OSHA regulations

OSHA issues temporary enforcement guidance for respirator fit-testing in healthcare during COVID-19

March 18, 2020

OSHA has issued new temporary guidance regarding the enforcement of OSHA’s Respiratory Protection standard. This guidance is aimed at ensuring healthcare workers have full access to needed N95 respiratory protection in light of anticipated shortages

Blocked exits, unsanitary bathrooms at Pa. Dollar Tree store

March 9, 2020

OSHA has cited Dollar Tree Stores Inc. for exit and storage hazards at a store located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The national discount retailer faces $296,861 in penalties. Responding to a complaint, OSHA inspectors found blocked emergency exits, unsecured compressed gas cylinders, unsanitary bathrooms, electrical panels not properly maintained and materials stacked unsafely. OSHA cited Dollar Tree for two willful, one repeat and two other-than-serious violations for these conditions.

What employers need to know about reporting workplace fatalities, severe injuries

March 9, 2020

All employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. An in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or eye loss must be reported within 24 hours.

Not so fast: "OSHA-compliant" headphone claims are false

January 7, 2020

A quick online search of hearing protection/headphones using the term, “OSHA-compliant” invariably returns a list of various devices offering different features, such as: OSHA-compliant Bluetooth Hearing Protection; OSHA-compliant Professional Hearing Protection; OSHA-compliant Wireless Noise Reduction In-Ear Headphones; OSHA-compliant Noise Isolating Earbuds. The problem?

2020 Top Standards: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

NFPA 652 standard on fundamentals of combustible dust

January 1, 2020

As defined by OSHA, combustible dust is “a solid material composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape or chemical composition, which can present a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations.”

How do I ship a lithium battery?

Start with these four questions to simplify your compliance responsibilities.

December 16, 2019

Lithium battery regulations are complex and constantly evolving. If you’re just starting out with lithium battery shipping, answering the four questions in this guide will help you determine how stringently your shipment will be regulated and where to find the rules you need to ensure compliance.

Editor's Note

OSHA – the good, the bad, the future

“Our Savior Has Arrived” once said safety pros. That was long ago.

Dave Johnson

October 1, 2019

We’re coming up on an anniversary: in 1970 Congress passed and President Richard Nixon signed into the law the Occupational Safety and Health Act, creating the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA.

Recent OSHA Enforcement Cases

September 13, 2019

OSHA cited Graphic Packaging International LLC – an Atlanta, Georgia-based paper product manufacturer – for exposing employees to hot steam, and failing to ensure the use of proper hazardous energy control methods. The company faces $211,400 in proposed fines.

Neglect leaves OSHA short-staffed and leaderless

Desperate hours at the agency?

Dave Johnson

June 18, 2019

In OSHA’s 48-year-old history, the agency has experienced desperate hours on a regular schedule. The agency opened its door in 1971. Before the decade was out a “STOP OSHA” lobbying movement was underway. In 1979, Republican Senator Richard Schweiker of Pennsylvania proposed an “OSHA Improvements Act” which would have exempted from inspections all employers, large or small, regardless of industry, with good safety records. It was defeated in 1980.

During this webinar, we will share knowledge, real world examples, and lessons learned from years of Safety Management Experience gained from working with OSHA, and various industries including defense, construction, utilities, and industrial facilities management.

In this webinar, we will discuss the effects of cold stress and heat stress and what employers can do to keep their workers safe in these extreme conditions.