Respiratory Protection Program: What OSHAâs Looking for and How to Protect Against New Hazards
The revised Respiratory Protection standard went into effect over 20 years ago, replacing the standard that was adopted in 1971, and still it is one of the most cited standards by OSHA. In fact, in fiscal year 2020, it was the third most cited standard. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the standard and its requirements to the forefront since respiratory protection was the first line of the defense against the virus. Why the standard is still highly cited? What are the most cited sections within the standard?
The scope of this webinar is to present an overview of what a compliance officer may look for when evaluating compliance with the respiratory protection standard and how your program it can protect employees against today’s hazards and those in the future.
Real-Time Instruments for Real-Life: Turning Numbers Into Knowledge
In March of 2015, Dr. Gayle Debord and Mark Hoover, the original Directors of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Center for Direct Reading and Sensor Technologies (CDRST), published an article in the AIHA publication-The Synergist. The article, “Turning Numbers into Knowledge” described a future where exponential growth in the use of sensors to monitor the workplace environment could be used to empower workers and improve risk-informed management decisions. Doctors Debord and Hoover envisioned a future where technologies would better characterize cumulative risks and empower employers and workers to help reduce harmful exposures and become active partners in preventing occupational illnesses and injuries.
Dashboard is updated weekly to keep track of violations.
By Shereen Hashem
Apr 02, 2021
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) launched a new online resource in order to streamline workplace safety citations in the workplace. According to the administration, the resource is being created to increase transparency and provide more information related to COVID-19 safety violations.
According to an article, the dashboard includes these categories:
- Citations abated, penalty paid, case closed
- Awaiting abatement or penalty, case open
- Under formal appeal
- Most recent
The new MIOSHA coronavirus dashboard is updated each Friday at 3 P.M. Employees can find resources to keep their businesses safe with factsheets, educational videos and COVID-19 preparedness and response plans.
Lessons Learned: Launching a Safety Incentive Program
Several issues can arise when working to launch a safety incentive program. Hereâs how you can sidestep the problems to ensure an effective program.
Apr 01, 2021
For at least a century, safety incentive programs have often been misunderstood and misused. Many have delivered positive results, but some have produced unintended consequences.
Quite often, companies design their programs in reverse. They begin with the fun part the “What will we give them?” question. Will it be gift cards, T-shirts, pizza parties or cash?
A more effective approach is to start with the “why” question, then the “how” question and finish up with the “what” question.
What should employers look for in face shields to ensure everyone stays protected?
Mar 17, 2021
As the United States makes progress against COVID-19, businesses and workplaces are reopening to greater capacities for workers and customers. Naturally, continuing to maintain worker safety is paramount in all industries, not just those deemed high risk. OSHA recently updated their COVID-19-specific guidance at the end of January 2021 and continues to recommend employers provide face coverings for all workers to wear while on duty. In addition, certain workers may also need to wear face shields for additional protection of their respirators or other face coverings to prevent them from getting wet or soiled. While there has been plenty of discussion surrounding the design and materials of face masks, there has not been as much surrounding face shields. So, what should employers look for in PPE like face shields to ensure everyone stays protected and is able to perform their jobs comforta