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Hailiang Copper Texas Inc., a Sealy, Texas, manufacturer, faces a $253,750 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fine after an employee suffered serious arm injuries while trying to clear debris during the manufacturing of copper alloy products, the agency announced September 26. Agency investigators determined an employee suffered serious injuries that resulted in a partial […]
On September 13, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released a draft hazard review for wildfire smoke (89 Fed. Reg. 74960). Comments on the draft hazard review are due November 12. According to NIOSH, wildfire smoke has become an increasingly widespread and potentially serious threat to public health in recent years. Natural […]
On September 9, California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) reminded the state’s employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. The Line Fire is currently affecting air quality in California’s Inland Empire, the areas around San Bernardino and Riverside. Cal/OSHA’s Protection from Wildfire Smoke standard requires employers to protect workers […]
Back to Basics is a weekly feature that highlights important but possibly overlooked information that any EHS professional should know. This week, we examine particulate matter pollution and the effects on human health and safety. Due to the recent wildfires and smoke on the East Coast and Canada, OSHA has urged employers to protect their […]
Wildfire smoke exposure and heat-related illnesses like heat stroke are recognized occupational health hazards. Are you doing all you can to protect your employees from these summertime risks? While there are no federal standards for heat illness prevention or wildfire smoke exposure, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a rulemaking to establish a […]
Thanks to those persistent forest fires in Canada, we’ve been hearing a lot about smoke lately. Last Wednesday, New York City was engulfed in smoke that had traveled from the north, giving it a spooky orange glow and leading authorities to warn residents about going outside. And OSHA urged employers to protect outdoor workers from […]
On June 9, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urged employers to protect outdoor workers from the hazards of poor air quality. “Wildfire smoke exposure can create major health hazards for outdoor workers. These hazards can be reduced with knowledge, safe work practices, and appropriate personal protective equipment,” Doug Parker, assistant secretary of labor […]
Washington’s state outdoor heat exposure and wildfire smoke rules became effective June 15 and remain in effect through the end of September, the Department of Labor and Industries announced. The department has adopted emergency heat exposure requirements that include: Providing adequate shade (or alternatives) and water suitably cool for drinking; Encouraging and allowing workers to […]
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division (Oregon OSHA) recently announced new permanent workplace safety and health standards for heat and wildfire smoke exposures. Oregon rules for heat illness prevention and agricultural labor housing take effect June 15. The wildfire smoke protection standard takes effect July 1. “As we enter what we expect will be […]
The respiratory protection needs of many U.S. workers are not being met, according to a new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine published February 10. Many independent contractors and self-employed and “gig” workers are not considered employees or employers and are not covered by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, […]