August 2021 OSHA Quicktakes
Heat Illness Prevention
OSHA has new infographics (in English and Spanish) on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat illness and what to do to treat them.
Safety Training Grants
Secretary Walsh recently joined Susan Harwood grantee BPSOS-CCA in California to discuss workforce training and grant opportunities. Learn how to apply for a 2021 training grant.
Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program Assists Dental School to Help Prevent COVID-19
In June 2020, a dental school in Missouri had concerns regarding proper airflow in the building as it relates to COVID-19 prevention. The facility contacted the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program to conduct an air flow assessment. After the assessment, consultants provided appropriate guidance to improve workplace safety and health conditions.
Following the On-Site Consultation visit, the school brought in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) specialists who modified the HVAC system to ensure improved air flow in the building. The school purchased its own air flow (smoke) monitor and utilized HVAC specialists to further test and make adjustments to the HVAC system.
Since reopening the clinic in July of 2020, there have been zero known COVID-19 transmissions within the building. Success was due to strict adherence to infection control guidelines and additional controls implemented following the Consultation visit.
The OSHA On-Site Consultation Program offers no-cost and confidential occupational safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories, with priority given to high hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards and how to fix them, provide advice for compliance with OSHA standards, train and educate workers, and assist in establishing and improving safety and health programs. On-Site Consultation services are separate from OSHA enforcement efforts and do not result in penalties or citations. To locate the OSHA On-Site Consultation program nearest you, call 800-321-OSHA (6742) or visit www.osha.gov/consultation.
OSHA schedules meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health for August 11
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has scheduled a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health for 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021.
The meeting will include agency updates and remarks from Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jim Frederick, OSHA Directorate of Construction industry updates, a discussion of the OSHA Construction Focus Four Hazards, an ACCSH Workgroup discussion, and a public comment period.
Comments and requests to speak must be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal, by Tuesday, July 27. Include Docket Number OSHA-2021-0004 on all submissions. Attendance at this meeting will be virtual only. Telecommunication information will be posted in the docket and on the ACCSH webpage. Read the Federal Register notice for submission details.
ACCSH advises the Secretary of Labor and Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on construction standards and policy matters. It was established under the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act and the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.
Learn more about ACCSH.
US Department of Labor seeks information on updating OSHA’s mechanical power presses standard
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has published a Request for Information seeking information and public input as the agency considers updates to its mechanical power presses standard.
OSHA first issued the mechanical power presses standard in 1971, based on the American National Standards Institute industry consensus standard. ANSI has updated the standard several times since.
The agency is requesting information regarding the need to update the mechanical power presses standard, how closely the standard should follow the current ANSI standard, the types of presses that should be covered, the use and certification of equipment, presence-sensing device initiation systems, and requirements for press modifications, training, and injury reporting.
OSHA will use the information received to determine what action, if any, it may take to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining worker safety.
Comments must be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Read the Federal Register notice for submission instructions. Submit all comments by Oct. 26, 2021.
Learn more about OSHA’s mechanical power presses standard.
Emergency Temporary Standard
OSHA has issued an emergency temporary standard that requires employers to help protect healthcare workers in settings where suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients are treated.
COVID-19 Guidance for Workplaces
This guidance is intended to help employers and workers not covered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) to identify COVID-19 exposure risks to workers who are unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk, and to help them take appropriate steps to prevent exposure and infection. See Text Box: Who Are At-Risk Workers?
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