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.

Employer Liability

A National Safety Council (NSC) report provides eye-opening information on employer liability and the case for comprehensive cell phone policies. The paper includes sections with case studies, lawsuit awards, federal and state regulations and laws, employer roles, public perceptions and more. Here are some key excerpts from the report:

• An employer may be held legally accountable for negligent employee actions if the employee was acting within the scope of his or her employment at the time of a crash. The key phrase “acting within the scope of his or her employment” can and has been defined broadly in cases of crashes involving cell phones.
• If employers can show that they implemented a total ban policy, educated employees, monitored compliance and enforced the policy, they will be in a more defensible position than if they had not followed these practices.
• The best practice is to ban use of any cell phone device while driving in any vehicle during work hours or for work-related purposes.

The NSC has developed a cell phone policy kit with materials to assist employers with every step of policy development and implementation:

• Building management support to implement a total ban
• Getting employee buy-in to improve compliance
• Educating employees with ready-made promotional pieces

The kit includes a sample total cell phone ban policy and materials to educate management and employees about the risks of hands-free and handheld phones.

Improve Distracted Driving Awareness

Stop texting and driving

Though several distractions cause accidents, cell phones are a big one. NHTSA claims that sending or reading a text while driving 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed. So…not recommended.

Ensure your employees keep their eyes on the road while driving for work and during their commutes with a don’t text and drive poster.

Encourage forklift safety

Nearly 95,000 employees are injured each year due to forklift accidents, so your operators must be aware of their surroundings when driving. Driving a forklift while distracted could result in a crash that causes inventory to fall on the forklift or a collision with someone walking through the warehouse.

In other instances, distracted driving could cause the forklift to roll right off the loading dock. None of these situations end well for your operator. So make sure they are aware and drive with care.

Promote safe driving in construction zones

More than 20,000 workers are injured at road construction sites each year, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Not only do your employees need to use caution when driving construction equipment, but they need to keep their eyes on the road when entering, exiting, or driving by construction zones. Work Zone Awareness Week occurs during Safe Driving Month to help keep road workers safe.

Encourage safe driving in construction zones and promote awareness when operating construction equipment, especially when backing up. Check these Tips for Backing Up Vehicles Safely.

Keep workers safe on their commute 

Your responsibility for employees’ safety starts and ends the minute they walk through the door, so their commute to and from work isn’t technically your domain. But if you care about your workers—and you should—April is a great time to remind them to drive safely by hanging a safety poster near the exit closest to your parking lot.  

Host a distracted driving awareness meeting

Distracted Driving Awareness Month means you get to host a safety meeting. Ensure you have all the materials you need to drive your point home: Accidents caused by distracted driving are preventable. During Distracted Driving Awareness Month, urge your employees to keep their eyes on the road and drive carefully. 

Free Distracted Driving Resources:

• Download the NSC Safe Driving Kit here.
• Visit the NSC Distracted Driving Awareness Month page for more resources.
• Browse cell phone and texting rules signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post April is Distracted Driving Month. These Resources Will Help Protect Your Employees and Your Business appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

How much ladder accidents cost

Falls are in the top three most disabling workplace injuries, and $17.1 billion is spent on workplace falls, according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. And ladders are #6 on OSHA’s top 10 most cited violations list.

ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable, but without better safety planning and training and continuous innovation in product design, we will continue to see far too many fatalities.

National Ladder Safety Month goals include:

• Increase the number of ladder training certificates issued by ALI
• Lower the rankings of ladder-related citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
• Decrease ladder-related injuries and fatalities
• Increase the number of competent ladder inspector training sessions
• Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

Ladder safety will also be an important component of OSHA’s annual National Safety Stand-Down in May.

Have you tried the NIOSH ladder safety app that includes straight and step ladders?

Key elements of ladder safety:

What is a ladder weight rating?
A ladder’s weight rating is the combined weight of the climber and whatever the climber is carrying. Do not forget to account for equipment or accessories when selecting a ladder with the proper weight rating.

A taller ladder does NOT equate to a higher weight rating
To ensure you are using the right ladder for the job, check the Duty Rating of your ladder. The Duty Rating is the total amount of weight your ladder will support: Your weight plus the weight of your clothing and protective equipment plus the weight of tools and supplies you are using.

Ladder and fall safety applies at any height
More often than not, ladder injuries are caused by people using them incorrectly. An American Ladder Institute survey found 3 of 4 participants felt ladder accidents in their workplace could have been avoided with training.

Here’s how you can get involved and help improve safety
at your workplace:

• Learn more and sign up for Ladder Safety Month materials. 
• View free safety training modules.
• Plan for the National Safety Stand-down in May. 
• Review OSHA Standard 1926.1053 on stairways and ladders. 
• This study of workplace ladder falls offers insights. 
• Browse ladder safety signs and labels.

The post March is National Ladder Safety Month appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Every year, exposure to harmful chemicals causes over 190,000 illnesses and injuries in U.S. businesses. Whether your company is large or small, personnel who come into contact with corrosive chemicals need to know how to use a spill kit. What is a spill kit and how do you use it effectively?

How To Use a Spill Kit

A chemical spill kit is a set of items for cleaning up hazardous chemicals safely. Spill kits have three purposes:

• Containment: To prevent hazardous spills from spreading
• Neutralization: To minimize the risks from spilled chemicals
• Removal: To dispose of hazardous materials properly

Follow safety guidelines and refer to the appropriate Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to achieve these objectives.

Communicate

When a spill occurs, Inform qualified personnel, such as the safety team. Cordon off the area using caution tape, floor signs or barricade safety tags per OSHA requirements.

Identify

Find out which chemical is involved, then check SDS cleanup guidelines. When your organization follows OSHA labeling requirements for hazardous chemicals, personnel can identify products quickly. Our helpful Chemical Sign Selector Tool makes it easy to find GHS labels, hazmat signs, NFPA diamonds and pictograms.

Gear Up

Cleanup personnel should wear full personal protective equipment. This may involve chemical-resistant gloves, safety goggles, lab coats and aprons.

Neutralize

Use the appropriate compound to neutralize hazardous chemicals, such as sodium bicarbonate or soda ash for acids and ascorbic or citric acid for bases. Follow SDS dilution guidelines.

Contain

Prevent the spill from spreading using a physical barrier. Chemical-resistant brooms, scoops or brushes can help.

Absorb

Use absorbent materials from your spill kit to clean up the neutralized chemicals, working from the outside toward the center. Kits may contain paper towels, cat litter, absorbent pillows or safety pads.

Dispose

Dispose of paper towels, sweeping compound, rags, absorbent pillows and other cleanup materials. Use a plastic container with appropriate markings for hazardous materials.

How To Maximize Safety With Spill Kits

Manufacturers, research labs and industrial businesses work with hazardous chemicals frequently. Knowing how to use a spill kit correctly is essential for safety.

Identify Spill Kits Clearly

Store spill kits in areas where chemical spills are likely, such as on the wall near production lines. Use prominent spill kit signage so your personnel can see the closest kit immediately in an emergency.

Create a Positive Workplace Culture Around Spill Kits

About one in three lab workers don’t inform a supervisor about workplace accidents. Encourage employees to be swift and proactive when spills occur instead of assigning blame.

Check Spill Kits Periodically

Make sure neutralizing substances in your spill kit remain effective. Check expiration dates and replace items as needed.

Provide Spill Kit Training Sessions

Tools and training are both important. Show employees what to do and coordinate practice cleanup sessions.

Use the Correct Spill Kit

A chemical spill kit can be used for many acids, bases and solvents. Mercury spills need specialized cleanup kits. For water-reactive chemicals, flammable liquids, hydrofluoric acids and toxic materials, contact emergency personnel immediately.

How To Use a Spill Kit for Worker Safety

Put people ahead of other concerns. Follow safety guidelines without exceptions. Consult each chemical’s SDS for detailed instructions on how to use a spill kit for cleanup. Browse our chemical safety signs to warn your personnel effectively.

The post What Is a Chemical Spill Kit and How Do You Use It? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

Seasonal flu contributes to some 17 million lost workdays and 200,000 hospitalizations every season. Each year, some 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and in recent years, flu activity has remained elevated for 21 weeks! Employers can play an important role in preventing flu, helping protect employee health and reducing losses in productivity and revenue.

Here’s important information from OSHA and the CDC on how to protect workers from seasonal flu when their jobs involve contact with coworkers and the general public. This information provides a baseline for infection control during a seasonal flu outbreak, but it may not be enough to protect workers during a pandemic.(There are different specific recommendations for Healthcare workers.) The CDC urges all businesses to help keep employees healthy during flu season. ComplianceSigns provides flu vaccinations for our employees, and we encourage you to do the same.

Basic Flu Precautions for Most Workplaces

Encourage Workers to Get Vaccinated for the Flu

Encourage workers to get the seasonal flu vaccine when it is available. Consider hosting a flu vaccination clinic in your workplace. Vaccination is the most effective means of preventing flu and protecting workers from seasonal flu. Vaccines take time to become effective, so early vaccination is important. Don’t wait until people are sick to hold a vaccination clinic.

Encourage Sick Workers to Stay Home

Encourage sick workers to stay home. The CDC recommends that workers who have a fever and respiratory symptoms stay at home until 24 hours after their fever ends (100 F or lower), without the use of medication. Not everyone who has the flu will have a fever. Other symptoms could include a runny nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Develop flexible leave policies that encourage workers to stay home, without penalty, if they are sick. Discuss other human resource policies with staff, including administrative leave transfer between employees, pay policy for sick leave, childcare options, and what to do when ill during travel.

Develop a Policy for Workers and Clients Who Become Ill in the Workplace

Develop a policy on how to deal with workers and clients who may be ill with the flu and communicate it to your workers. Determine who will be responsible for assisting ill individuals in the workplace and make sure that at least one person can serve as the “go to” person if someone becomes sick in the workplace. Consider how to separate ill workers from others, or give them a surgical mask to wear until they can go home.

Promote Hand Hygiene and Cough Etiquette

Post handwashing signs that tell workers, visitors, and clients the steps for proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Handwashing is the easiest and most effective defense against illness, and a 2017 found 44% of men said they were more likely to wash their hands after seeing a sign that requires employees to wash before returning to work. Workers, visitors, and clients should have easy access to supplies such as:

• “No touch” wastebaskets for used tissues;
• Soap and water;
• Alcohol-based hand rubs;
• Disposable towels;
• Cleaning and sanitation materials.

Keep the Workplace Clean

Frequently clean all commonly touched work surfaces, work areas, and equipment (e.g., telephones, doorknobs, lunch areas, countertops, copiers, etc.). Use your standard cleaning agents and follow the label directions. No additional disinfection beyond routine cleaning is recommended by CDC. Provide disinfectants and disposable towels for workers to use to clean their work spaces and surfaces and to keep work areas clean.

Educate Workers About the Flu

Train employees about how flu can be transmitted in the workplace and what precautions they can use to protect themselves from seasonal flu. Provide information about the following:

• Signs, symptoms, and complications of the flu
• Policies and procedures for reporting flu symptoms, using sick leave, and returning to work
• Vaccination
• Any required work practices

The CDC has identified groups that have a higher risk for complications from seasonal flu (e.g., elderly, pregnant women, small children, persons with asthma, etc.). Inform workers that some people are at higher risk of complications from flu and suggest that they talk to their doctor about their own risk and what to do if they become ill.

Address Business Travel and Flu Sickness While Traveling

Reconsider business travel to areas with high illness rates. The CDC recommends the following measures for workers who becomes ill while on travel:

• Advise workers who become ill while traveling or on temporary assignment to notify their supervisors.
• Workers who become ill while traveling and are at increased risk of flu complications and others concerned about their illness should promptly call a healthcare provider.
• Advise workers to check themselves for fever and any other signs of flu-like illness before starting travel and to notify their supervisors and stay home if they feel ill.

Be Prepared

Following these precautions can help protect your workers – and your business – from seasonal flu regardless of flu level. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares updated guidance annually for protecting individuals from seasonal flu. Each year the vaccine is revised to protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common in the current season.

Pandemic flu remains a concern for employers and workers. A pandemic can occur at any time and can be mild, moderate, or severe. Although the pandemic H1N1 flu in 2009 was considered by CDC to be mild, it created significant challenges for employers and workers and showed that many workplaces were not prepared.

Seasonal Flu Resources for the Workplace:

• Visit the OSHA Seasonal Flu page.
• Visit the CDC Flu Season page. 
• Flu information for businesses and employers. 
• Browse Hand Washing Signs at ComplianceSigns.com.

The post Workplace Safety and the Flu – How To Protect Workers appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

In late March, 2023, in Midland County, Texas, a crude oil pipeline controller altered the receiving tanks at a crude station without first alleviating the pressure, resulting in an elevated pressure situation within an interconnected pipeline. Consequently, a valve along the pipeline was automatically closed, leading to the rupture of a filter pot. While leak detection alarms promptly activated, the pipeline controller persisted in pumping crude oil through the compromised filter for approximately two and a half hours, resulting in the spillage of approximately 402,000 gallons of crude oil. 

That’s over 400,000 gallons of oil spilling into the natural environment. This devastating event serves as a stark reminder of the complex network of pipelines that crisscross our world, transferring vital resources from one place to another. But while pipelines are indispensable in facilitating the transportation of oil, gas, water, and other substances, they also come with a range of risks and environmental consequences.

What Are Pipelines, and What Do They Transfer?

Pipelines are a crucial component of our modern infrastructure, serving as arteries that transport various substances across vast distances. They consist of interconnected pipes made from different materials, including steel and plastic, designed to withstand the high pressure required for efficient transfer. Pipelines primarily transport four types of substances:

• Oil and Gas: The most common application of pipelines is in the transportation of crude oil, natural gas, and refined petroleum products. These pipelines traverse continents, ensuring a steady supply of energy resources to power our homes, vehicles, and industries.
• Chemicals: Pipelines also transport chemicals ranging from corrosive acids to volatile gasses, necessitating strict safety measures.
• Slurries: Some pipelines carry solid-liquid mixtures, known as slurries. These can include coal-water slurries or sewage, and they require specialized equipment for efficient transportation.

Types of Accidents and Environmental Effects

Despite their importance, pipelines can experience accidents that result in severe consequences for both the environment and the owning company. Some of the most common types of accidents involving pipelines include:

1. Leaks and Spills: One of the primary concerns with oil and gas pipelines is the occurrence of leaks and spills. These incidents can result from corrosion, equipment failure, or human error. When they happen, they can have devastating environmental effects, contaminating soil, water bodies, and impacting wildlife.
2. Explosions and Fires: Natural gas pipelines are particularly susceptible to explosions and fires. These incidents can result from leaks, faulty equipment, or unauthorized tampering. Such events pose immediate dangers to human lives and can lead to extensive property damage.
3. Pipeline Ruptures: Ruptures can occur due to factors like ground movement, construction activities, or material fatigue. They can release massive quantities of substances, posing risks to communities and ecosystems.
4. Structural Failures: Over time, pipelines may suffer from structural degradation, leading to cracks, holes, or even complete breaches. This can occur due to factors like corrosion, material fatigue, or inadequate maintenance.

The negative environmental effects of these accidents are far-reaching and can include soil, water, and air pollution as well as significant wildlife impact. Some chemicals can even cause major ecosystem disruption that can have cascading effects over years, if not decades on the impacted area. 

Financial Effects for Owning Companies

Pipeline accidents not only have severe environmental consequences but also come with significant financial implications for the owning companies. Four major consequences to consider can include:

1. Cleanup Costs: The immediate cost of responding to and mitigating the impact of an accident can be astronomical. Cleanup efforts may involve hiring specialized teams, equipment, and resources.
2. Legal Liabilities: Companies may face lawsuits from affected individuals, communities, and regulatory authorities seeking compensation for damages, cleanup, and environmental restoration.
3. Reputation Damage: Pipeline accidents can tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to loss of investor confidence, reduced stock value, and difficulty in securing future projects.
4. Regulatory Penalties: Violations of environmental regulations can result in hefty fines and penalties, further straining a company’s finances.

Preventing Pipeline Accidents and the Role of Safety Signs

Prioritizing the prevention of pipeline accidents is crucial, as it serves to safeguard both the environment and the financial interests of the owning companies. Several steps can be taken to enhance pipeline safety.

Firstly, regular inspections and maintenance are essential. By implementing a strong program for inspection and maintenance, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they escalate into critical problems. This involves conducting routine checks, managing corrosion, and upgrading equipment as needed.

Secondly, employee training plays a pivotal role. Providing comprehensive training to all personnel involved in pipeline operations is vital. Such training not only reduces the risk of human error but also enhances safety awareness among the workforce.

Additionally, advanced monitoring systems are instrumental in improving safety. Installing state-of-the-art monitoring systems allows for real-time detection of leaks, pressure fluctuations, and other anomalies. This capability enables a swift response to any emerging issues.

Furthermore, the deployment of safety signs and markings is critical. Safety signs fulfill a vital role in alerting workers, contractors, and the public to potential hazards and safety procedures. By ensuring that proper signage is in place, accidents can be prevented, and awareness of the risks associated with pipelines can be raised.

ComplianceSigns.com: Your Partner in Pipeline Safety

Pipelines are a vital part of our modern world, enabling the efficient transportation of energy resources, water, chemicals, and more. However, they also pose significant risks, as witnessed in recent pipeline accidents that have had devastating environmental and financial consequences. Preventing such accidents requires a commitment to robust safety measures, including regular inspections, employee training, and the use of safety signs and markers.

When it comes to enhancing pipeline safety through safety signs and markings, ComplianceSigns.com is your trusted partner. They offer a wide range of high-quality safety signs, labels, and markers designed to meet industry standards and regulations. Whether you need warning signs for pipeline crossings, hazardous material labels, or instructional signage for workers, ComplianceSigns.com has the products to keep your pipeline operations safe and compliant.

For all your safety signage needs, contact ComplianceSigns.com. Together, we can ensure that pipelines remain a lifeline of resources while minimizing their potential liabilities. Let’s work towards a future where the environment is protected because your pipelines are, too.

The post Pipelines: The Lifeline and Liability of Our Energy Infrastructure 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 Date for Safe Schools Week

As an advocate for secure, safe and peaceful schools, the NSSC works tirelessly to provide resources, information and training services to school communities and their safety partners worldwide. It selects the dates for Safe Schools Week, with the following already published for the next few years.

• October 15-21, 2023
• October 20-26, 2024
• October 19-25, 2025

The third week in October, running from Sunday to Saturday, is the official designation for the awareness event.

The Goal of Raising Awareness

This special week set aside each year hopes to empower staff, students, administrators, and others to proactively create a safe learning environment. While the focus will vary by institution, the underlying goal is to generate conversations and develop strategies that address the school system’s safety risks.

For the most comprehensive strategies to evolve, the discussion must involve anyone involved with the school system. School safety ideas need to be on an individual, community and institutional level, which is why there is a wide range of people to be involved in strategic planning. Key input and considerations should include:

• School board members
• School employees
• Students and parents
• Community residents (including senior citizens)
• Service groups
• Business leaders
• Community representatives like law enforcement, government officials and media representatives

Open and transparent communication during Safe Schools Week between these groups will foster a sense of respect and trust in the effectiveness of a school's safety program and its focus.

The Focus of Safety Precautions

When considering school safety, it’s much more than addressing the threat of gun violence or bullying. Because of the significant and devastating impact these issues have on an entire school system, these are often the focal point of safety strategies. However, schools also need to consider the daily activities that could potentially lead to injuries or harm to students, staff, parents, visitors and more. Comprehensive school safety plans should include signage in schools since these are instructional elements that serve as directions or instructions during particular emergencies or events.

One particular area of focus should be the safe transport, drop off and pick up of students. Traffic congestion, bus schedules, dark mornings and rainy weather are just a few of the concerns that can lead to child safety concerns during a school day. Many schools address these risks with adequate lighting, roadway markings, reduced speed limits and school zone signs. While on the property, teachers and administrators rely on school crossing signs to drive awareness to motorists on the road.

Support Safe Schools Week

During Safe Schools Week, you can actively make a safer environment for your children and those of the community. ComplianceSigns, LLC carries a wide range of quality signage for many organizations, many of which support safety from the playgrounds to the classrooms across your campus. Order your signs today.

The post Safe Schools Week: Use the Right Signage in Schools appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

However, when it comes to workplace safety, the situation is multifaceted. Despite the existence of regulations and safety measures, the data indicates that we still have work to do to ensure that every worker can go to work and return home safely each day. 

Workplace Injury Statistics: The Unveiling

Now, let’s dig into the concrete facts and figures surrounding workplace injuries. To do this, we turn to the most reliable sources of information, such as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which meticulously compiles data on work-related injuries and fatalities.

As of the most recent available data, workplace injuries remain a significant concern. In 202 (the most recent data available), the BLS reported 2.6 million injury and illness cases. That’s down 18% from 2020.

Occupational fatalities, while a somber statistic, also demand our attention. In 2021, 5,190 workers lost their lives due to workplace accidents. This is up 8.9%  2020, but the pandemic kept many people home that year. Both 2018 and 2019 had more workplace fatalities. We want to see this number go down every year, and the overall trend over the past three decades shows that we’re making progress., 

Identifying Trends and Challenges

Understanding workplace safety requires dissecting the data to identify trends and challenges. One prominent trend is the disproportionate impact on certain industries. According to the National Security Council’s injury facts webpage the following industries stand out:

• Construction– experienced the most workplace deaths
• Education and health services– experienced the most nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work
• Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting– experienced the highest death rate per 100,000 workers
• Transportation and warehousing– experienced the highest injury and illness rate involving days away from work per 10,000 workers

It’s pretty easy to see how these trends develop. Industries that involve heavy physical labor in difficult conditions and using machinery have more fatalities. Lesser injuries and illnesses are prevalent in industries that involve spending a lot of time around many other people in enclosed environments. 

Another challenge lies in the types of injuries most commonly reported. Slips, trips, and falls are very common. Injuries due to overexertion or repetitive motion are up there as well. Contact with objects and equiptment is right up there as well. Addressing these specific injury types through targeted prevention measures is essential to reducing overall injury rates.

The Role of Regulations and Enforcement

Workplace safety is not solely the responsibility of employers and employees. Regulatory bodies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) play a vital role in setting and enforcing safety standards. OSHA’s mission is to “ improve the safety of working conditions in the United States by providing technical assistance to employers and setting and enforcing workplace safety and health standards. OSHA conducts inspections, gives citations, levies penalties, provides consultations, and offers a wide variety of programs designed to help employers improve working conditions and reduce on-the-job hazards.”

While regulations are crucial, their effectiveness depends on adherence and enforcement. In some cases, violations of safety standards still occur, leading to accidents and injuries. OSHA’s penalties for safety violations in 2023 are:

As you can see, these fines can become very significant for any company that receives a violation, especially if they do not correct it in a timely manner. What’s more, these fines can tarnish the company’s public image, make recruiting more difficult, and even leave them open to potential lawsuits. 

Smart companies don’t try to avoid getting caught with safety violations, they strive to find and eliminate potential safety risks for the sake of their employees. OSHA should be a partner in safety, not a threat.

Improvements in Safety Culture

Amidst the challenges, there are positive developments in the realm of workplace safety. Many organizations have embraced the concept of a safety culture, where safety is deeply ingrained in the company’s DNA.

Employee training and awareness programs have also played a significant role in reducing workplace injuries. When workers are well-informed and proactive about safety, the likelihood of accidents decreases. Let’s take a look at some compelling reasons for implementing comprehensive safety training programs for your employees:

• 3.2 Million Non-Fatal Workplace Injuries in 2020: In the United States alone, approximately 3.2 million non-fatal workplace injuries occurred in the year 2020. 

• Over 600,000 Fatalities from Hazardous Substances in 2020: Alarmingly, more than 600,000 individuals lost their lives due to exposure to hazardous substances in 2020. 

• Slips and Falls as Leading Causes of Workplace Injuries: Slips and falls emerged as the predominant causes of workplace injuries, accounting for a staggering 75% of all occupational injuries. 

• OSHA’s Cost-Saving Insights: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investing in safety training yields substantial returns. In fact, for every dollar invested in safety training, organizations can save between $4 to $6. 

• Fostering a Safe Working Culture: Establishing a robust training program and raising awareness among your workforce can foster a culture of safety within your organization. Companies with well-trained employees consistently report lower rates of injuries and fatalities. 

The statistics presented here are a compelling testament to the necessity of prioritizing safety education and awareness within your organization. By investing in comprehensive safety training, you not only enhance workplace safety but also contribute to a culture where employees can thrive without compromising their well-being.

Are We Making Safer Workplaces?

So what are these numbers telling us? Have we made progress? Under a magnifying glass, it looks like we’re heading the wrong way. But, the workplace landscape has changed dramatically thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

To get a true look at our progress, you need to use a broader lens. Here are the recorded work-related injuries and illness incidents reported at the beginning of each of the last six decades. 

1980 –  8.7 per 100 full-time workers

1990 –  8.8 per 100 full-time workers

2000 – 6.1 per 100 full-time workers

2010 – 3.5 per 100 full-time workers

2020 – 2.7 per 100 full-time workers

This data shows a relatively steady rate of improvement over an extended period of time which means, yes, we are getting better. 

Making Tomorrow’s Workplace Safer Than Ever

In the grand scheme of improving safety in our lives, workplace safety is a critical piece of the puzzle. While we’ve made commendable progress in many areas, the statistics remind us that there is still work to be done. Every injury or fatality is a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant and committed to enhancing workplace safety.

Identifying trends, addressing industry-specific challenges, enforcing regulations, fostering a culture of safety, and implementing effective training programs are all steps in the right direction. However, one often overlooked aspect of workplace safety is the power of safety signage.

Safety signage serves as a visual reminder of potential hazards and safety protocols. Clear, well-placed signage can prevent accidents and injuries by guiding employees and visitors to make informed decisions. In this digital age, the impact of physical safety signage should not be underestimated.

Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands constant attention and improvement. By acknowledging the challenges, enforcing regulations, fostering safety culture, and harnessing the power of safety signage, we can continue our journey toward safer workplaces where every individual can return home unharmed at the end of the day. Together, we can build a safer, more secure future for all workers.

The post The State of Workplace Safety: Are We Getting Any Better? appeared first on SafeWork Insider.

What Is an NEP?

NEPs are directives that focus OSHA inspectors on specific areas of workplace safety around specific hazards or workplaces. The department enacts them to respond to newly identified threats and needs that could use its resources and expertise.

The department enacts NEPs to create safer, healthier work environments. It regularly evaluates old and new NEPs based on injury and illness data, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports, peer-reviewed literature, OSHA inspection data and inspection findings.

NEPs help create safety standards by completing training, providing technical assistance and reaching out to struggling workplaces.

What’s in the New Warehouse NEP?

According to OSHA, the new NEP comes after seeing the significant growth of warehousing and distribution centers over the past decade. There are now nearly 2 million people working in the industry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that with the growth came increased rates of severe injury and illnesses — far more than private industry. Some sectors showed numbers that were twice as high as their nonpublic counterparts.

This latest NEP is a three-year emphasis program where OSHA will determine the causes of these hazards and work with establishments to mitigate them. The risks most commonly relate to falling, handling and storing materials, unsafe walking or working surfaces, industrial vehicle operation, lack of fire protection and blocked emergency exits. Further discovered issues will be added to the list to work on.

Two lists determine who will be evaluated. The first is workplaces with industry codes stated in the NEP. The second involves retailers with high rates of injury and illnesses — often related to loading and unloading materials.

Another part of the program involves evaluating ergonomic and heat-related hazards. OSHA may conduct a health inspection if it finds these in a workplace.

States must adopt the warehouse NEP or offer an alternative with equal standards.

What Does It Mean for Your Workplace?

Depending on your workplace, a lot could happen. Preparing and evaluating before an inspection can protect your workers and prevent violations.

There are two reasons your company could get inspected under the new NEP:

1. You are a retailer with significant illness and injury rates, causing employees to take time off, work at limited duty or transfer positions.
2. You are directly involved in an industry with codes evaluated in the NEP. These include the following:

• Warehouses
• Product distribution
• Postal service
• Mail carriers
• Delivery services
• Couriers

Contact your OSHA office if you need help determining whether your establishments fall under the program.

OSHA’S INSPECTION PRIORITIES

Under the new directive, OSHA will select worksites to inspect using gathered data on the number of incidents. It will supply its satellite offices with a master list of high-risk workplaces. It will also contact each office with high-risk retailers in their jurisdiction.

Local inspectors must complete assessments of the identified establishments by the end of next year. You can check your area office lists to see if you will likely be inspected. If you are, don’t stress. It’s always intimidating to have an inspector around, but it is for the safety of everyone involved. There will likely be opportunities to correct any negative findings if you’re honest and cooperative. That’s what the NEP is all about.

PREPARING FOR INSPECTION

You can do several things to prepare for an OSHA inspection related to the new warehouse NEP. Ensure the following are in place at your company:

• Training that complies with current OSHA guidelines
• Updated employee health records and incident reports
• Clear signs of injury prevention measures, such as protective equipment and clear walkways
• A maintenance schedule that corresponds to current OSHA guidance
• Health and safety policies for each division that meets current standards

Place special focus on trucks, electrical hazards, fire risks, locks, storage, heat illness potential, ergonomic issues, exit routes and potentially hazardous materials.

THE INSPECTION PROCESS

Each inspection could look different, but most begin when an OSHA inspector provides an opening statement to managers and employees. They will then request relative documentation and walk through your facility.

The inspector will interview employees and review their health records. Each NEP has specific criteria for what should and should not get cited in the inspection. The new program also covers any potential retaliation, protecting workers who report rules and behaviors that would fall under violation of health and safety standards.

During your inspection, you may receive anti-retaliation information and related resources for you and your workers. Employees who experience retaliation or fear they’re at risk of it can file a report with the Whistleblower Protection Program. The program protects workers that mention workplace noncompliance.

You can take measures to resolve violations, such as using safer materials in and around your building and providing better personal protective equipment to employees.

How the Program Will Enhance Workplace Safety

The new NEP aims to tackle critical safety issues in warehousing, distribution and retail spaces. Under its focus, OSHA will inform workplaces on what can improve and help them pave the path to a safer, healthier workforce.

OSHA will evaluate effectiveness at the end of the program year. The department will examine the number of employees the NEP impacted, the violations found, targeted hazards removed from included workplaces and the measures used to eliminate the risks.

It’s easy to fall behind on safety education and implementation, but following guidelines that preserve your workforce as industries evolve is vital. The people involved in your organization keep it going. You ethically and legally need to ensure their well-being under your roof.

It would help if you didn’t think of OSHA as a dominating force but as a tool to ensure your and other facilities are as safe as possible for anyone who enters them. The better you follow current guidelines, the smoother your operation can run since your employees can dodge more potential obstacles.

Contact your local OSHA office if you have concerns about how the NEP could impact your business. You can also find more information on the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics website.

Creating a Safer Workplace

Worker safety should be the top priority of any employer. Dedicated researchers and inspectors are necessary to provide the best information on running compliant operations. OSHA’s new warehouse NEP can help you create a safer workplace.

Browse material handling signs and labels to help keep your warehouse or distribution center safe and compliant.

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