☕OSHA Changes Effective August 26th

Good morning! We are deeply saddened by the immense destruction caused by Hurricane Helene. Our hearts go out to the countless individuals and communities affected by this catastrophic event.

THIS WEEK’S TIPS

This week’s safety upgrades:

• Hurricane Requirements

• OSHA Fatality Communication Change

• Maryland Heat Standard - Effective today

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

This Weeks Professional Development Tip

• Your boss has a different vision for the budget. How can you convince them of your approach?

A MUCH NEEDED LAUGH

Courtesy of Bryan Haywood

SAFETY KNIGHTS COMMUNITY
Test Your Knowledge.

Do you know the best coating that will stay the most flexible/durable for prolonged exposure in cold environments for a winter work glove?

a) Nitrile

b) Latex

c) Polyurethane

NATURAL DISASTERS
OSHA Hurricane Requirements.

Workplace Safety Compliance for Hurricanes and Natural Disasters

Employers must take specific actions to ensure workplace safety during hurricanes, as required by the OSH Act and OSHA standards. Key requirements include:

• General Duty Clause: Employers must provide a hazard-free workplace, preparing for hurricane-related risks and protecting employees during response and recovery.

• Emergency Action Plans (EAPs): Employers must implement plans for evacuation, emergency contacts, and employee roles during emergencies.

• Training: Employees must be trained on emergency procedures, including evacuation and shelter-in-place protocols.

• Hazard Communication: Employers must inform employees about risks like chemical spills or structural damage during or after a hurricane.

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers may need to provide PPE for clean-up and recovery efforts.

• Post-Event Safety: Employers are required to assess the workplace for hazards before allowing employees to return after a hurricane.

Next Steps: Employers should prepare now by communicating emergency plans and possibly closing or evacuating workplaces. Additional resources are available on OSHA’s website, here.

OSHA GAMES
Gamify Your Trainings.

It's Fall - Maybe it's time to (Pumpkin) Spice it up in the Training Room?

We're talking Gamification here people. Imagine turning your training into an engaging game of Family Feud or Jeopardy. Now you can!

Check it out Here: https://oshagames.com/

OSHA
OSHA Changes Communication on Workers Death.

OSHA Update on Family Communication (Effective Aug. 26)

Purpose: Enhance communication with the families of workers who have died on the job.

Key Changes:

• Definitions Updated: Includes terms like "next of kin," "national family liaison," and "OSHA representative."

• Identification Process: Guidelines on how to identify and contact next of kin.

• Phases of Interaction:

  • Initial communication

  • Follow-up communications

  • Post-inspection communications

  • Final order/closing communication phase added

• National Family Liaison: Procedures for communication with this liaison to assist families.

Guiding Principle: The directive aims to ensure families are treated with utmost respect while providing information about OSHA’s role and inspection process.

More info on these changes can be found here.

HEAT
Maryland Sets the Heat.

Maryland is leading the way in worker safety by implementing the first heat illness prevention standards on the East Coast. The new Heat Stress Standards (COMAR 09.12.32), effective September 30, 2024, require employers to take critical steps to protect workers from dangerous heat conditions, ensuring access to rest, water, shade, and proper training. Here’s what you need to know.

Key Provisions:

1. Rest Periods:

• 10-minute rest for every 2 hours of work when the heat index is between 90°F and 100°F.

• 15-minute rest for every hour of work when the heat index exceeds 100°F.

2. Heat Mitigation Plans:

• Employers must monitor the heat index and atmospheric conditions.

• Develop written plans to prevent heat-related illnesses, considering factors like workload, clothing, and personal protective equipment.

3. Access to Water and Shade:

• Employers must provide at least 32 ounces of water per hour and access to shaded or cool areas.

4. Training:

• Employers must train employees and supervisors to recognize, treat, and prevent heat-related illnesses.

• Annual re-training is required.

5. Acclimatization:

• New employees or those returning after seven consecutive days must be acclimatized over 5-14 days with a gradual increase in heat exposure.

6. High Heat Procedures:

• Procedures are activated when the heat index reaches 90°F or more, including additional rest breaks.

• Employers must monitor employees for heat illness symptoms.

7. Emergency Response:

• Employers must have a plan for responding to heat-related emergencies, including access to communication and transport to medical services.

Effective Date: September 30, 2024.

This regulation sets a precedent for heat illness prevention and applies to indoor and outdoor work where the heat index exceeds 80°F.

3motionAI
Your Ergo Solution.

Overexertion is costing companies $12.49 BILLION each year and feeding into a much larger problem! That’s why we’ve partnered with 3motionAI to enhance workplace safety with their Risk Flashlight solution. Together, we’re empowering EHS professionals to tackle these costly problems at the root, building a safer, more equitable workplace.

Steps to Take:

1. Learn more about 3motionAI: Read, here

2. Show company leadership how you can protect the bottom line.

3. Earn the respect you deserve by making a real impact.

NEWS
Your Virtual Water Cooler

• OSHA Offers Free Workplace Evaluations To Colorado Marijuana Businesses As Part Of New Federal Program On Industry Safety

• Shipyard Employer Facing $164K OSHA Fine Following Fire

• Construction industry ‘must address root causes’ of worker mental health issues: CPWR

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