May News and Notes

Comment Period Extended for Proposed OSHA Ergonomics Reporting
The public now has until June 16 to comment on proposed OSHA musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) reporting requirements. In 2010, OSHA proposed to revise its Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements regulation to restore a column to the OSHA 300 log that employers would have to check if an incident they already have recorded under existing rules is an MSD. Read more here, or review comments here.

CDC Reports on Injuries and Illness Among Older Workers
Findings in a new CDC report show that although older workers have higher incidence rates for some types of injuries (e.g., falls on the same level), they have lower rates than other age groups for other types of injuries (e.g., contact with objects and equipment). The length of absence from work increased steadily with age and was highest for older workers. Read the report here.

Plan Ahead for National Safety Month in June
June is National Safety Month, and the National Safety Council encourages employers to participate. NSC has materials available to download to help educate employees about preventing overexertion, preventing slips, trips and falls, and distracted driving. Learn more here.

Indiana Bans Texting & Driving
Indiana has become the 32nd state to ban texting while driving, effective July 1. The law extends Indiana's current texting ban to all drivers. Drivers under 18 are also prohibited from all cell phone use. Violators face a maximum fine of $500. At this time, 32 states, the District of Columbia and Guam have banned text messaging by all drivers. Eight states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands have prohibited all hand-held cell phone use while driving. Visit the U.S. Department of Transportation website Distraction.gov for comprehensive information on distracted driving, including laws for your state.

Webinar: OSHA-Compliant Respiratory Program
A webinar on May 26 will provide guidance on how to establish an OSHA compliant respiratory protection program. It will also address key considerations for specific applications such as confined space, welding, abrasive blasting, painting and healthcare. Presented by PPE manufacturer Bullard. Learn more here.