OSHA and Silica Control

Recently OSHA published a 72 paged guide on controlling silica exposures on construction worksites. This guide breaks down several aspects of dust control, from the best control measures to housekeeping tasks that stir up dust. Though tips were laid out for each task, there were a few common themes echoed in each situation.

Record Month For OSHA Citations – Learning from October 2009

October 2009 for many in the industry will be known as the month of costly OSHA citations. Although the recent BP total proposed citation, being the largest ever to be issues to a single company, is the one that will ring the loudest. There are several other noteworthy citations that we can learn from.

Gearing Up for the Time Change

Although day-light savings time does not officially end until, Sunday, November 1, 2009, you can already see that it starts to get darker at an earlier hour than before.  Now that fall is upon us, you should consider whether or not your employees are geared up for the fall season.  And, the best way to [...]

Site-Specific Targeting 2009 – Important Information for Risk Managers

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released the details of their Site-Specific Targeting 2009 program this month. SST-09 expands the organization’s standard number of workplace safety inspections to specifically target an additional 4,000 worksites that have been deemed “high-hazard.” These particularly dangerous workplaces have been divided across three specific segments: manufacturing, non-manufacturing and nursing homes.

Workers Compensation Wake Up Call

Even though the 6.2 million dollar settlement that the Sears Holding Corp reached was the largest filed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the workers compensation world should be taking note

OSHA Issues Final Rule for PPE Standard

In an effort to capitalize on the technological advancements made in personal protective equipment or (PPE), OSHA has revised its PPE standards in its sections for general industry, shipyards, long-shoring, and marine terminals. The revision, which will take effect on October 9, 2009, is just a continuation of OSHA’s commitment to update or remove outdated references in its standards.

NFPA 70E – 2009 Changing Standards For Workplace Policies

While upgrades to personal safety equipment and increased vigilance on the part of workers is critical to maintaining an injury-free workplace, it must not be forgotten that creating an atmosphere where safety can flourish is often in large part in the hands of risk managers and the policies that they enact at their respective organizations.

Workplace Ergonomics and Your Bottom-line

Ergonomics is considered a collection of equipment, tools, and best practices designed to make the workplace safer. Often undervalued, the impact of ergonomics is reflected through a decrease in the number of workers’ compensation claims and the total costs of these claims.