OSHA Updates

New Training Emphasizes Workers' Rights."Introduction to OSHA," a new training component emphasizing workers' rights, now is required content in every OSHA 10- and 30-hour Outreach Training Program class. It focuses on the importance of workers' rights and advises participants of their right to:

• work in safe and healthful workplaces
• know about the presence and effects of hazardous chemicals
• review information about injuries and illnesses in their workplaces
• receive training
• request/file for an OSHA inspection and participate in the inspection
• be free from retaliation for exercising their safety and health rights

The voluntary program includes courses in construction, general or maritime industry safety and health hazard recognition and prevention. During program classes, OSHA trainers will cover topics on whistleblower rights and filing a complaint, and will provide samples of a weekly fatality and catastrophe report, material safety data sheet and the OSHA Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses.

Updated Walking and Working Surface Rules Proposed OSHA has announced plans to require improved general industry worker protection from tripping, slipping and falling hazards on walking and working surfaces. OSHA estimates the proposed rule would prevent 20 workplace fatalities and over 3,700 serious injuries per year.
The proposal basically upgrades general industry standards to match current construction and maritime rules - and gives inspectors authority to assess fines for violations. Currently there are different requirements for similar, yet sometimes identical, hazards in the different industries. A public hearing on the revised changes will be held after a public comment.

• Review a proposal fact sheet here.
• Read the proposed rule here.
• View ladder and scaffold safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com.