OSHA Sustains Focus On Worker Safety In 2020
Throughout the year, OSHA has continued to prioritize worker health and safety, especially in regards to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dec 23, 2020
OSHA is reflecting on its efforts to maintain worker safety throughout the year with the added challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.8 percent of employed people worked remotely in October due to the pandemic. In the 2020 fiscal year, the agency conducted 21,674 inspections related to the coronavirus. OSHA received 20,541 total complaints in 2020, with 9,189 of them being coronavirus-related.
“OSHA remains committed to strong enforcement, compliance assistance and training programs to accomplish our mission of safety and health for every worker,” said Loren Sweatt, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. “Despite the pandemic-related challenges that impacted the nation, OSHA staff worked tirelessly to help ensure every worker was safe on the job. I am proud of the work the agency accomplished for America’s workers during this unprecedented time.”
This year, OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program removed 667,492 workers from potential harm. Its health and safety training programs also transitioned into digital formats, which reached more than 1.6 million workers.
For more information, visit dol.gov.
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CDC Panel Suggests People Over the Age of 75 Get Vaccinated Next
Because of high elderly death rates, those who are 75-year-old and older will be next in line for the coronavirus vaccine.
Dec 22, 2020
A panel advising the CDC on the next steps for COVID-19 vaccination recommended that people at least 75-years-old should be vaccinated next, according to the New York Times.
The panel cited a higher rate of deaths from COVID-19 among the elderly as the reason for this decision. During the December 20 meeting, it was also determined that about 30 million essential workers, such as teachers, grocery store employees and emergency responders should be in the next group of vaccinated people.
Workers such as construction and restaurant workers will be eligible for a “third wave” of vaccinations—however, it was not decided when this will take place.
“What we are providing governors and health officials with is a framework which is supported by evidence and will address this limited supply of vaccine that we have at this time,” said Dr. Jose R. Romero, the committee chairman.
CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield will review the panel’s recommendations to determine whether the agency will adopt them as an official guidance.
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ISO Publishes New Guidelines for Worker Health and Safety
The ISO/PAS 45005 guidelines on working safely during the pandemic were developed in only three months instead of the usual three years ISO International Standards take.
By Nikki Johnson-BoldenDec 21, 2020
The International Organization for Standardization published a document that contains health and safety guidelines for workers and employers to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The general guidance, which was created by experts from 26 countries, is intended to be applied across various industries. Workplaces are given recommendations on topics such as how to safely operate during this time, fix issues that could lead to health hazards and plan for re-opening their businesses after closure due to an outbreak.
The document also clarifies popular terms that have surfaced since the beginning of the pandemic in March, such as PPE and what items qualify as such, well-being and common areas. It suggests that workers not be required to work unless protective measures have been implemented in their place of employment.
In the case of an employee becoming infected with coronavirus, the ISO details measures that employers and organizations should take to ensure the safety of other workers who may have come into contact with that person.
For more information, visit iso.org.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.
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Five Tips for Preventing Plant Fires in 2021
Fire may not seem like an immediate threat, but there are more than 5,000 fires in manufacturing plants every year.
By Devin PartidaDec 21, 2020
2020 has been a landmark year for industrial facility safety. A slew of challenges and hazards have put the world’s safety systems to the test, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. After nearly 4.2 million acres of land burned in California alone, fire safety carries new urgency going into 2021.
Fire may not seem like an immediate threat, but there are more than 5,000 fires in manufacturing plants every year. These result in hundreds of millions of dollars in property damage and, more importantly, hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths. Thankfully, these incidents are preventable, and these five steps can help ensure facilities avoid them.
1. Train All Employees On Fire Safety
Carelessness is one of the leading causes of nonresidential fires, second only to cooking accidents. Facilities need to provide thorough fire safety training if they hope to prevent these incidents. All workers should understand where potential fire hazards are located and how to work in those areas safely.
If any employees work with flammable materials, they should know how to handle them correctly. Facilities should also take disciplinary action whenever an employee violates fire safety protocol to discourage carelessness. In addition to initial training, workers should receive periodic reminders about safety measures so they don’t forget anything.
2. Keep The Plant Clean
Loose debris like combustible dust is responsible for many industrial plant fires, yet it’s easy to overlook. Even materials that are safe in larger quantities can be flammable in dust form, so cleaning is essential to fire safety. Employees must regularly clean any areas that generate dust, no matter the material.
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U.S. Workplace Fatalities Reach Highest Number Since 2007
The number of workplace fatalities has reached a new peak, with 5,333 deaths recorded in 2019.
By Nikki Johnson-BoldenDec 18, 2020
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a two percent increase in fatal workplace injuries for the year of 2019.
In 2019, 5,333 fatal work injuries occurred, which is the highest recorded number of workplace deaths since 2007.
“With the innovative tools available to today’s employers nationwide, it’s concerning that we’re continuing to see higher numbers of worker fatalities,” said ASSP President Diana Stegal. “Most occupational incidents are preventable given today’s technologies and proven safety and health strategies.”
More specifically, transportation deaths have increased by two percent as well, while deaths from falls, trips and slips increased by eleven percent.
The National Safety Council suspects that the figures for 2020 could be worse due to the pandemic.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.
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OSHA Introduces New Inspection Program for Businesses with High Injury Rates
The Site-Specific Targeting Directive will apply to non-construction businesses.
Dec 17, 2020
OSHA announced on December 16 that it is updating its inspection program to focus on workplaces with frequent health incidents.
The inspection program directs agency enforcement resources to places that have the highest injury and illness rates. The new Site-Specific Targeting Directive (SST) targets non-construction establishments that have 20 or more employees.
The SST directive includes changes such as the creation of a new targeting category for establishments that have consistent injury and illness rates, as well as allowing records only inspections to occur when it is determined that incorrect data led to the establishment’s inclusion in the program.
More information on the directive is available at osha.gov.
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FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
The FDA issued the first emergency use authorization for a coronavirus vaccine on December 11.
By Nikki Johnson-BoldenDec 16, 2020
The FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on December 11.
FDA Commissioner Stephen M. Hahn, M.D. called the authorization a significant milestone in battling the pandemic in the United States. The data presented by Pfizer proves that the vaccine may be effective in preventing coronavirus, according to the FDA.
“While not an FDA approval, today’s emergency use authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine holds the promise to alter the course of this pandemic in the United States,” said Peter Marks, Director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
The National Safety Council voiced its support of the EUA, as well as reminded employers to enforce safety precautions to prevent further spread of the virus. The NSC also encourages employers to support the vaccine.
For more information on the EAU, visit fda.gov.
About the Author
Nikki Johnson-Bolden is an Associate Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.
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House Fires in Michigan Attributed to Remote Working
The holiday season combined with the influx of people working from home has contributed to a large increase in residential fires in Michigan.
Dec 15, 2020
The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society urges people to take precautions to prevent residential fires amid a 78% rise in multi fatality fires, according to the Detroit Free Press.
It is reported that 112 people died in residential fires in Michigan this year. The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society points to the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the dramatic increase in fires. Because more people are working from home, they are plugging in more electronics, which “strains” the electrical systems and increases the likelihood of fire.
“COVID-19 has kept a lot of people confined and numerous electrical devices are being plugged in everywhere,” said Kyle Svoboda, district chief of Plainfield Fire Department. “When you add on various holiday decorations and lighting, problems can occur. Electrical safety needs to be a top priority to help prevent electrical incidents and house fires.”
The Michigan Fire Inspectors Society recommends that people inspect the electrical cords in their homes for frayed or town wires, use extension cords carefully and replace any damaged electrical equipment.
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Ensuring Transportation Worker Safety During the 2020 Holiday Season
In the field of transportation, distractions can be deadly—even those that generally go unseen.
By Devin PartidaDec 14, 2020
It’s safe to say that no one is operating at full steam right now. People are stressed and worried, and for good reason, considering the current state of the world. This isn’t necessarily detrimental to some professions—it simply means that work tasks might take longer or become more involved. However, in the field of transportation, distractions can be deadly—even those that generally go unseen.
Current events and more localized happenings can bring on fear, isolation, anxiety and even depression. Society is experiencing quite the downturn, and not just because of COVID-19.
Shipping and retail fulfillment workers have it rough right now. With major supply issues, increasing demand, concerns about COVID-19 and various other factors, personal and mental health can fall by the wayside. There are also layoffs, economic shifts, climate issues and tumultuous politics. All these things can distract and bring down people’s spirits, ultimately resulting in a significant performance hit, especially in the transportation sector.
These concerns raise the questions: What can be done? What actions can employers and workers take to ensure optimal safety?
1. Equip Appropriately
It may seem silly to point out the obvious, but workers should be wearing the proper protective gear, warm clothing or assistive apparel depending on the task. For example, long-haul truckers may want to wear moisture-wicking gloves to keep their hands warm and dry. Warehouse employees should be wearing helmets, highly visible vests and any additional protective gear required for their duties.
Believe it or not, it’s easy to get swept up in the moment and forget some of the necessities, protective equipment included. Double-check to make sure workers have everything crucial for a safe, productive day.
Administrators should continually provide workers with the equipment and gear they need, which may require regular audits to check the conditions of existing or assigned items. Trucks and company-issued vehicles should always undergo contingent review, service and repair cycles.
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FDA Panel Votes to Recommend Pfizer Vaccine for Emergency Authorization
An FDA panel voted 17–4 to give emergency use authorization to the Pfizer vaccine.
Dec 14, 2020
A panel of advisers to the FDA voted on December 10 to recommend that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine be given emergency use authorization, according to NPR.
The 17–4 vote decided that the benefits of the vaccine outnumbered the risks. On the heels of Britain’s approval of the vaccine, the FDA is expected to decide on emergency authorization for the United States soon.
The FDA’s analysis of the Pfizer vaccine was released on December 8. It contained documents that support the emergency authorization. It was determined during a pre-meeting analysis on December 4 that there were “no specific safety concerns identified that would preclude the issuance of an EUA.”
To read more about the FDA’s analysis of the Pfizer vaccine, visit fda.gov.
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