Health & Safety Focus
A Plan to End Roadway Deaths
Motor-vehicle accidents are the single largest cause of work-related fatalities. A new report by the National Safety Council, The Road to Zero: A Vision for Achieving Zero Roadway Deaths by 2050, proposes a plan for the automotive industry, government agencies and safety and health advocates to join forces to end roadway fatalities.
Keeping Truckers Safe at Their Destinations
Truckers suffer struck-by, crushed-between and other injuries at docks, warehouses and construction sites. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) teamed with the trucking industry to develop a flyer reminding drivers and employers of important safety steps once a truck reaches its destination. Find the flyer and more information at www.osha.gov/SLTC/trucking_industry.
OSHA Issues Final Rule on Crane Operator Certification RequirementsOSHA issued its final rule on certification requirements for crane operators, requiring employers to train, certify and evaluate operators. Operators can be certified based on the crane's type and capacity, or type only, allowing more accredited testing organizations to meet OSHA's requirements. Most requirements became effective Dec. 9, 2018. Evaluation and documentation requirements took effect Feb. 7, 2019. See the news release.
Have a Conversation About Safety, Prevent Injuries
Every day, safety conversations among executives, managers, frontline supervisors and workers have great potential for improving workplace safety and health. OSHA's Safe + Sound Campaign resource provides tips for more effective safety programs, and highlights the importance of leading by example.
Opioid Overdoses in the Workplace
Workplace overdose deaths, many due to opioids, increased 38 percent annually between 2013 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A factsheet, "Using Naloxone to Reverse Opioid Overdose in the Workplace," by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health helps employers decide whether to make the overdose reversal medication available in their workplaces.
New Resources for Construction Industry
The Center for Construction Research and Training introduced online safety resources for employers including: preventing hearing loss, preventing lifting and moving injuries, personal protective equipment for women and effective leadership.