Who Regulates Workplace Safety Training?

One of the central regulatory bodies for workplace safety and training is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which was established in 1971 by the United States Department of Labor. OSHA works to address safety procedures, health regulations, and safety guidelines that help save lives and prevent injury to workers in many industries.

What Annual Training Requirements Does OSHA Have?

There are several standards that employers must train in yearly. These include fire protection, first aid training, asbestos reduction, hearing protection, and hazardous waste. OSHA also requires refresher training every year on other relevant topics.

What Should OSHA Safety Training Include?

Specific workplace safety training varies according to the industry and company, but some things that employers should focus on are:

• Emergency procedures
• Personal protective equipment uses
• Fire and electrical safety
• Chemical and hazard risk assessment

Workers also require training in health and wellness, record keeping, machine and safety equipment use, and specialized training.

What Are the New Changes to Training?

As of 2024, OSHA released enhanced training requirements for specific industries to help both employers and employees be better prepared to prevent and handle safety hazards. Because of innovations, new technology, and ever-evolving workplace procedures, OSHA constantly updates its safety standards.

Supervisors are often aware of these changes, but the knowledge doesn’t get to employees. This is one reason why OSHA’s workplace safety training standards have become more rigorous.

Training Frequency

The Administration is now asking for more frequent safety training in several different industries. The emphasis is moving from sporadic training to a more regular schedule so that employees receive consistent updates. This will foster continuous learning and constant improvement at work.

Intensity of Training

OSHA is also asking for more rigorous training. The more in depth training is and the broader range of topics it covers, the more valuable it can be in preventing injury in the workplace. With more intense training, employees can better understand safety protocols and are more likely to follow them.

Up-to-Date Information

As chemical handling and hazardous material storage and disposal become more regulated, and as companies implement cutting-edge technology, OSHA guidelines are updated, and training on these guidelines is intensified as a proactive approach to preventing accidents and exposure.

This is especially relevant in the manufacturing and construction industries. Training helps employees to work safely in tech-driven processes while handling new machinery.

More Inclusive Training

As modern businesses shift towards remote work or gig jobs, OSHA has also added and expanded upon the mandatory safety training requirements for these kinds of workers. It is committed to keeping all workers safe, regardless of their field or workspace.

What Other Changes Has OSHA Made for 2024?

Along with workplace safety training, OSHA is also examining mental health in the workplace, updating record-keeping, raising fines, and increasing enforcement. All of these changes will help keep workers safe as employers implement these focuses in the relevant staff training.

Mental Health

OSHA emphasizes that the mental well-being of workers dramatically impacts the overall safety of a workplace. The current approach is more holistic. They are encouraging employers to implement mental health programs to support their employees and identify the connection between physical safety and mental health.

Record-Keeping

In an unprecedented step, OSHA is moving toward modernization as they now mandate comprehensive record keeping that is digitally accessible. This will aid employers and OSHA in better monitoring and analyzing workplace safety trends and facilitate access to them. Digital records also promote transparency and create a more streamlined process for record-keeping, which will help both companies and OSHA to make targeted improvements.

Stricter Enforcement

OSHA’s 2023 emphasis on enforcement will continue in 2024, especially in high-risk industries. Increased enforcement techniques include more frequent inspections and more significant penalties for non-compliant companies. OSHA upped the fines for non-compliance and safety violations in 2024. This encourages employers to work towards better adherence through increased workplace safety training measures.

E-Learning and Gamification

The new guidelines also encourage the use of e-learning platforms for OSHA training. Online learning is often more flexible and interactive, letting workers learn at their own pace and in a way that is more accessible for many.

Gamification, which uses challenges, competition and rewards in the training process, is also highly encouraged, as it heightens employee engagement, fosters a sense of unity, competition and enjoyment, and motivates individuals to excel in safety practices.

What Do These Changes Mean for Employers and Employees?

Policy changes and required procedures carry implications for employers and employees.

Employers

The greater focus on safety means that employers may need to invest in safety infrastructure to better comply with new requirements. This can mean investing in physical infrastructure, tools, or programs necessary for workplace safety training.

Companies must also become familiar with the updated standards and modify any workplace policies as needed. Regular review and updates of safety procedures and protocols to align with OSHA standards are key to avoiding penalties and death or injury at work.

Employees

Knowledge is power, especially for employees. OSHA regulates safety but also affords protections and rights to workers. As employees actively participate in safety training in the workplace and become informed of these rights, they will be able to keep themselves and others safer.

How Can Employers Help Employees Stay Informed on OSHA’s Changes to Workplace Safety Training?

OSHA’s changes are monumental yet vital to furthering workplace safety and training in an ever-evolving world. The best way for employers to keep employees up to date and compliant with new OSHA standards is to first become informed themselves. One easy way is to follow our ComplianceSigns safety blog, which gives workplace safety tips and informs of safety news.With any change in workplace safety training or standards, it’s essential to utilize the correct safety signage. Check out our extensive collection of OSHA-compliant safety signs and posters on our website.

The post OSHA’s Enhanced Workplace Safety Training Requirements in 2024 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Although the top violations didn’t change, there was some movement within the list. Fall Protection – General Requirements remains the #1 violation for the 13th year in a row, followed by Hazard Communication and Ladders.

The list is based on data from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023. It was announced at the National Safety Council’s 2023 Safety Congress & Expo.

The Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 7,271 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 3,213 violations (+789 vs. 2022)
3. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations (+2,011 vs. 2022)
4. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,859 violations (+801 vs. 2022)
5. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 2,561 violations (+812 vs. 2022)
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 2,554 violations (+577 vs. 2022)
7. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,481 violations (+296 vs. 2022)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 2,112 violations (+556 vs. 2022)
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 2,074 violations (+673 vs. 2022)
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,644 violations (+274 vs. 2022)

This list shows what OSHA has been watching, which makes it a good place to start when reviewing safety needs of your business or making a safety plan. Fall Protection is clearly an area of increased focus for OSHA inspectors.

For comparison, the 2022 Top 10 were:

1. Fall Protection, general requirements (1926.501) – 5,260 violations
2. Hazard Communication Standard, general requirements (1910.1200) – 2,424 violations
3. Respiratory Protection, general industry (1910.134) – 2,185 violations
4. Ladders, construction (1926.1053) – 2,143 violations
5. Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (1926.451) – 2,058 violations
6. Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout), general requirements (1910.147) – 1,977 violations
7. Powered Industrial Trucks, general requirements (1910.178) – 1,749 violations (+23.2% vs. 2021)
8. Fall Protection – Training Requirements (1926.503) – 1,556 violations
9. Eye and Face Protection (1926.102) – 1,401 violations
10. Machinery and Machine Guard, general requirements (1910.212) – 1,370 violations

Additional Resources:

• Review the top 10 OSHA violations of 2021 and 2020.
• Easily make custom OSHA and other safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Top 10 OSHA Violations of 2023 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires workers who may be exposed to vehicular traffic hazards to wear safety vests or other high-visibility safety apparel. OSHA guidelines refer to American National Standards Institute standard 107, which was developed and published by the International Safety Equipment Association. Find out why OSHA requires workers in high-risk environments to wear brightly colored garments made with retroreflective materials and learn more about the requirements for warning vests in ANSI/ISEA 107-2020.

Why OSHA Requires Safety Vests

The General Duty Clause of OSHA or OSH Act, 29 U.S.C. §654(a)(1) requires flaggers and other workers exposed to vehicle traffic in construction zones, on excavation sites or on highways to wear high-visibility safety apparel. Bright vests with retroreflective designs can help drivers of motor vehicles or operators of equipment see workers near the path of travel.

One specific OSHA requirement for warning vests is in the construction standard Subpart G, 29 CFR 1926.201 on signaling. This standard states that garments for flaggers must conform to Part 6 of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The section on Temporary Traffic Control in the MUTCD states that all workers exposed to traffic, including emergency responders, must wear Class 2 or Class 3 vests and garments.

Another relevant federal standard is the Federal Highway Administration rule for Worker Visibility, 23 CFR Part 634. This rule mandates that all workers exposed to traffic or construction equipment within the right-of-way of a federal-aid highway wear safety vests or other HVSA.

Safety Vest Requirements

Safety Vest Required Signs

The OSHA construction standard on signaling recommends that flaggers wear red or orange warning garments and specifies that garments worn at night should be made of reflectorized material. This regulation refers to an early ANSI standard, D6.1-1-1971, that has since been updated.

A 2002 OSHA interpretation of the 1926.201 standard refers to the Millennium Edition of the MUTCD, which allows for a wider range of color choices. During the day, flaggers can wear safety vests in orange, yellow or strong yellow-green, or fluorescent versions of these colors. At night, flaggers should wear garments made with retroreflective materials in any of these colors, silver or white. Employers can post an OSHA notice or other signs to remind workers to wear warning vests.

While OSHA does not specify a specific type of garment, fasteners or reflective strip design, the ANSI/ISEA 107 standard covers all of these requirements. Warning vests and other HVSA should be visible from at least 1,000 feet away and have break-away enclosures. Learn more about the classes of warning vests to select the right high-visibility personal protective equipment.

Safety Vest Classes

According to ANSI/ISEA 107-2020 there are three classes and three types of safety vests, each with different requirements for background and retroreflective material. The classes of vests are based on risk levels in different working environments.

Class 1

Class 1 vests are made with the minimum amount of high-visibility material. These warning vests are only suitable for environments in which struck-by hazards travel at 25 miles per hour or less. The first class of vests are ideal for grocery store clerks who retrieve shopping carts, parking service attendants or warehouse workers.

Class 2

Class 2 is the most common safety vest classification. These vests can increase visibility to a level that is sufficient for roadways with fast traffic during daylight hours. The second class of vests are intended for airport ground crews, crossing guards, law enforcement personnel directing traffic, surveyors and workers in parking facilities or at toll gates.

Class 3

The third class of safety vests provides the highest level of visibility. These garments have sleeves designed with retroreflective material and are suitable for night work in locations that have high-speed traffic. In order to meet OSHA standards, Class 3 vests should be visible from a distance of at least 1,280 feet.

Safety Vest Types

The 2015 version of ANSI/ISEA 107 introduced a new categorical scheme for warning vests. A revision in 2020 refined the applications for each type of vest. Learn more about the three types of vests and how these types correspond to vest classes.

Type O

Type O equipment consists of Class 1 safety vests designated for off-road usage. These vests must have at least 217 square inches of background material, 155 square inches of retroreflective material and a 1-inch minimum width for retroreflective materials.

Type R

Type R, Class 2 vests are designed to increase the visibility of workers on roadways. These vests must have at least 540 square inches in background material in the smallest size or 775 square inches of background material in larger sizes with 201 square inches of retroreflective material.

Type P

Type P vests for public safety professionals are available in Class 2 or Class 3 designs. Class 2, Type P vests must have 450 square inches of background material and 201 square inches of retroreflective material. Class 3, Type P vests should have at least 775 square inches of background material and 310 square inches of retroreflective materials.

When To Replace Safety Vests

The Federal Highway Administration estimates a six-month service life for HVSA worn on a daily basis. This PPE can last up to three years with occasional use. For safety, replace any damaged, faded or worn vests and other high-visibility garments.

Warning vests and safety garments should also have a good fit. Vests that are too large could pose a caught-in hazard, while vests that are too tight can be uncomfortable and discourage compliance with safety regulations.

Employers should factor in the classes and types of vests when ordering replacement PPE or setting employee purchase requirements. The ANSI/ISEA 107 standard also provides recommendations for including compliant lettering or logos on HVSA.

Post Signs for Safety Vests

Employers should refer to OSHA regulation 29 CFR 1926.651(d) or other relevant standards to determine whether workers need to wear safety vests and the appropriate class and type of safety vest for any application. Order OSHA notices and signs that remind workers to use high-visibility PPE from ComplianceSigns.

The post Why Are Safety Vests Required By OSHA? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

One of the most critical pieces of personal protection equipment that you’ll ever use on the job is your hard hat. While it can seem like a nuisance or may be uncomfortable to use at first, your safety at work depends on correctly choosing and using the right personal protection items, including hard hats.

Know Your Hard Hat

The anatomy of hard hats is pretty simple. The hard, exposed part is the outer shell. Inside, there is a four- to eight-point suspension system that helps to raise the outer shell above your head and distribute the weight of the hat. There is also a headband that is adjustable for the perfect fit.

Choose the Right One

To ensure safety on the job, confirm you are using the correct hard hat. There are two basic types. Type I hard hats protect you from things above your head or that fall from above. Type II hats also provide lateral protection.

In addition to these two types, there are three classes of hard hats, each designed for specific jobs.

Class G

Class G hard hats are for general jobs, such as construction, mining and manufacturing. They are mainly designed to protect the head from impact. These typically can protect your head from some electrical shock as well.

Class E

This class of hard hat is specifically for electrical jobs. Not only does it guard against impacts, but it can also resist 20,000 volts of electrical shock. According to OSHA, anyone working near exposed electrical components or wires should use this type of hat.

Class C

Also known as conductive hard hats, these are lightweight and only meant to prevent damage from light blows. This class of helmet may be ventilated but does not protect against electrical dangers at all.

Hard Hat Accessories

Apart from the basic hat options, there are plenty of accessories available that can increase safety even more, such as hearing protection, face shields, chin straps, and headlamps. Choosing the correct hat and accessories for the job is vital for maintaining safety at worksites.

Approved Hats

It’s always smart to choose hard hats approved by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI helps ensure that hard hats are correctly made and independently tested to provide maximum protection against shocks, impacts and penetration.

Wear It Correctly

For a hard hat to work correctly to protect your head, you need to wear it right. 

Sizing

First off, find a hat that is snug but comfortable. If it’s too big or too small, it won’t work correctly should you get hit with something. A hat that is too small won’t cover your head enough, while one that is too large lets your head move around inside, which could lead to injury.

Measure your head circumference and then purchase the corresponding size hat, or try on a few to see what works best for you. Then, you can adjust the suspension system.

Modifications

It’s never safe to change your hard hat in any way. If you modify it, it might not work correctly and it won’t be efficient should you have an accident. Modifications could also increase the chance of penetration or electrical shock.

Not modifying the hat also includes not wearing other hats underneath. While a bandana, skull cap, or winter liner is normally fine, don’t wear anything with metal pieces or that is bulky, otherwise the hat won’t fit correctly. Only wear hats or hoods that appropriately fit your head.

If you would like a ventilated hard hat or to add accessories, you should purchase a hat specifically made for it.

Positioning

Generally, you should always place the brim of hard hats facing forward. They are designed to help protect your neck and your face. If you wear it backward, you risk it not working correctly or falling off your head.

There are hard hats now that are approved to be worn frontward or backward, but be sure you have such a model before doing so with yours.

Maintain It Well

Just because hard hats seem indestructible doesn’t mean they actually are. Caring for your hard hat will go a long way in increasing your safety at work.

Storage

When storing your hat, keep it out of direct sunlight or very hot or cold conditions. Plastic can degrade when exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. The trunk of a car, a car window or the back of a pickup truck are unsafe places to store hard hats.

Inspection

You should regularly inspect your hard hat, and if you come across any cracks or damaged parts, don’t wear it to work. A chalky look could indicate UV damage. 

All damage may not be visible at first glance. If the hat has ever experienced an impact, it’s better not to use it. After a fall of 8 feet or more, or any impact, be sure to replace your hat.

Replacements

No matter how great of a condition your hard hat is in, you should replace it every two to five years. The manufacturer can tell you specifically how often you should replace their product. 

Understand When To Wear It

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says that you must use head protection must in areas where there is a risk of head injury due to falling objects, impact, flying objects or electrical shocks.

This includes a much wider variety of occupations than just construction. Electricians, assemblers, welders, loggers, warehouse workers, pipe fitters and many others can benefit from the enhanced safety of wearing a hard hat to work.

Better Safe Than Sorry With Hard Hat Signage

The best way to protect your head at work is to use the right hard hat, the right way and at the right time. By following OSHA guidelines and using ANSI-approved headgear, men and women in all sorts of occupations can be safer and make it home at the end of each day. Help your employees remember to use PPE with hard hat and PPE safety signs form ComplianceSigns.

The post How To Stay Safe Using a Hard Hat appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

The week-long outreach event coincides with Construction Safety Week and encourages employers and workers to pause during the work day to talk about fall hazards and prevention.

What is a Safety Stand-Down?

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a stand-down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. It’s an opportunity for employers to have a conversation with employees about hazards, protective methods and the company’s safety policies and goals.

It can also be an opportunity for employees to talk to management about fall hazards they see. Companies can conduct a Safety Stand-Down by taking a break to have a toolbox talk or another safety activity such as conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a stand-down that works best for their workplace anytime during the week.

Suggestions for a Successful Stand-Down

1. Try to start early. Designate a coordinator to organize the stand-down. If you have multiple work sites, identify the team that will lead the stand-down at each site.

2. Get others involved. Ask your subcontractors, owner, architects, engineers, or others associated with your project to participate in the stand-down.

3. Review your fall prevention program – and what types of falls are likely to occur at your worksite. This will help provide a more effective stand-down. Common incidents include falls from:

• Ladders
• Roofs
• Scaffolds
• Stairs
• Structural steel
• Falls through a floor or roof opening or a fragile roof surface

Fall Protection Questions to Ask:

What needs improvement? Is your program meeting its goals? Are you experiencing fatalities, injuries, or near misses? Are employees aware of the company’s fall protection procedures? What training have you provided to your employees? Does it need revision? What equipment have you provided to employees? Is better equipment available?

5 Steps For Your Stand-Down

1. Develop presentations or activities that will meet the needs of your employees. The meeting should provide information about hazards, protective methods, and the company’s safety policies, goals and expectations. Hands-on exercises (a worksite walkaround, equipment checks, etc.) can increase retention.
2. Decide when to hold the stand-down and how long it will last. Decide if the stand-down will take place over a break, a lunch period or some other time.
3. Promote the stand-down. Make it interesting to employees. Some employers find that serving snacks increases participation.
4. Hold your stand-down. Be positive and interactive. Let employees talk about their experiences and encourage them to make suggestions.
5. Follow up. If you learn something that could improve your fall prevention program, consider making changes.

Stand-Down Resources:

• Stand-Down and Fall Prevention Materials
• Stand-Down FAQs
• Find events in your area
• Construction Safety Week information
• Construction Safety Week banners
• Browse Ladder Safety signs and Fall Protection PPE signs.

The post 2024 National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls is May 6-10 appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Workplace Conditions That Warrant Steel Toe Shoes

Heavy Items

The most obvious workplace that calls for the protection of steel toes is one where workers are lifting and moving heavy items. Construction sites, warehouses and farms can all fall into this category. Whenever a person picks up a large item, there is a risk of it being dropped and landing on someone’s foot, potentially causing injury. Steel toe boots are strong protection because they can take the brunt of the impact, preventing the weight from landing on toes.

Large, Movable Machinery

Another space where protective footwear is important is areas where large machines are used and moved. A heavy machine can easily break bones if it accidentally rolls over an unprotected foot. Steel toe shoes can prevent such injury. Consider requiring them in factories, assembly areas and auto repair shops.

Sharp Materials or Tools

Some jobs call for people to work with potentially dangerous objects, such as sharp tools or live wires. These create a big risk for safety if something should fall and hit a worker’s foot. Electricians must make sure everyone is protected with durable, non-conductive steel toe boots to reduce the risks of cuts or electrical shocks.

Slippery Floors

Most styles of steel toe footwear are also designed with sturdy treads providing strong traction. This makes them good choices for job sites that tend to have wet or slippery floors, as well as workplaces with uneven terrain. Anyone working with oil or chemicals that could spill should wear protective footwear. Landscapers, carpenters and mine workers should also put on boots to have better footing as they complete their tasks.

Designating Areas Where PPE Is Required

Once you identify which areas of your operation pose the most risk to workers, you should require all employees to wear steel toe boots in those spaces. Start by educating all managers and workers about the enhanced safety rules and explaining why they are important.

You can make this more effective by installing foot PPE safety signs that let people know what safety gear they need to enter a given space – including foot PPE. For example, you can post a safety glasses, steel toe boots and hard hats required sign to notify workers what PPE is required to enter the main work area of a manufacturing plant. Post these signs at each entrance and exit and throughout the space so everyone is well-informed about PPE requirements.

Foot PPE Safety Signs:

Risks of Not Wearing Steel Toe Shoes

Not wearing steel toe footwear in high-risk workplaces can lead to serious foot injuries and even fatalities. Workers will be at a disadvantage every time they step into your facility if they don’t have the proper equipment. Here are some of the risks of not wearing foot PPE in hazardous locations.

Foot Injuries

Foot injuries are common in high-risk workplaces. They can happen in an instant. All it takes is for someone to lose their grip on a heavy item or sharp object, or step into the path of a large machine being moved. A serious foot injury can potentially lead to permanent disability.

Slips and Falls

Slips and falls are another common incident, especially on wet and uneven surfaces. Not wearing protective footwear can increase the risk of tripping and lead to head injuries and broken bones.

Electrical Hazards

Electricians and construction workers often are exposed to electrical hazards. Failing to wear sturdy footwear with non-conductive soles can increase the risk of electrical shocks.

Chemical Exposure

Manufacturing and automotive workers are routinely exposed to various chemicals. Shoes built with steel are better at preventing spilled chemicals from seeping into the shoe and reaching the skin.

Reduced Productivity

Foot injuries reduce productivity and increase costs for employers, while reducing income for workers. Using the correct safety gear allows workers to approach projects confidently and efficiently.

Require Steel Toe Shoes To Increase Safety

Safety needs to be a shared goal for your entire organization, and that includes making sure everyone has the right protective equipment. If your workplace presents foot hazards, consider which locations call for steel toe shoes and give your workers the protection they need to navigate safely.

PPE Resources

• OSHA PPE website
• NIOSH directory of PPE
• Guide to Personal Protective Equipment
• PPE Signs and labels at ComplianceSigns
• General construction safety signs

The post Where and When To Wear Steel Toe Shoes appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

At ComplianceSigns, we take PPE requirements seriously. We have compiled this extensive guide to workplace PPE to help you understand how to implement proper protective equipment policies at your workplace. We have a huge collection of workplace PPE signs and another section of PPE safety posters dedicated to appropriate PPE types and procedures.

PPE GUIDE Table of Contents

• PPE Meaning: What Is PPE?

• Types of PPE Equipment

• OSHA PPE Requirements

• CDC PPE Requirements

• PPE Use Examples

• How To Put On PPE

• PPE FAQ

• Additional Resources

PPE Meaning: What Is PPE?

PPE has been making headlines, but that certainly doesn’t mean everyone understands what it is. Many people are left wondering “What does PPE stand for?” The term PPE stands for personal protective equipment. It is used to refer to specially designed gear that is worn to reduce environmental and occupational hazards. PPE reduces the risk of injury, illness, and contamination by protecting the wearer from risks such as radiation and chemicals, as well as physical or other workplace hazards.

Safety goes beyond simply knowing what PPE is. You must also know when and how to use it. To work effectively, protective equipment must be worn and used properly. OSHA has established guidelines, called standards, defining PPE and when it must be used to ensure safe working environments. Each industry has a specific set of standards that businesses must adhere to.

Types of PPE Equipment

Selecting the correct type of PPE is vital to ensuring safety in the workplace. There are six basic categories of PPE.

Eye and face protection keeps harmful chemicals and physical contaminants out of the eyes. Face shield PPE can prevent sparks from welding or cutting from burning the eyes and face. PPE face masks reduce transmission of infectious diseases by limiting droplet and airborne particles reaching mucous membranes. PPE goggles can also be used to protect eyes from bright lights, glare and foreign objects. They may be worn alone or over prescription lenses.

Head protection is required for “employees working in areas where there is a possible danger of head injury from impact, or from falling or flying objects, or from electrical shock and burns.” (OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.135). An ANSI-approved PPE helmet should be waterproof and slow burning, offer protection against penetration by objects, absorb the shock from an impact and be accompanied by clear instructions for use and care.

Hand and arm protection are largely accomplished with PPE gloves, but they may not be suitable for all applications In certain situations, such as when working with machinery where gloves might catch, other PPE such as finger guards or cots, barrier creams, arm protectors or sleeves are a better choice.  

Hearing protection helps prevent hearing loss from exposure to loud noise. PPE earpieces may be external muffs or plugs that are inserted into the ear.

Full body protection is generally achieved through PPE overalls or aprons worn over regular clothing. These offer protection from chemicals, extreme temperatures and sparks from welding or electrical hazards.

Foot and leg protection is achieved with PPE boots, chaps, gaiters and shoe covers. Footwear should be sturdy and supportive while offering protection against electrical and chemical hazards.

Respiratory protection such as respirators and masks keep harmful particles and chemicals from entering the lungs. They may serve to filter dust or gasses or supply clean air through a sealed system.

OSHA PPE Requirements

OSHA PPE standard 1910.132 lays out general requirements for PPE in the workplace. These define PPE that is required under general working conditions, who is responsible for the cost of OSHA PPE, and training that must be provided. According to this standard, employers are responsible for:

• Assessing hazards in the workplace and certifying that assessment
• Providing and maintaining appropriate OSHA PPE
• Training all employees on current standards including what PPE is required and the proper care, maintenance and adjustments of it

While employers must provide required PPE at no cost to employees, they are not responsible for non-required specialty products.

OSHA PPE standards conform to requirements set by the American National Standards Institute. ANSI does not establish binding regulations. Rather, it sets best practices for safety equipment and procedures. PPE requirements for eye and face protection in occupational and educational settings are outlined in ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2015.

OSHA standard 1910.132(f) mandates that training must include:

• When PPE should be worn
• What PPE is necessary
• How to properly adjust and wear PPE
• Procedures approved by OSHA for donning and doffing PPE
• Maintenance and care procedures for all required PPE

All employees must demonstrate knowledge of these procedures. If any employee cannot demonstrate competency with PPE procedures, he or she must receive additional training. Training should also be offered after any changes to workplace policies, procedures or PPE requirements.

CDC PPE Guidelines

PPE is used in healthcare settings to reduce the transmission of infectious diseases. The CDC issues guidelines for the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in medical settings such as hospitals, doctors’ offices and testing facilities. According to the CDC, PPE is only one component of a comprehensive infection control policy. The other components include training and administrative, engineering and work practice controls.

Proper PPE should always be matched to expected exposure. Base PPE selection on the type of exposure expected, the category of isolation of infectious agents, the appropriateness and durability of PPE for each task and how it fits each individual. Following CDC donning and doffing PPE procedures reduces contamination and potential exposure to pathogens. Displaying PPE posters throughout the workplace encourages proper use and care of protective equipment.

PPE Use Examples

The type of PPE you need to use will depend on the hazards present. Each occupational setting should be assessed individually, with appropriate precautions then taken to ensure PPE safety. Here are three personal protective equipment examples based on specific occupational scenarios that highlight the need for ongoing and individualized assessments of each workplace.

1. In a medical setting, CDC guidelines will dictate the types of PPE hospital staff will use. Masks, gowns, shoe coverings, face shields and head coverings are commonplace. Respirators may be required depending on the hazards present. Additionally, all protective medical equipment must conform to FDA standards and pass a review before being sold in the United States.
2. PPE policies at construction sites and manufacturing facilities are governed by OSHA standards. Hardhats and helmets are common types of PPE construction workers use to protect against traumatic brain injuries and punctures. Safety shoes and steel toes boots provide traction, chemical resistance and an extra line of defense against impact or crushing injuries to the feet. Gloves can shield hands from physical and chemical hazards, but care should be taken when operating machinery where a glove or long sleeve can catch and pull an operator in.
3. Welding PPE should include heavy gloves and an appropriate face shield. These must always be worn by both operators and attendants to avoid eye injury from sparks and radiant energy. Safety glasses and face shields guard against eye damage from sparks and other hazards that might be present on a construction site. OSHA standard 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(A) states that “Helmets and hand shields shall be made of a material which is an insulator for heat and electricity. Helmets, shields and goggles shall be not readily flammable and shall be capable of withstanding sterilization” as well as protect the head, face and neck from radiant energy produced by the welding arc.  

How To Put On PPE

Both OSHA and the CDC recognize the importance of correctly putting on and taking off PPE. Failure to follow approved procedures can result in accidental exposure to hazardous or infectious materials. Therefore, all employees should be trained on how to don and doff PPE. They should also be trained on how to make PPE adjustments to ensure a proper fit.

The CDC explains that PPE should be donned in this order:

• Put on your gown first
• Follow that with a face mask or respirator
• Next, goggles or a face shield
• Put on your gloves last

Conduct fit checks and make any needed adjustments as you don each type of PPE before moving on to the next stage. Since the exact types of PPE that are required for each situation will be different, you may need to adjust or add to the order. Use common sense and an understanding of the applicable hazards to choose the best sequence if it is not clearly defined.

Any areas or situations that require PPE to be used should be marked with an appropriate PPE Required sign. This alerts workers to potential hazards and the need for additional protective measures. The type of equipment required should be clearly indicated.

Once employees are no longer at risk of exposure to the hazard, PPE can be safely removed. Instructions for how to remove PPE should be included upon exiting the area. Each employee should be trained on how to remove PPE in the correct order. This ensures no cross contamination during the doffing process.  According to CDC procedures, the correct order for removing personal protective equipment is as follows:

• Identify the contaminated and clean surfaces of your PPE before you proceed
• Remove gloves first since they are considered the most contaminated PPE gear
• Remove the face shield or goggles next
• Doff your gown
• Remove your respirator once you are no longer at risk of exposure

Always be sure to wash your hands following proper procedures once you have removed your PPE to further minimize any hazards.

ComplianceSigns Has the PPE Signs and Posters You Need

Personal protective equipment is a vital part of maintaining workplace safety. When effectively used, it serves as an added line of defense against physical, chemical, biological, radiological and mechanical hazards. OSHA standards, CDC guidelines and FDA regulations include the types of PPE that are required based on what hazards are in the workplace.

Properly placed signs, posters and infographics can help you keep workers informed about necessary PPE and approved procedures for its use. ComplianceSigns offers a full line of PPE posters and PPE safety signs for all types of businesses.

Personal Protective Equipment FAQ

Do you still have questions about PPE and its use? We have gathered some commonly asked questions along with answers to help you navigate the topic.

What are PPE items?

Personal protective items are pieces of equipment that help reduce environmental or occupational hazards. They protect against such things as chemicals, heat and cold, electrical hazards and infectious diseases.

What is PPE gear?

A few of the most common types of PPE gear include face masks, eye and ear protection and protective headwear. Steel toe boots are another example of a widely used form of PPE.

What is PPE used for?

According to OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment publication, PPE is used “to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards” that may be experienced. It should be used as part of a comprehensive workplace safety program.

Why is PPE important?

PPE is an important part of workplace safety because it reduces exposure to hazards. This reduces the number of injuries and illnesses that occur and helps keep employees healthy.  

How do you make PPE?

PPE must meet standards set forth by occupational organizations such as ANSI and OSHA for workplace safety, so its manufacture is carefully controlled. Private use PPE can be made by sewing non-surgical cotton face masks and plastic gowns or using 3D printers to create face shields, respirators and PPE parts.

What is a PPE kit?

A PPE kit is a pre-packaged unit containing all necessary PPE for a given hazardous situation. This often includes a gown, face shield, mask, goggles, shoe covers, and gloves.

Additional Resources

For additional information about PPE, and how to ensure workplace compliance, visit these additional resources:

• OSHA PPE website
• NIOSH directory of PPE
• CDC Healthcare respiratory protection resources
• PPE Signs and labels at ComplianceSigns

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Personal Protective Equipment appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Following these four disaster clean-up safety tips from the CDC will help prevent further injuries – or loss of life – as teams and individuals work to clean storm damage at homes, businesses and communities.

1. Start with the Right Safety Gear

Emergency clinics and hospitals are often at maximum capacity following a natural disaster. Planning to stay safe while working on disaster clean-up can help keep you from joinng the list of injured people waiting for treatment. Recommended safety gear includes:

• Hard hats
• Goggles
• N95 masks or a respirator with a higher protection level
• Heavy work gloves
• Waterproof boots with steel toe and insole
• Earplugs or protective headphones if you’re working with noisy equipment
• Fire extinguishers with a UL rating of at least 10A

If sewage is involved, wear:

• Rubber boots
• Rubber gloves
• Goggles

2. Pace Yourself

Even with proper protective equipment, the physical and emotional strain of disaster clean-up work takes a toll on workers and volunteers. Safe disaster clean-up can take a very long time, so it’s best to work slowly, steadily – and safely.

• Prioritize cleanup tasks and focus on those tasks first
• Use teams to move heavy or bulky objects
• Avoid lifting any material that weighs more than 50 pounds per person
• Rest when you need to
• Work with other people so you aren’t alone

3. Use Chainsaws Carefully

Chainsaws are powerful tools that can be invaluable during disaster clean-up. But they also present several  hazards. If you’re not comfortable with a saw, leave that work for someone with experience.

• Always follow manufacturer’s instructions
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), such as head, hearing, hand, eye and foot protection
• Wear close-fitting, long-sleeved clothing
• Do not trim trees during dangerous weather conditions
• Assume that all power lines are energized and can electrocute a person at any time
• Beware of injury when bent trees or branches release
• Never turn your back on falling trees
• Take extra care when cutting trees or branches that are bent or caught under something else

4. Work Safely in Hot Weather

Water, rest and shade are keys to working safely in hot weather, whether on a construction site, road crew or disaster clean-up team:

• Drink water often
• Find shade and take a break when you feel fatigued
• Wear light and loose-fitting clothing (unless operating machinery)
• Review heat safety tips to recognize and be alert to the three types of heat-related disorders: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Following these four disaster clean-up safety tips will help protect you and your crew as you assist disaster victims.

Additional Resources:

• Keep Children Safe During Disaster Cleanup
• Respiratory Protection when Entering Flooded Homes
• Basic Chainsaw Operations Fact Sheet from CCOHS
• Mold After a Disaster

Related Posts:

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In 2017, a man in Michigan was walking on the train tracks while listening to music through headphones. While he was walking and enjoying his tunes, a train that was moving in the same direction arrived. The train engineer tried to slow down and blew his whistle, but because the man’s music was piped through earbuds or headphones, he never heard the train that was swiftly bearing down on him from behind. When the police arrived, the man’s portable player was still playing music next to his body.

Now earbuds are wireless and even easier to use. As more and more people choose to tune in while they’re working, the same problem that played out in Michigan becomes a very real issue. Workers who are listening to their earbuds can’t hear what’s going on around them. In certain situations that can put them in harm’s way. That’s why more and more employers are choosing to implement an “open ears” policy at work.

What is “Open Ears?”

As the name implies, an “open ears” policy requires employees to keep their ears open while they work, whether it’s in all situations at work or just in specific high-risk areas. Headphones and earbuds offer great musical sound by canceling out most or all of the ambient noise around you. That can be very dangerous in some work situations.

While OSHA doesn’t have any specific rules or guidelines on the use of headphones at work, it did state a position in the fall of 2019 stating, “Listening to music may produce a safety hazard by masking environmental sounds that need to be heard, especially on active construction sites where attention to moving equipment, heavy machinery, vehicle traffic and safety warning signals may be compromised.”

Zeroing in on construction sites makes sense due to the nature of the work and all of the moving equipment, but it’s not the only situation where earbuds can pose a problem. For any business, it pays to look for situations where listening to earbuds or headphones may be acceptable and others where an “open ears” policy should be in place.

Tips for Establishing an “Open Ears” Policy

No two businesses are exactly the same, so it is important for any business owner or manager to assess their own unique situation. While you may decide to simply ban earbud and headphone use at work entirely, that’s not always the best option. Some people find that listening to music can help to minimize outside distractions such as other employee conversations, which helps them stay productive.

Hearing Safety Signs:

When establishing your earbud / headphone policy, keep these tips in mind:

• Headphones are Not Hearing Protection – Jobs that require hearing protection such as noise-canceling headphones should not allow workers to substitute music headphones or use earbuds inside of the hearing protection. It doesn’t work that way.
• Construction sites are dangerous – OSHA chose to focus on the obvious industry and for good reason. Construction sites come with a high risk of injury due to the nature of the work. Moving machines, working at heights, plus an already loud environment make it an especially bad match for tuning into music. All construction sites should be posted as “open ears” areas.
• Manufacturing – While it may seem like someone who’s working in manufacturing could use the entertainment as they do repetitive work throughout the day, the reality is they are working with machines. Machines can quickly become dangerous when they malfunction and if the person operating the machine cannot hear it, they may not realize the malfunction is occurring until it’s too late. This is another scenario where “open ears” seems like a no-brainer.
• Office Space – Not every workplace accident happens around large equipment. While workers in an office who do most of their work on a computer while sitting at a desk may be a fine place to allow headphones, you may want to limit their use to desk-only. Why? Imagine an office worker gets up to grab a cup of coffee, he doesn’t hear the person waiting and talking right behind him at the coffee pot, turns around too fast and crashes into them spilling scalding-hot coffee all over them. That’s just one scenario. Anytime a worker is moving around the office, there is potential for injury to themselves or others. Earbuds and headphones cause distraction and increase those odds.
• Retail/Customer Service Industries – Not only could a worker in a retail sales floor situation cause an accident while listening to music, but that accident could also include a non-employee, which leaves your company open to a lawsuit. On a more basic level, all employees on the sales floor, regardless of their job, should be accessible to customers so listening to earbuds sends the wrong signal.
• Don’t Do a Test Period – Some freedoms, once given, are very hard to take away. Don’t try to have a trial run of headphones and earbud use if there is a chance it will need to go away. Workers who enjoyed the distraction may soon become disgruntled.
• Post Signs in “Open Ears” areas – Any area that you declare an “open ears” area at work should be clearly marked with signage and maybe even marked out with floor tape if needed.

The key to establishing a solid “ears open” policy at work is to assess your work environment carefully to find areas that are high-risk areas for injury when a worker is distracted or cannot hear ambient noise. Once you’ve done that, the next step is communicating effectively to your staff about your new policies and marking those areas with signs.

Your employees’ safety is your responsibility. Establishing “open ears” rules that keep them focused on the job can help you avoid costly accidents and create a healthier work environment.

Resources:

• NIOSH “Buy Quiet” resources to identify quieter tools.
• Review a 1987 OSHA memo on music headphones.
• Are music headphones a workplace hazard?
• Workplace safety and compliance resources
• Browse Hearing PPE signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Open Ears: Reducing the Threat of Earbuds in the Workplace appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

1. Eliminate the hazard
2. Replace the hazard
3. Isolate the hazard
4. Use Engineering Controls
5. Use Administrative Controls
6. Use personal protective equipment (PPE)

While PPE may be seen as a last line of defense when it comes to workplace hazards, that doesn’t mean they are unimportant. Quite the opposite. They are the only remaining solution available to protect your workers.

OSHA states that employers are responsible for providing PPE to their employees. Employers are equally responsible for training the employees on proper PPE use and enforcing their use in required areas as well.

If it’s been a while since you’ve assessed your PPE situation, it’s time for a PPE review. Here are a few tips to help you keep your last line of defense in top condition.

8 Steps to Fine-Tuning Your PPE Program

Making sure that your PPE program is up to snuff is more than just counting goggles and hard hats. You need to periodically reassess your entire program from top to bottom. Here are 8 things to consider as you review your PPE program:

1. Changes in OSHA Regulations – Have there been any significant changes in regulations regarding PPE recently? Take the time to review OSHA PPE standards to make sure that your current program is compliant. As safety equipment and laws change, those requirements may change as well.

2. Count and Inspect Your PPE – While we said that fine-tuning your program is more than just counting goggles, making sure that you have the proper amount of PPE is a big part of a PPE review. You also need to inspect the PPE to make sure it is all in good, working condition – and that you have all the sizes needed for your workers. PPE that is damaged or an incorrect size can be extremely dangerous for your workers. The other thing to consider is whether or not that PPE is readily accessible to your employees when and where they need it. Consider how you can best store and display PPE for your workers.

3. Observe Worker Compliance – This can take some time, but establish a team to help out and observe your employees. Are they using PPE properly? It’s easy for one or two workers to get a little slack, which can lead to more workers following suit. Your PPE can’t be effective if it is not being used properly.

4. Inspect Your Workplace for Changes – How has your workplace changed recently? Has there been a redesign of the space? Are there any new machines or other equipment? Are you using new chemicals? Even the presence of new employees can affect your PPE program as they may have special needs or sizes to make the PPE work correctly for them. Once you’ve laid out all of your new variables, you can review how they affect your PPE program and what changes you may need to make.

5. Consider Visitors – Do you have PPE available for any visitors you may have to your facility? Even if that means special or extra PPE, it’s essential to remember that anyone who comes to your workplace deserves the same protection you offer to your team. Consider placing PPE dispensers at entrances – and instruct visitors to use all required equipment.

6. Review Your Training Program – How long has it been since you reviewed how your employees are trained with PPE? Do they get one-time training when they are hired or are they getting periodic refresher courses? Do they know how to determine correct fit? Do you have any new PPE that needs to be included? Look over your program to see if you need to make any updates or changes to keep up with your current PPE situation.

7. Consider PPE Maintenance – It’s important to keep your PPE in good working shape. Do your workers know how to properly clean, care for and maintain the PPE they use on a regular basis? Post PPE maintenance signs and quiz workers to gauge their knowledge of PPE maintenance and include it in your regular training program.

8. See What’s New – Have there been any new advancements in PPE? If there are better, stronger or more comfortable options out there, consider upgrading. Don’t make people wear PPE that doesn’t fit correctly. And don’t forget styling. When PPE looks good or even fashionable, it’s more likely to be worn. This is a good opportunity to evaluate costs as well. You don’t want to go cheap just to save a buck, but if you can find high-quality PPE for less than you’ve been paying, why not save that money in your safety budget for other safety uses?

Talk to Your Employees About PPE

Take the time to talk to individual team leaders and other employees. Be sure to be as diverse as you can. Getting perspectives from both genders and different races could open your eyes to issues you’d never even considered. Your employees are the ones who rely on your PPE to keep them safe. It’s only right that they should have a voice as you conduct your PPE review.

Once you’ve obtained all the information you need, take the appropriate actions to make your PPE program better than it was at the start of this process. Then, book a date in your calendar to do it all over again next year.

PPE Resources:

• Visit the OSHA Personal Protective Equipment page.
• Review OSHA PPE Standards.
• Read this Comprehensive Guide to PPE.
• Browse PPE signs and labels at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post The Right Gear for the Job: Review Your PPE Requirements appeared first on SafeWork Insider.