Latest News from NIOSH: Heat Stress, Aerial Lifts, Oil & Gas Hazard Alert

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New Heat Stress Information

NIOSH has released the updated Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Heat and Hot Environments. Occupational exposure to heat can result in injuries, illnesses, reduced productivity and death. To address this hazard, NIOSH has evaluated the scientific literature on heat and hot environments, and the Institute has updated the criteria document, which was last revised in 1986.

Hazard Alert for Oil and Gas Workers

A new joint NIOSH and OSHA hazard alert identifies health and safety risks to oil and gas industry workers who manually gauge or sample fluids on production and flowback tanks. “Health and Safety Risks for Workers Involved in Manual Tank Gauging and Sampling at Oil and Gas Extraction Sites,” specifically recommends how employers can protect workers from hazards that occur when tank hatches are opened to manually gauge or sample hydrocarbon levels.

New Web Page Addresses Aerial Lift Injuries

Aerial lifts – powered and mobile platforms used for raising workers to various heights – are popular at construction, warehousing and many other job sites. Learn about the fall-related risks and recommended safe work practices associated with this equipment by visiting the new NIOSH Aerial Lifts web page. While you’re there, test the Hazard Recognition Simulator, which is designed to help users acclimate to aerial lift operation.

Visit the OSHA Heat Exposure page.
OSHA Standard 1926.453 Aerial Lifts.
Browse Safety Signs & Labels at ComplianceSigns.com.