August Workplace Safety News & Notes

Here's a collection of recent workplace safety news and resources from around the web:


New OSHA App Helps Workers Identify Hazards
OSHA's Hazard Identification Training Tool is an interactive, online, game-based training tool for small business owners, workers and others interested in learning the core concepts of hazard identification. The tool helps users better understand the process to identify hazards in their own workplace. See it here.

OSHA Proposes Lower Beryllium Limit
OSHA has proposed a new standard to dramatically lower workplace exposure to beryllium, which can cause lung diseases. The current standard, established in 1948, has an eight-hour permissible exposure limit of 2.0 micrograms per
cubic meter of air. Above that level, employers must take steps to reduce the airborne concentration of beryllium. OSHA’s proposed standard would reduce the eight-hour permissible exposure limit to 0.2 micrograms. The proposed rule would also require additional protection including personal protective equipment, medical exams other medical surveillance and training. Read more.

MHSA Outreach Meetings Address Respirable Dust Rule
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MHSA) will hold a series of outreach meetings for the coal mining industry in advance of its final rule to lower exposure to respirable coal mine dust in underground and surface coal mines. By Feb. 1, 2016, continuous personal dust monitors must be used to monitor underground coal mine occupations exposed to the highest respirable dust concentrations, as well as all miners with evidence of black lung. See the meeting schedule.

Fatigue at Work Infographic
The latest CCOHS infographic shows the telltale signs of fatigue, explains how it affects health and safety at work and offers tips for both workers and employers. Check it out.

ASSE Safety Podcasts
American Society of Safety Engineers has produced podcasts on a wide variety of safety topics in safety. One recent episode discusses the proposed ISO 45001 standard, parking signs and tunnel inspections. Listen here.

NFPA Updates Alt. Fuel Vehicles Training Program for Emergency Responders
An updated training program is now available online. This free, self-paced course teaches emergency responders how to safely deal with emergency situations involving alternative fuel passenger vehicles, trucks, buses and fleet vehicles. This course  includes electric, hybrid, hydrogen fuel cell, bio-diesel, compressed and liquified natural gas, liquid propane gas and related recharging/refueling stations. Read more.

NTSB Reports Increased Aviation Accidents
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released preliminary aviation accident statistics for 2014 showing a slight increase in fatal general aviation accidents. Fatal incidents increased from 222 in 2013 to 253 in 2014. However, general aviation accidents decreased slightly from 1,224 in 2013 to 1,221 in 2014. Despite reporting fewer accidents, the accident rate for general aviation aircraft increased from 6.26 per 100,000 flight hours in the previous year to 6.74 in 2014. There were 28 accidents involving Part 121 operations (commercial air transport). Review 2014 statistical tables.


Have You Tried the OSHA Heat Safety App?
The popular app helps workers and supervisors calculate the heat index for their worksite, and displays the relevant risk level to outdoor workers. A click provides information about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness. Learn more.