Workers must have caution during recovery efforts
- OSHA is urging first responders, people in recovery efforts, and residents to be aware of the many hazards that flooding, power loss, structural damage, fallen trees, and storm debris.
- Storm recovery may involve hazards related to restoring electricity and communications, removing debris, repairing water damage, repairing or replacing roofs, and trimming trees.
- Only people with proper training, equipment, and experience should conduct recovery and cleanup activities.
- In weather disasters, OSHA recommends evaluating the work area for hazards, assessing the stability of structures and walking surfaces, and ensuring fall protection when working.
California poised to pass permanent COVID rule
- California OSHA is expected to vote to adopt a permanent COVID-19 safety regulation that will be in place for two years.
- The proposed regulation includes new and updated requirements addressing COVID-19 hazards, prevention, close contacts, testing, notices, and outbreaks.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board must provide notice at least 45 days before the public hearing on the regulation and the close of the public comment period.
- After hearing public comments and holding the hearing, the OSHSB may take action on the draft regulation and submit it to the Office of Administrative Law for review.
NIOSH makes effective masks, which are in decline
- A NIOSH-approved respirator has at least 95 percent filtration efficiency against certain non-oil-based particles.
- Nonetheless, recent public polling shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans never or rarely wear a mask outside their homes, a sharp rise from just a quarter from January 2022.
- There are many reasons for the decline, including pandemic fatigue, and that the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over.
- Also, 80% of Americans have now had at least one vaccine dose.
Keeping hospital workers safe
- Workplace violence against healthcare workers is on the rise.
- Healthcare advocacy organizations say the trend endangers employee and patient health.
- While many large healthcare companies have implemented OSHA’s guidelines, organizations want to make violence prevention plans required by law.
- The Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act, or SAVE Act, would establish federal criminal penalties for people who knowingly assault hospital workers.