As the Trump Administration pursues its agenda of de-regulation, OSHA issued a policy memo recently, reversing course on a key part of its approach to the Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). According to a May 30th memo, which revised a 2013 policy (“Memorandum #7”), OSHA will no longer automatically issue an Intent to Terminate Notice (ITT) to companies on VPP when certain events occur. Instead, the agency will take a more deferential and conciliatory approach to overseeing VPP participants. The changes implemented by the May 2018 memo took effect immediately.
Compliance tips
OSHA adds new silica compliance materials – slides, videos, and FAQ
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
Need training materials and background information for your construction workforce on OSHA’s new silica rule? The agency recently added to its web site a number of materials that may come in handy, particularly for those in the construction industry.
OSHA promotes next week as Safe + Sound week with ideas for your company
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
OSHA and a long list of public and private partners are promoting next week as Safe + Sound Week. The goal is to raise awareness about the value of integrated safety and health programs in workplaces. Companies looking to participate in local public events or hold their own can find resources and ideas at the OSHA Safe + Sound web site.
OSHA suspends and may delete requirement to electronically submit detailed injury/illness data
By Brad Hiles & Avi Meyerstein on
Yesterday (July 30), OSHA published a proposed rule to amend its Injury & Illness Record-keeping standard, 29 CFR Part 1904. OSHA proposes two significant changes that address long-standing industry concerns.
MSHA posts sample workplace exam forms online
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, MSHA
As its new workplace exam rule took effect this month, MSHA has been posting sample workplace exam forms that mine operators may wish to use. While MSHA does not explicitly say that the forms are “official” or “approved,” the implication is that MSHA would accept these forms as complying with the new rule.
OSHA and industry mark National Forklift Safety Day
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
Today, OSHA and industry observe National Forklift Safety Day to raise awareness about the the importance of powered industrial truck safety. In anticipation, OSHA is promoting its extensive online forklift safety resources.
Thought you were off the hook? Now, employers in state plan states must submit OSHA injury data, too.
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
When a number of states with their own OSHA plans had not implemented new regulations similar to OSHA’s 2016 injury and illness electronic reporting rule, many employers in those states believed they would simply be off the hook until the states caught up. Based on a recent notice, OSHA disagrees.
MSHA announces more workplace exam stakeholder meetings
By Donna Pryor on
MSHA has announced an additional in-person meeting and two video teleconferences to provide outreach and compliance assistance on the new workplace examination rule for metal and nonmetal mines. One of the video conferences occurs after the new examination rule takes effect on June 2nd.
MSHA Apr. 30th stakeholder call to focus on powered haulage – a “priority issue”
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, MSHA
As MSHA’s leadership has traveled the country in recent months, one area of concern they raised repeatedly was powered haulage accidents. Now, the agency is focusing more attention on this “priority issue” with its upcoming quarterly stakeholder call.
Need an OSHA-authorized trainer? Check out OSHA’s new online database.
By Avi Meyerstein on
Posted in Compliance tips, OSHA
Need an authorized instructor to train your team? OSHA has launched a new online database of trainers who provide 10-hour and 30-hour OSHA outreach training courses. The site (available here) is searchable by location and provides contact information to email or call each trainer.