Tag: OSHA

Ask the Expert: Fire Safety and Training

Today we’re getting answers from EHS Hero® experts on two questions related to fire safety and training, specifically in the use of hose stations, standpipes, and fire extinguishers. Read on to see what the experts had to say. Q: What are OSHA standards regarding hose stations and standpipes in facilities? Are employers required to train workers on […]

Respirator facemask FFR

OSHA Issues COVID-19 Enforcement Directive

On June 28, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an enforcement directive for its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS), which only applies to healthcare and healthcare support services employers. The directive includes exemptions from inspection and enforcement under the ETS for a number of tasks and facilities, such as: Provision of first aid […]

California and COVID-19

Taking a Closer Look: Understanding Cal/OSHA’s Latest COVID-19 Prevention ETS Revision

As reported in last week’s update, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board recently adopted the Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s (Cal/OSHA) COVID-19 emergency temporary standard (ETS) regulation. On the same day as Cal/OSHA’s update, California Governor Gavin Newsom also signed Executive Order (EO) N-09-21, bypassing the standard 10-day approval period and allowing […]

OSHA Offers $21M in Training Grants for Workplace Hazards, Infectious Diseases

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced funding opportunities for more than $21 million in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training grants for nonprofit organizations. The first availability will provide $10 million under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 for Workplace Safety and Health Training on Infectious Diseases, including the Coronavirus grants. To be eligible […]

Ask the Expert: Location, Location, Location

Our experts at EHS Hero® recently received a subscriber-submitted question regarding OSHA regulations and how they apply to workers operating across multiple states. If a company’s headquarters are in a state covered by a State Plan, do those same regulations apply when employees are working beyond state lines? Read on to see what our experts had to […]

OSHA, OSHA regulatory agenda, safety and health concepts

Avoiding Safety-Based Workplace Retaliation Claims

We’re finally beginning to see light at the end of the dark COVID-19 pandemic tunnel. Case numbers are decreasing while the vaccination rate is climbing. Given the positive developments, even the most coronavirus-cautious employers are looking forward to bringing employees back on-site in 2021. With the push, however, employers face a number of obstacles in […]

COVID-19 PPE, OSHA ETS

Healthcare Emergency COVID-19 Rule Effective Immediately

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) emergency temporary standard (ETS), which applies only to employers of healthcare and healthcare support services employees who potentially are exposed to COVID-19, became effective June 21 (86 FR 32376). Covered employers must comply with most provisions of the ETS by July 6 and with the physical barriers, ventilation, […]

OSHA regs and enforcement concept

8 Best Practices Inspired by New OSHA Safety Guidance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its long-awaited emergency temporary standard (ETS) and accompanying guidance, “Protecting Workers,” on June 10, 2021. The ETS applies to covered healthcare employers, while the guidance articulates best practices for all employers in providing a “safe and healthful workplace.” Like the emergency rules issued by the Michigan Occupational Safety and […]

OSHA Begins Regional Emphasis Program for Noise

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Region V office in Chicago recently established a regional emphasis program (REP) of targeted outreach and enforcement of the agency’s occupational noise exposure standard (29 CFR 1910.95) in Midwest manufacturing facilities. OSHA Region V includes the states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. “Earning a living […]

Grain Bins

Grain Bin Fatality Results in Six-Figure OSHA Citation

A Wisconsin milling facility is facing a proposed $676,808 in penalties for health and safety violations following a fatal grain engulfment accident; it took emergency services 9 hours to recover the body of the 52-year-old manager. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Didion Milling, Inc., of Cambria, Wisconsin, with 4 willful and 10 […]