A blog focused on OSHA and MSHA compliance in the workplace
by Julia Banegas
How would the Trump administration’s government reorganization plan affect highly technical workplace safety programs, such as OSHA and MSHA? Part of the plan, announced June 21, 2018, proposes merging the Department of Labor (where OSHA and MSHA sit) and the Department Education into a new agency named the “Department of Education and the Workforce.”
OSHA’s new final silica rule that dramatically reduces allowable exposures to respirable crystalline silica takes effect this week for most employers. In particular, the rule kicks in on June 23, 2018 for employers in general industry, maritime companies, and hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in the oil and gas industry (for fracking, engineering controls still do not take effect until June 2021).
by Leah Kaiser
Nearly 18 months into the new administration, OSHA still has no confirmed leader. The nominee, Scott Mugno, awaits Senate confirmation. Nonetheless, OSHA’s regulatory agenda marches on with several rules moving from “long-term” to “short-term” priorities.
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.
OSHA has begun rulemaking efforts that could limit how much injury and illness information employers must submit electronically under a 2016 rule. Under the proposed changes, employers would only have to submit to OSHA the annual summary of injuries and illnesses, rather than also submitting logs and reports detailing each incident.
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.
Kim Slowey of Construction Dive reviews the top 10 OSHA penalties in construction under the Trump administration. She notes that while the new OSHA’s news releases may be toned down from the prior administration’s, “that doesn’t mean OSHA stopped citing and fining companies.”
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.
Illegal narcotics, prescription drug abuse and alcohol use are growing issues of concern in the workplace. Employers, particularly those with employees in safety-sensitive positions, must be vigilant and proactive. How can you best navigate the minefield of state and federal laws on drug and alcohol testing?
In the last two months, the healthcare industry has seen both federal and state efforts to further regulate healthcare worker safety. Stakeholders and other jurisdictions are keeping an eye on these developments, which could spread to other states, as well.
