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At one time, crystalline silica exposures were a concern in construction and mining, and only older workers who had been exposed for long periods of time developed the disabling lung disease called “silicosis.” But workers in new industries and applications—fabricating granite countertops, hydraulic fracturing operations, and denim sandblasting among them—are suffering significant exposures. Also, silicosis […]
On July 9, OSHA announced a 60-day temporary enforcement policy for its Confined Spaces in Construction standard, which became effective August 3, 2015. The agency is postponing full enforcement of the new standard to October 2, 2015, in response to requests for additional time to train and acquire the equipment necessary to comply with the […]
Each year, more than 300 American workers die from silicosis, and thousands of new cases are diagnosed. Silicosis is the name given to incurable lung damage that occurs when workers inhale dusts that contain crystalline silica. Silica comes in different forms, but crystalline silica is the type that causes scarring in the lungs. Crystalline silica […]
Tomorrow, July 28, is World Hepatitis Day. According to the World Health Organization, 400 million people worldwide are currently living with hepatitis B and C, and 1.4 million die of these diseases each year. OSHA is taking workplace exposures to bloodborne pathogens seriously. On June 25, the agency issued enforcement guidance for inpatient healthcare settings […]
June 24, 2015, was a muggy Wednesday night in north Alabama. At the Federal Mogul manufacturing facility in Athens, 25-year-old Allen Michael Brown was outside the plant, trying to secure an empty barrel when he walked in front of a forklift. Brown was run over and killed by the forklift. Any time you have heavy […]
Are bees an occupational hazard? In 2007, three workers were stung by bees while harvesting almonds in Texas; one of them was stung more than 60 times and had to be taken to the hospital. In 2008, a worker in California was stung while driving a tractor and died of an allergic reaction. It’s not […]
How do you get rid of crabgrass? Or chickweed? Or clover, thistle, dandelion, or any of the other weeds that mar your attractive landscaping? Although hand weeding may be a good option for a well-mulched flowerbed, pesticides may be the most effective solution for lawns. Make sure that if your workers are applying pesticides, they […]
They’re called “leaf blowers,” but you’ll see them in use all summer long. They can be used to blow the grass off your mower, to blow cut grass off sidewalks and paths—they have, essentially, replaced brooms and rakes for many tasks. They may be time-savers, but leaf blowers also pose hazards. Make sure workers are […]
Although drowning is primarily an off-the-job hazard, workers are sometimes at risk on the job as well. Here are some common hazards employers should be aware of in order to prevent drownings. One thing employers may not realize is that workers who are not supposed to be in the water at all could be at […]
According to the National Safety Council, more than 35,000 Americans die each year in traffic crashes. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that aggressive driving is a factor in more than half of all fatal crashes—and one type of aggressive driving, speeding, is involved in more than 30 percent of fatal crashes, according to […]