+ The standard covers occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in general industry, construction and shipyards. "OSHA has worked hard to produce a final standard that substantially reduces the significant health risks for employees exposed to hexavalent chromium. Our new standard protects workers to the extent feasible, while providing employers, especially small employers, adequate time to transition to the new requirements," said Jonathan L. Snare, acting assistant secretary for occupational safety and health. The new standard lowers OSHA's permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium, and for all Cr(VI) compounds, from 52 to 5 micrograms of Cr(VI) per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time- weighted average. The standard also includes provisions relating to preferred methods for controlling exposure, respiratory protection, protective work clothing and equipment, hygiene areas and practices, medical surveillance, hazard communication and recordkeeping. Hexavalent chromium compounds are widely used in the chemical industry as ingredients and catalysts in pigments, metal plating and chemical synthesis. Cr(VI) can also be produced when welding on stainless steel or Cr(VI)-painted surfaces. The major health effects associated with exposure to Cr(VI) include lung cancer, nasal septum ulcerations and perforations, skin ulcerations, and allergic and irritant contact dermatitis.
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Electrical Safety Hazards of Overloading Cable Trays Fact Sheet Now Available
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According to the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC), a cable tray system is ô[a] unit or assembly of units or sections and associated fittings forming a structural system used to securely fasten or support cables and raceways.ö Cable trays support cable across open spans in the same manner that roadway bridges support traffic. Cable trays are not raceways, and are treated as a structural component of a facilityÆs electrical system. Cable trays are a part of a planned cable management system to support, route, protect and provide a pathway for cable systems.
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OSHA and Club Managers Association Renew Alliance
OSHA and the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA) have renewed their Alliance which aims to promote safe and healthful working conditions for membership club employees. The Alliance was first launched in September 2003. "Working closely with CMAA has helped increase awareness about the value of effective safety and health programs in the workplace," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jonathan L. Snare. "We look forward to continuing our Alliance and working to enhance the training, education and tools that will promote even healthier work environments for the thousands of workers in the industry." "CMAA is pleased to renew its Alliance with OSHA," added CMAA's Chief Executive Officer James B. Singerling. "We believe that a partnership such as ours fosters a proactive and productive approach toward educating clubs and advancing our shared agenda -- healthy club work environments. We look forward to continuing to work with OSHA to ensure clubs are vigilant in protecting the health and safety of their workforce." The Alliance focuses on addressing hazard communication, recordkeeping and respiratory protection issues. In addition, the organizations will address safety and health issues related to membership clubs' landscaping and horticultural activities. Through the Alliance renewal agreement, the organizations are continuing to provide CMAA's members and others, including small businesses, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect membership club employees' health and safety including non-English or limited English speaking and youth workers. CMAA has more than 6,500 members who manage more than 3,000 country, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs.
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OSHA Renews Alliance with National Shipbuilding Research Program
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Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Jonathan L. Snare signed a two-year renewal of the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) Alliance that will continue to focus on advancing safety and health for shipbuilding and ship repair workers. Originally signed on July 15, 2003, one of the Alliance's continuing goals is to increase access to enhanced training and hazard identification and control programs. "We recognize the value of establishing a collaborative relationship to foster safer and more healthful work places," Snare said. "That's why we are excited about continuing our relationship with NSRP to provide information and guidance on protecting employees' health and safety in American shipyards." The tool describes common hazards and possible solutions for tasks performed during ship repair, shipbuilding, shipbreaking and barge cleaning. OSHA and NSRP will continue to work together to increase employees' access to safety and health information and outreach programs. Both organizations will also continue to share information on best practices at conferences and events, and through print and electronic media. The NSRP was created in 1970 and has become a nationally recognized model for government/industry research programs, with the goal of developing more economical construction approaches to shipbuilding.
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USPS Achieves OSHA Recognition
The U.S. Postal Service-Richard G. Wilson Processing and Distribution Facility has earned membership in OSHAÆs "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). A recognition ceremony was held February 23 at the facility. "The U.S. Postal Service in Cape Girardeau has exhibited excellence in safety and health management," said Kansas City OSHA Regional Administrator Charles E. Adkins, CIH. "Their outstanding efforts have included management commitment to safety and health and employee involvement in safety and health programs." The facility employs 157 workers who receive, sort, and distribute U.S. and foreign mail for approximately 150 associate offices and stations. Companies that have been accepted into VPP represent more than 200 industries. OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs recognize and promote effective workplace safety and health management. Companies in VPP achieve average injury rates 50 percent lower than other companies in their industry. Approximately 1,400 work sites representing more than 200 industries nationwide participate in the program. Information kits about the VPP application and approval process are available from the OSHA VPP Manager at the Kansas City Regional Office at (816) 426 5861.
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OSHA and Pennsylvania Department of Education Prepare Youth for Safe Work Experience
OSHA and Pennsylvania's Department of Education, Bureau of Career and Technical Education (Bureau of CTE) have joined forces to promote workplace safety and health for students in career and technical centers and vocational technical schools in the state. A signing ceremony took place on March 1, 2006, in Harrisburg, Pa. at the Bureau's headquarters. OSHA Safety and Health alliances are part of OSHAÆs ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations and employers. Since 2001, the agency has created more than 400 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace. The alliance will give technical centers and vocational technical schools the opportunity to have authorized trainers and instructors provide safety and health training to the students and equip them with the knowledge and skills in identifying safety and health hazards prior to entering the workforce. "We want to make sure the students work in a safe and healthy environment today and take these skills into their workplaces tomorrow," said Richard D. Soltan, regional administrator of OSHA in Philadelphia. Through its services, the Pennsylvania's Bureau of CTE, reinforces and strengthens local efforts of administrators, teachers and counselors to implement career and technical education programs across the State. All OSHA offices in Pennsylvania will participate in this alliance (Philadelphia, Allentown, Wilkes-Barre, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Erie). For further information, contact the OSHA Regional Office at (215) 861-4900 or an area office listed in the blue pages.
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MASSPOWER's Indian Orchard Plant Again Earns Prestigious OSHA "Star"
MASSPOWER's Indian Orchard energy co-generation plant has been recertified for an additional five-year membership in OSHAÆs "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). "This award spotlights MASSPOWER's continuing commitment to effective safety and health management at this site," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "Our review of the plant's safety and health management programs found they continue to be consistent with the high quality of VPP participants, while its injury and illness rates remain exceptionally low." Twenty-two employees work at the Indian Orchard plant, which continues as part of an elite corps of about 1,400 workplaces nationwide that have earned VPP recognition. Its "Star" recertification came after an OSHA team's thorough on-site review of its safety and health programs, interviews with employees and a complete tour of the worksite. The plant was first certified as a "Star" site in March 1997 and then recertified in September 2000. "A particular area of excellence is the company's substantial investments in safety and health, particularly employee training and personal protective equipment" said Kent. "It also maintains a full-time environmental health and safety manager and provides industrial hygiene consultants when needed."
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Schick's Milford Plant Merits Entry in OSHA's Prestigious Voluntary Protection Program
Schick Manufacturing's Milford, Conn., manufacturing plant has earned entry into OSHAÆs Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The plant, which employs 470 workers, plus 205 temporary workers supervised by Schick, manufactures shaving products. In achieving "Merit" status, it joins an elite corps of about 1,400 workplaces nationwide that have earned VPP recognition. The "Merit" designation comes after an OSHA team's thorough on-site review of the plant's application and its safety and health programs, interviews with employees and a complete tour of the worksite. "Our review of this plant's safety and health management programs found them consistent with the high quality expected of VPP participants while its injury and illness rates are below the industry average," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "The plant now has the opportunity to go further and seek "Star" status, the VPP's highest designation."
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G.E.'s Auburn, Maine, Plant Again Earns Prestigious OSHA "Star"
General Electric's Consumer and Industrial Products manufacturing plant in Auburn, Maine, has been recertified for an additional five-year membership in OSHAÆs "Star" Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).
"This award spotlights General Electric's continuing commitment to effective safety and health management at this site," said Marthe Kent, OSHA's New England regional administrator. "Our review of the plant's safety and health management programs found they continue to be consistent with the high quality of VPP while its injury and illness rates are below the industry average." The plant, which produces electrical parts for circuit breakers and switchgear, employs 176 workers. With its recertification, it continues as part of an elite corps of about 1,400 workplaces nationwide that have earned VPP recognition. The "Star" recertification came after an OSHA team's thorough on-site review of the plant's safety and health programs, interviews with employees and a complete tour of the worksite. The plant was first certified as a "Star" site in July 1997 and its certification was first renewed in July 2001. "A particular area of excellence at this site is the company's installation of a reclaim system for nitric acid that includes a pump system that eliminates the need for employees to physically work with or near the acid during the process," said Kent.
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New OSHA Alliance Aims to Improve Safety and Health for Hispanics
OSHA has joined Saint John's Episcopal Church in an effort to reduce the number of Hispanic workers, including day laborers, exposed to falls, amputations, electrical and struck-by/crushed-in hazards in the general and construction industries in the Dover, N.J., area. Through the alliance, formally launched at a recent signing ceremony, OSHA and Saint John's will work together to provide safety and health expertise, training and education programs for workers with limited English skills. Included in the safety training will be ways to avoid falls, amputations, electrical and other hazardous injuries. OSHA's 10-hour construction and general-industry courses may also be available in Spanish. "We see this alliance as an opportunity to reach out and provide life-saving information to members of the Hispanic community, and look forward to working with Saint John's on this vital effort," says Phil Peist, director of the OSHA's Parsippany office. Among other things, OSHA and Saint John's will encourage bilingual individuals to take the OSHA Train-the-Trainer course; work with the Hispanic community in New Jersey through the church; and raise others' awareness of their commitment to workplace safety and health whenever Saint John's Episcopal Church leaders address groups. Representatives of both organizations will meet at least three times a year to track and share information on activities and results in achieving the goals of the alliance. OSHA health and safety alliances are part of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao's ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of workers through cooperative partnerships with employers, trade associations and labor. OSHA has created more than 400 alliances with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace. For more information, contact the Parsippany OSHA office, 299 Cherry Hill Road-Suite 304, Parsippany, N.J.; phone: (973) 263-1003.
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OSHA and International Warehouse Logistics Association Renew Alliance
The Alliance was first initiated in February 2004. "Renewing our Alliance with IWLA allows us to continue our joint efforts to enhance the safety and health of thousands of workers employed in the warehouse logistics industry," said Jonathan L. Snare, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. "Together, we'll continue to provide valuable information and training resources on issues directly related to the warehouse industry, including a strong focus on forklift safety and youth workers." Alex Glann, Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of IWLA, added "I am pleased to reaffirm this important Alliance with OSHA on behalf of the more than 430 warehouse logistics companies IWLA represents. Working with OSHA the past two years we have expanded these efforts, enhancing the safety of the estimated 500,000 workers employed in the logistics industry. I look forward to what the future will bring." IWLA and OSHA will continue working with owners and operators in the warehousing industry to provide IWLA members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources. Special attention will be paid to increasing hard-to-reach and youth workers' access to safety and health information and training resources. During the first two years of the Alliance, OSHA executive staff presented at IWLA conferences and the association shared information through its publications about the agency compliance assistance activities and tools. In addition, through the Alliance, IWLA representatives reviewed and provided OSHA with feedback on the agency's warehouse-related compliance assistance tools and publications Based in Des Plaines, Ill., IWLA represents third-party warehouse-based logistics firms, warehouse/logistics divisions of industry firms, and warehouse logistics professionals around the world, and serves to foster and promote the growth and success of public and contract warehousing and related logistics services.
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OSHA Cites Seven Georgia Contractors Following Fatal Accident at Montgomery County Construction Site
OSHA cited seven Georgia contractors, and proposed penalties totaling $126,575, following the investigation of a fatal accident Aug. 25, 2005, at a school construction site in Ailey, Ga. According to OSHA's report, the accident occurred when two workers in an elevated forklift basket were installing steel beams to the roof of a Montgomery County school building under construction. As they slid the beam into place, the basket flipped off the forklift, throwing the workers and the basket to the ground. The basket hit one employee causing fatal injuries. "This tragic accident could have been prevented if the forklift had been equipped and operated according to OSHA regulations," said John Deifer, OSHA's Savannah area director. OSHA issued two willful citations, with proposed penalties of $112,000, against K & B Metal Works, for failing to properly secure a forklift personnel basket and to provide workers with fall protection equipment during steel erection activities. The Ray City-based company also received two serious citations, with proposed penalties of $3,600, for operating a defective forklift. General contractor, Harper & Company Builders, Douglas, Ga., received seven serious citations, with proposed penalties totaling $6,875, for failing to protect workers from fall and electrical hazards. Malphus Electrical Contracting, also based in Douglas, received three serious citations, with proposed penalties of $2,450, for exposing workers to electrical shocks from defective tools and equipment. Fort Valley-based A & A Construction received three serious citations, with proposed penalties of $825, for exposing workers to fall hazards from unsafe scaffolding. Douglas-based Bryants Painting & Wall Covering and Pearson-based Detail Flooring each received one serious citation, with a $300 proposed penalty, for exposing workers to electrical hazards. Baxley-based R-W Structural Contractor received one serious citation, with a $225 proposed penalty, for leaving a forklift unattended while workers were in the personnel basket. Willful citations are issued when employers have shown intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and regulations. OSHA issues serious citations when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and employers knew or should have known of the hazard.
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New NIEHS Associate Director to Integrate Environmental Health Research with Advances in Patient Care
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William J. Martin II, M.D. will join the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, one of the National Institutes of Health, as Associate Director for Translational Biomedicine beginning March 6th. Translational Biomedicine focuses on moving research results from the NIEHS portfolio into clinical practice.
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Dr. Martin will work to ensure that the Institute's research is more rapidly integrated into advances in patient care. He will develop new clinical research programs, as well as interdisciplinary training initiatives to extend the influence of environmental health sciences into the clinical arena. He will also serve as liaison between NIEHS and its partners, including academia, professional societies, and other NIH institutes as NIEHS continues to foster and cultivate new relationships and collaborations.
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Establishing the Office of Translational Biomedicine is in line with the NIEHS mission to understand how the environment influences human health and disease, according to the NIEHS Director, David A. Schwartz, M.D.
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"As a physician-scientist who has worked in both the research and clinical arenas, Dr. Martin is uniquely qualified to help bridge the gap between research and patient care," said Dr. Schwartz. "He shares my vision that environmental health science can provide unique approaches to understanding diseases that affect people around the world. I am thrilled that he has agreed to join the leadership team at NIEHS. He brings a wealth of professional and practical experience, and also a vibrant creativity to this new role."
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Dr. Martin served as the Dean of the University Of Cincinnati College Of Medicine and is a past president of the American Thoracic Society. He also served as the Director of Pulmonary and Critical Care at Indiana University for twelve years before becoming the Executive Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the University's School of Medicine.
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Recently, Dr. Martin worked as a volunteer physician aboard the US Navy Hospital Ship, the USNS Comfort as part of Project Hope during the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. In this capacity, Dr. Martin helped establish clinics and provide medical services in devastated areas of Mississippi and saw first hand the impact that natural disasters can have on a population. "I plan to approach my new position at NIEHS with the same sense of commitment and urgency I felt while working with the Katrina relief efforts," Said Dr. Martin. "There is such a sense of excitement in the environmental sciences community right now about the new initiatives that NIEHS is undertaking, and I want to be part of that. I am very excited about the new office and the opportunity to work with the in-house and grant-supported researchers as we work together to develop new approaches to clinical research."
á DISCOVER is a new program designed to support teams of researchers focused on integrating environmental health research with patient-oriented and population-based studies.
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"Developing a more integrated program in environmental research, where we have more researchers trained and involved in this field, will allow us to more rapidly disseminate and translate research findings so they can improve the health of the patient," Dr. Martin said. Dr. Martin received his M.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1974, and completed his pulmonary and critical care training at Mayo Clinic in1979. Following completion of his research training in the Pulmonary Branch at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, he joined the staff of Mayo Clinic as a clinician-investigator in 1981. While on faculty at Indiana University, Dr. Martin served as a Health Policy Fellow, United States Senate, Labor and Human Resources Committee in 1995.
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He has authored more than 130 research and clinical papers, and has been an NIH-funded scientist for the past 24 years. Dr. Martin has been an invited speaker for nearly 200 events, including testifying before the World Health Organization and U.S. Congress. Dr. Martin has received numerous awards including the Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award presented to a citizen of Indiana by the Governor of Indiana.
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NIOSH Invites Comment on Evaluation of Safe Patient Handling and Movement Principles
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is inviting comment on the document Evaluation of Safe Patient Handling and Movement Principles NIOSH Docket #072
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The information contained in this document is still in draft form and as such should not be considered as a final statement of NIOSH policy.
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The presentation öSafe Patient Handling and Movement Principles,ö was developed by NIOSH and its partners, the American Nurses Association and the Veterans Health Administration's Patient Safety Center, to improve work practices for patient care workers. This presentation is designed for use in training by schools of nursing.
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The presentation will remain available for review until May 30, 2006. After that date, NIOSH will consider all the comments submitted, and make appropriate revisions to the presentation before publishing a final version. This presentation will also undergo scientific peer review. The details of this review will be referenced on the NIOSH Web site in the near future.
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The presentation is formatted in Flash and includes both audio and video.