers in work zones. The Federal Highway Administration published a final rule in the Dec. 5 Federal Register stating the new laws supplement existing regulations to improve safety and mobility in highway and street work zones. According to the rule, which will go into effect Dec. 4, 2008, funds will be appropriated for uniformed law enforcement officers, traffic control devices, barriers between workers and the traveling public, and installation and maintenance of temporary traffic control devices during construction, utility and maintenance operations.
OSHA Publication: Keeping Security Personnel Safe in Emergencies
This handbook provides a general overview of a particular topic related to OSHA standards. It does not alter or determine compliance responsibilities in OSHA standards or the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Because interpretations and enforcement policy may change over time, you should consult current OSHA administrative interpretations and decisions by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission and the courts for additional guidance on OSHA compliance requirements. Download the 44-page book at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3335-security-personnel.pdf.
Senate Passes Whistleblower Law
On December 17, 2007, The U.S. Senate passed by unanimous vote the Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act (S.274). The measure aims to enhance the protection for federal employee whistleblowers. Passage of S.274 allows for a conference between the House and Senate to agree to final language. On March 14, 2007 the House enacted the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act (H.R. 985), which expanded the scope of whistleblower protections to national security related agencies, permitted employees to obtain jury trials in federal court, provided enhanced protections for federal contractors and protected employees who exposed misconduct to their managers. The following summary of S 274 is from Thomas at http://thomas.loc.gov/.
S.274 Title: A bill to amend chapter 23 of title 5, United States Code, to clarify the disclosures of information protected from prohibited personnel practices, require a statement in nondisclosure policies, forms, and agreements that such policies, forms, and agreements conform with certain disclosure protections, provide certain authority for the Special Counsel, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Akaka, Daniel K. [HI] (introduced 1/11/2007) Cosponsors (12)
Latest Major Action: 12/17/2007 Held at the desk.
Senate Reports: 110-232
SUMMARY AS OF: 1/11/2007—As introduced. Federal Employee Protection of Disclosures Act - Includes as a protected disclosure by a federal employee any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of any violation of law, waste, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Sets forth provisions concerning review and appeal of actions concerning such disclosures. Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to provide that, for purposes of provisions regarding the protection of voluntarily shared critical infrastructure information, a permissible use of independently obtained critical infrastructure information includes any lawful disclosure an employee or applicant reasonably believes is credible evidence of any violation of law, waste, fraud, abuse, or gross mismanagement, without restriction as to time, place, form, motive, context, or prior disclosure. Requires agencies to inform employees on how to make a lawful disclosure of information.
National Response Framework Released
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the National Response Framework (NRF), successor to the National Response Plan. The NRF, which focuses on response and short-term recovery, articulates the doctrine, principles and architecture by which our nation prepares for and responds to all-hazard disasters across all levels of government and all sectors of communities. The NRF is responsive to repeated federal, state, local and private sector requests for a streamlined document that is less bureaucratic and more user-friendly. The NRF also focuses on preparedness and encourages a higher level of readiness across all jurisdictions. The NRF and the annexes will go into effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. See http://www.fema.gov/emergency/nrf/ for the National Response Framework home page and supporting documents.
New OSHA Inspecition Program Targets Federal Agencies
OSHA has issued a notice implementing a new national, OSHA-wide targeting program for workplaces staffed by federal employees or contractors whose work is supervised on a day-to-day basis by federal agency personnel. The notice outlines the procedures to be used in carrying out planned inspection activity at some of the most hazardous federal workplaces. It applies solely to federal agency work sites and does not affect state plan programs.
The Federal Agency Targeting Program (FEDTARG08) is designed to focus on specific federal agency worksites that experienced a high number of lost time injuries during fiscal year 2006. Establishment-specific lost time claims data was obtained from the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs to implement this program, and inspections conducted under the plan will be comprehensive safety inspections.
The national OSHA office will provide each region with a list of establishments that meet the criteria for the primary inspection list within its coverage area. On request, the national office also will provide each region with lists of establishments that reported 20-49 and 50-99 lost time cases during FY 2006, to be used in generating secondary inspection cycles.
In addition, during an inspection under the targeting program, OSHA may open another inspection of contractors performing work that is not being supervised by the federal agency if hazards are observed. The notice implementing the targeting program is available on the OSHA website.
Ordering OSHA Publications
OSHA has a new web page for ordering OSHA publications. OSHA intends the page to be a more user-friendly approach and serves as a comprehensive resource for OSHA’s safety and health products.
New OSHA Safety and Health Topics for Cleaning Industry
OSHA also has a new Safety and Health Topics page related to the cleaning industry, giving information on potential hazards, including slips, trips and falls, OSHA standards, and links to free resources from OSHA and other organizations. The web page was developed by OSHA with input from ISSA, a cleaning industry trade association, as part of their Alliance.
OSHA Updates Enhanced Enforcement Program
OSHA has revised its enhanced enforcement program (EEP) to focus more closely on employers with history of safety and health violations. According to the compliance directive describing the program, the adjusted EEP will take into account previous violations, especially previous willful, repeat, and failure-to-abate violations. The revised enforcement program will take effect Jan. 1, 2008. The directive can be found on OSHA's website.
NIOSH Science Blog Launched
On November 5, NIOSH introduced a new NIOSH Science Blog to further communicate and stimulate discussion on scientific issues related to NIOSH's research and recommendations. The blog provides an expeditious system for partners and stakeholders to present ideas to NIOSH scientists and each other, while engaging in robust scientific discussion with the goal of protecting workers. The inaugural entry focuses on the recent NIOSH Alert on preventing fire fighter fatalities from heart attacks and other cardiovascular events. See http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/blog for more info.
EPA Podcasts Available
Whether you're watching online or listening on your MP3 player, Green Scene podcasts are a way to explore environmental issues with EPA's top experts. Through EPA's latest downloadable tool, Agency officials discuss how EPA is helping protect our nation's environment while providing the public with useful tips and information on how they can make a difference in their communities. The discussions will take place biweekly and run roughly five minutes in length.
The agency's first podcast features Dr. George Gray, the agency's chief researcher, talking about America Recycles Day. The Green Scene Podcast box is located near the top of the EPA home page. In addition, all discussions are archived and posted at http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/greenscene.
OSHA Final Rule - Employer Payment for PPE
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced a final rule on employer-paid personal protective equipment (PPE). Under the rule, all PPE, with a few exceptions, will be provided at no cost to the employee. OSHA anticipates that this rule will have substantial safety benefits that will result in more than 21,000 fewer occupational injuries per year. The rule will be published in the Federal Register on November 15, 2007. See OSHA's press release at the link below.
Two New Modules Added to Ergonomics Solutions for Electrical Contractors eTool
Employers and employees in the electrical contracting industry will benefit from the launch of two new modules as part of OSHA's interactive Web-based Ergonomics Solutions for Electrical Contractors eTool. The modules and eTool are products of the agency's alliance with the Independent Electrical Contractors. The modules identify potential ergonomic hazards and possible solutions to reduce injuries from electrical installation, repair and prefabrication processes. Details...
EPA Releases List of High-Volume Chemicals
The US EPA has released the first set of Hazard Characterizations on 101 High Production Volume (HPV) chemicals. These characterizations are based on EPA’s scientific review of the screening-level hazard, or toxicity, data that was submitted by the U.S. chemical industry through EPA’s HPV Challenge Program or other information previously collected by the agency.
The HPV Challenge Program challenged companies to provide the public with basic health and safety data on chemicals that are manufactured in excess of a million pounds a year. The hazard characterizations include a summary of the data submitted, EPA’s evaluation of the quality and completeness of the data, and an assessment of the potential hazards that a chemical or chemical category may pose. EPA will combine this information with human and environmental exposure information collected from EPA’s Inventory Update Reporting to develop a risk characterization and, based on that review, determine if additional action is needed to ensure the safety of the HPV chemicals’ manufacture and use.
The agency intends to use this approach to assess risks and identify and take needed action on 3000 HPV chemicals by 2012. This was one of the elements of the North American chemical cooperation commitment announced by the U.S., Canada and Mexico at the Security and Prosperity Partnership North American Leaders’ Summit in Canada in August. For additional information on this announcement, visit the HPV Challenge Program Web site at www.epa.gov/hpv.
EPA will continue to prepare and periodically post additional HPV chemical hazard characterizations as they are developed. The agency also intends to post risk characterizations on chemicals when they are developed and completed, beginning later this year.
- Review the first set of hazard characterizations
- Further information on EPA’s plans for reviewing HPV chemical data
New OSHA National Emphasis Program: Combustible Dust
On Oct. 19, OSHA issued a new safety and health instruction that details OSHA policies and procedures for inspecting workplaces that handle combustible dusts and that may have the potential for a dust explosion.
"With this National Emphasis Program, we will focus our efforts on the fire and explosion hazards that may exist at facilities where combustible dusts accumulate," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. "A combustible dust fire and/or explosion is a potential hazard to America's working men and women. This instruction will be a valuable resource for those who inspect industrial facilities in the United States."
Combustible dusts are often either organic or metal dusts that are finely ground into very small particles, fibers, chips, and/or flakes. These dusts can come from metal, wood, plastic, and organic materials such as grain, flour, sugar, paper, soap, and dried blood. Dusts can also come from textile materials. Some of the industries in which combustible dusts are particularly prevalent include agriculture, chemical, textile, forest, and the furniture industry.
The instruction provides detailed information on OSHA's inspection scheduling, resource allocation, inspection resources, and procedures, and can be particularly useful in educating businesses on how to achieve compliance with OSHA requirements in advance of any inspection. The instruction is available electronically at www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_03-00-006.pdf.
OSHA Powerpoint on the Electrical Standard Revision
Click here: http://www.safteng.net/Subpart%20S.ppt for an OSHA Powerpoint outlining their recent revision to Subpart S.
NIOSH Issues Ergonomics Manual
Manual material handling (MMH) work contributes to a large percentage of the over half a million cases of musculoskeletal disorders reported annually in the United States. Musculoskeletal disorders often involve strains and sprains to the lower back, shoulders, and upper limbs. They can result in protracted pain, disability, medical treatment, and financial stress for those afflicted with them, and employers often find themselves paying the bill, either directly or through workers' compensation insurance. At the same time they must cope with the loss of the full capacity of their workers.
This booklet is written for managers and supervisors in industries that involve the manual handling of containers. It offers suggestions to improve the handling of rectangular, square, and cylindrical containers, sacks, and bags. Download the document at: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2007-131/.
Department of Homeland Security Issues Final Rule: Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
Summary: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS or Department) issues this interim final rule (IFR) pursuant to Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (Section 550), which provided the Department with authority to promulgate ``interim final regulations'' for the security of certain chemical facilities in the United States. This rule establishes risk-based performance standards for the security of our Nation's chemical facilities. It requires covered chemical facilities to prepare Security Vulnerability Assessments (SVAs), which identify facility security vulnerabilities, and to develop and implement Site Security Plans (SSPs), which include measures that satisfy the identified risk-based performance standards. It also allows certain covered chemical facilities, in specified circumstances, to submit Alternate Security Programs (ASPs) in lieu of an SVA, SSP, or both. The rule contains associated provisions addressing inspections and audits, recordkeeping, and the protection of information that constitutes Chemical-terrorism Vulnerability Information (CVI). Finally, the rule provides the Department with authority to seek compliance through the issuance of Orders, including Orders Assessing Civil Penalty and Orders for the Cessation of Operations.
Effective Dates: This regulation is effective June 8, 2007, except for Appendix A to part 27. A subsequent final rule document will announce the effective date of Appendix A to Part 27. Comment related to the addition of Appendix A to part 27 only will be accepted until May 9, 2007.
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