Every year since 1996 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has collected work-related injury and illness data from more than 80,000 employers. For the first time, the agency has made the data from 1996 to 2007 available in a searchable online database, allowing the public to look at establishment or industry-specific injury and illness data. The workplace injury and illness data is available at http://www.osha.gov/pls/odi/establishment_search.htmlas well as Data.gov.

OSHA recently solidified leadership for the agency and has provided a clearer picture of the regulatory horizon.

Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers in 2008 occurred at a rate of 3.9 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers — a decline from 4.2 cases in 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Oct. 29th. Similarly, the number of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported in 2008 declined to 3.7 million cases, compared to 4 million cases in 2007. The total recordable case (TRC) injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employers has declined significantly each year since 2003, when estimates from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) were first published using the 2002 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

National public sector estimates covering nearly 19 million State and local government workers — for example, police protection and fire protection — are available for the first time from the SOII for reference year 2008.  Nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses among state and local government workers combined occurred at a higher rate (6.3 cases per 100 full-time workers) than among private industry workers in 2008.

Key findings of the 2008 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses:

• Incidence rates for injuries and illnesses combined among private industry establishments declined significantly in 2008 for all case types, with the exception of job transfer or restriction cases whose rate remained unchanged from 2007.  The number of cases of injuries and illnesses combined declined significantly in 2008 for all case types.
• For injuries only, both the incidence rate and the number of cases in private industry establishments declined significantly in 2008 compared to 2007 — each falling 8 percent from the year earlier.
• Looking at illnesses, both the incidence rate and the number of cases declined significantly in 2008 compared to 2007 — mainly the result of a decline among the ‘All other illnesses’ category, which accounted for nearly 84 percent of the decline in illness cases among private industry establishments.
• Manufacturing was the only private industry sector in 2008 in which the rate of job transfer or restriction cases exceeded the rate of cases with days away from work, continuing an 11 year trend.
• The total recordable case injury and illness incidence rate was highest in 2008 among mid-size private industry establishments (those employing between 50 and 249 workers) and lowest among small establishments (those employing fewer than 11 workers) compared to establishments of other sizes.

Slightly more than one-half of the 3.7 million private industry injury and illnesses cases reported nationally in 2008 were of a more serious nature that involved days away from work, job transfer, or restriction — commonly referred to as DART cases.  These occurred at a rate of 2.0 cases per 100 workers, declining from 2.1 cases in 2007.   Among the two components of DART cases, the rate of cases involving days away from work fell from 1.2 to 1.1 cases per 100 workers, while the rate for cases resulting in job transfer or restriction remained unchanged at 0.9 cases in 2008. Other recordable cases — those not involving days away from work, job transfer, or restriction–accounted for the remaining injury and illness cases nationally and occurred at a lower rate in 2008 (1.9 cases per 100 workers) compared to 2007 (2.1 cases per 100 workers).

Private Industry Injuries and Illnesses

Injuries. Approximately 3.5 million (94.9 percent) of the 3.7 million nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in 2008 were injuries — of which 2.5 million (71.2 percent) occurred in service-providing industries, which employed 80.1 percent of the private industry workforce covered by this survey.  The remaining 1.0 million injuries (28.8 percent) occurred in goods-producing industries, which accounted for 19.9 percent of private industry employment in 2008.

Illnesses. Workplace illnesses accounted for slightly more than 5 percent of the 3.7 million injury and illness cases in 2008. Private industry employers reported 18,900 fewer illness cases in 2008 — down to 187,400 cases compared to 206,300 in 2007. This resulted in a decline in the rate of workplace illnesses in 2008 from 21.8 to 19.7 cases per 10,000 full-time workers.

Goods-producing industries as a whole accounted for approximately 38 percent of all occupational illness cases and were responsible for more than two-thirds of the decline in illnesses reported among private industry workplaces in 2008. Consequently, both the number and rate of illnesses declined significantly for goods-producing industries as a whole in 2008. The manufacturing sector accounted for 31.5 percent of all occupational illnesses cases and reported 12,000 fewer illnesses in 2008 compared to 2007. Both the number and rate of illness cases among service-providing industries as a whole remained statistically unchanged in 2008, compared to 2007.

National Public Sector Estimates

National public sector estimates covering nearly 19 million State and local government workers — for example, Police protection (NAICS 922120) and Fire protection (NAICS 922160) — are available from the SOII for the first time for 2008.

Nearly 940,000 injury and illness cases were reported among State and local government workers combined in 2008, resulting in a rate of 6.3 cases per 100 workers — significantly higher than the rate among private industry workers (3.9 cases per 100 workers). Approximately 4 in 5 injuries and illnesses reported in the public sector occurred among local government workers, resulting in an injury and illness rate of 7.0 cases per 100 workers — significantly higher than the 4.7 cases per 100 workers in State government.

In addition to the industry-level estimates available for the first time with this release, more detailed national public sector estimates will be available in the future covering case and worker demographics for cases that involved days away from work.

In general, health care management emphasizes the prevention of impairment and disability through early detection, prompt treatment, and timely recovery. Medical management responsibilities fall on employers, employees, and health care professionals (HCPs). A medical management program can help to either eliminate or substantially reduce the risk of development of ergonomics-related problems and symptoms through early identification and treatment.

The risk of influenza to healthcare workers is not a new concern, but the ongoing experience with novel influenza A (nH1N1) makes this issue even more urgent. Among the many considerations for the health and well-being of healthcare workers is the question about what types of personal protective equipment (PPE) (respiratory protection, gloves, gowns, eye protection, and other equipment) are needed to protect these frontline workers. PPE needs to be regarded one part of a set of infection control strategies to reduce the potential for infection in healthcare workers. At the request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) the Institute of Medicine convened the Committee on Respiratory Protection for Healthcare Workers in the Workplace Against Novel H1N1 Influenza A to provide recommendations regarding the necessary respiratory protection for healthcare workers in their workplace against novel H1N1 influenza A.

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION

The committee focused solely on the scientific and empirical evidence regarding the efficacy of various types of personal respiratory protective equipment (e.g., medical masks and respirators). Studies on influenza transmission show that airborne (inhalation) transmission is one of the potential routes of transmission. N95 respirators are documented to filter out 95 to 99 percent of relevant particles and have maximum effectiveness when properly fitted to the face of users. Research results on the filtration and fit of medical masks show wide variation in penetration of aerosol particles and inadequate fit suggesting that the use of medical masks is unlikely to be effective against airborne transmission.

Recommendationation 1: Use Fit -Teste d N95 Respirators espirators

Healthcare workers (including those in non-hospital settings) who are in close contact with individuals with nH1N1 influenza or influenza-like illnesses should use fit-tested N95 respirators or respirators that are demonstrably more effective as one measure in the continuum of safety and infection control efforts to reduce the risk of infection.

• The committee endorses the current CDC guidelines and recommends that these guidelines should be continued until or unless further evidence can be provided to the effect that other forms of protection or other guidelines are equally or more effective.

• Employers should ensure that the use and fit testing of N95 respirators be conducted in accordance with OSHA regulations, and healthcare workers should use the equipment as required by regulations and employer policies.

It is important to note that controversy exists regarding clinical guideline decision making as many factors besides efficacy may affect policy decisions for PPE guidance including economics, equipment supplies, vaccine availability, immunization status, extent of worker compliance, and logistical considerations in the implementation of such guidance. The committee was not charged to address these other issues.

AUGUST 19, 2009

CDC is releasing new guidance that recommends actions that non-healthcare employers should take now to decrease the spread of seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu in the workplace and to help maintain business continuity during the 2009–2010 flu season. The guidance includes additional strategies to use if flu conditions become more severe and some new recommendations regarding when a worker who is ill with influenza may return to work. The guidance in this document may change as additional information about the severity of the 2009-2010 influenza season and the impact of 2009 H1N1 influenza become known. Please check www.flu.gov periodically for updated guidance

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), with input from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has developed updated guidance for employers of all sizes to use as they develop or review and update plans to respond to 2009 H1N1 influenza now and during the upcoming fall and winter influenza season. Businesses and employers, in general, play a key role in protecting employees’ health and safety, as well as in limiting the negative impact of influenza outbreaks on the individual, the community, and the nation’s economy. Employers who have developed pandemic plans should review and revise their plans in light of the current 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak to take into account the extent and severity of disease in their community as outlined in this guidance.

Planning for Fall and Winter Influenza Season

Businesses may have already been impacted by the spring and summer outbreaks of 2009 H1N1 influenza affecting their employees. CDC anticipates that more communities may be affected than were in the spring/summer 2009, and/or more severely affected reflecting wider transmission and possibly greater impact. In addition, seasonal influenza viruses may cause illness at the same time as 2009 H1N1 this fall and winter. In response to the anticipated spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza, the CDC has revised its recommendations to assist businesses and other employers of all sizes.

The severity of illness that 2009 H1N1 influenza flu will cause (including hospitalizations and deaths) or the amount of illness that may occur as a result of seasonal influenza during the 2009–2010 influenza season cannot be predicted with a high degree of certainty. Therefore, employers should plan to be able to respond in a flexible way to varying levels of severity and be prepared to refine their pandemic influenza response plans if a potentially more serious outbreak of influenza evolves during the fall and winter. More people and communities are likely to be affected as influenza is more widely transmitted. The CDC and its partners will continuously monitor national and international data on the severity of illness caused by influenza, will disseminate the results of these ongoing surveillance and will make additional recommendations as needed.

FOR THE COMPLETE GUIDE GO TO http://www.flu.gov/plan/workplaceplanning/guidance.html

Workers in Illinois will continue to benefit from the renewal of an alliance between JULIE Inc. (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators), the State of Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The alliance is designed to combine resources to prevent hazards faced by workers involved in trenching and excavation operations in the state of Illinois.

“Excavation hazards are still one of OSHA’s national emphasis programs and excavations that are entered without proper precautions present a significant risk for workers,” said OSHA Area Director for Peoria Nick Walters. “We believe that this alliance will give employers and employees throughout the state a greater opportunity to understand the hazards associated with excavations and the controls that need to be used to prevent serious injuries.”

The alliance requires each organization to contribute to the development of training sessions and materials on safe excavation activities. The groups will share resources and information to raise awareness and commitment to workplace safety and health. Information will be shared through participation in a variety of forums throughout Illinois.

OSHA health and safety alliances are part of OSHA’s ongoing efforts to improve the health and safety of employees through cooperative partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies. OSHA currently has more than 470 alliances throughout the nation with organizations committed to fostering safety and health in the workplace.

Sure, OSHA has been more “business-friendly” in the last eight years. But it hasn’t been a paper tiger. New statistics on the agency’s citations and penalties for fiscal year 2008 show just the opposite. And with a new administration in January, OSHA is set to issue even more fines.

What’s tripping up companies when OSHA inspectors visit?

These are the top 10 most frequently cited standards in fiscal year 2008 (Oct. 2007 through Sept. 2008):

1.Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451) [related topic page]
2.Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501) [related topics page]
3.Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200) [related topic page]
4.Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147) [related topic page]
5.Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134) [related topic page]
6.Electrical, wiring methods, components and equipment, general industry (29 CFR 1910.305) [related topic page]
7.Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178) [related topic page]
8.Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053) [related topic page]
9.Machines, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212) [related topics page]
10.Electrical systems design, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.303) [related topic page]

OSHA assessed the highest penalties for these standards in fiscal year 2008 (October 2007 through September 2008):

1.Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501) [related topics page]
2.Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451) [related topic page]
3.Electrical, hazardous (classified) locations (29 CFR 1910.307) [related topic page]
4.Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147) [related topic page]
5.Excavations, requirements for protective systems, construction (29 CFR 1926.652) [related topics page]
6.Machines, general requirements, general industry (29 CFR 1910.212) [related topics page]
7.General duty clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act)
8.Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178) [related topic page]
9.Walking-working surfaces, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.22) [related topic page]
10.Process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals (29 CFR 1910.119) [related topic page]
This information is for all types of industries combined in states where federal OSHA conducts safety inspections. You can search for most frequently cited violations in your industry or a state that has its own OSHA program here.

Every employer has a responsibility to make sure all employees have a safe and stable work enviroment.  These employees should have access to safety equipment and information at anytime they are on the jobsite.  These employees should be able to go to their superiors with fears or concerns about safety without fear of termination or retaliation.  In order to accomidate employees in such a fashion, we have compiled a short and condensed version of what an employer of the construction industry should have documented and in place for emergencies or for an OSHA inspection.
 
Management Commitment to Safety and Health
•Employers and managers should lead by example.  If your employee sees a superior taking safety seriously, they will too!
•Assign Safety and Health Responsiblities to employees.  If you involve and rotate employee responsibities, everyone will feel important and compliant.
•Give the assigned employees to correct minor issues.  When a subordinate is give a little more power than their position requires, they are more likely to do what it takes to keep earning your trust and respect.
•Assure your employees that they may voice their concerns regarding safety without any reprocussions.  These employees are the front line guys and they often see the danger in a position before a manager does. Listen to what they have to say and respect their position on safety.  Most state laws protect whistltblowers, so check your states regulations.
•Inform employees of any hazards that you are aware of.  Again, it is the employer’s responsibility to safeguard their employees, so keep the lines of communication open.
•If you are sharing a worksite with other companies or their employees, it is your responsiblity to commincate any known hazards to them.  Share a safe workplace.
•Post the OSHA state or Federal poster where all can see it.  Employees have a righ to know the law.
Hazard Identification and Determination
•Carefully evaluate all operations, procedures, facilities, and equipment to identify hazards to employees and others.
•Monitor exposure levels of noise, air quality, heat, electricity, silica or dust, and moisture.
•Set aside time to do routine inspections.  If you create a habit of safety awareness, you will create a timeless good habit.
•If you have an accident, conduct an investigation.  The best way to prevent history from repeating itself it to identify and address the factors that caused the accident to begin with.
•Do a PPE assessment.  For every position within construction, evaluate the potential dangers associated with that assignment, then create a list of personal protection equipment that should be worn while performing these tasks.  Determine if it goes beyond simple protection and what procautions should be taken. Document all of your findings.
Hazard Elimination and Control
•Inspect and ensure all machines and tools are in proper working order with relevant standards.
•Develop positive practices with workplace safety and health so that it becomes second nature.
•Housekeeping is a must.  Jobsites should be free of debris and cleaned up daily to ensure the safety of others.
Emergency Response Planning
•Develop emergency response plans for your jobsite.  If you are in an industry where your jobsite changes frequently, you still need to have a response plan.  These do not have to elaborate, but clear enough to communicate what needs to be done in case of an emergency.
•Have an emergency route to evacuate injured employees.  If your jobsite is in a new development area that the emergency response team may not have access too, have in a convienent location that is easily accessable by all employees.  Use established landmarks and turn by turn directions.
•Have a list of all the jobsite emergency contact information including any pre-existing medical conditions and allergies that emergency personel may need to know.
Training
•Employers should train employees to recognize hazards and unsafe working conditions and how to avoid them.
•Employers need to provide training on safe work practices, safe operation of machinery, and equipment, and how to recognize when things are not safe.
•Access ladders, stairways, confined space, and enclosed space entry hazards are all subjects that need to be trained and documented.
Recordkeeping
•You must record and post injuries and fatalities.  This is otherwise known as the 300-log.
•Maintain medical records and exposure records for all employees and past employess.
•You must maintain all appropriate documents and tags for abatement purposes.  If you do not have these items, it could mean hefty fines.

Here is part 2 of the Electrical Safety Quiz.  The answers will be posted next.

11. Exposed energized parts:
    a. Are enclosed
    b. Are capable of being accidentally approached nearer than a safe distance
    c. Are usually insulated
    d. Are always guarded

12. Exposed parts are considered to be energized:
    a. If they are not locked/tagged out
    b. If they are insulated
    c. If they are locked/tagged out
    d. If you can’t see that they are disconnected

13. A qualified person:
    a. Is automatically considered to be qualified to work on all electrical equipment
    b. Must be a licensed electrician
    c. Is familiar with the construction and operation of the equipment and the hazards involved
    d. All of the above

14. Lockout/tagout:
    a. Must be done by a qualified person
    b. Can be done by an unqualified person
    c. Must be done by a supervisor
    d. Can be done by anyone

15. If you are working under unguarded, energized overhead lines:
    a. The clearance distance is 10 feet for voltages of 50 kv or less to ground
    b. The clearance distance is 10 feet plus 4 inches for every 10 kv greater than 50 kv to ground
    c. The clearance distance is always 10 feet
    d. Both a. and b

16. When a vehicle is intentionally grounded because its elevated parts could possibly come into contact with energized overhead lines:
    a. An employee must stand near the grounding location to warn other people to stay away
    b. A qualified employee must stand near the grounding location to warn other people to stay away
    c. No one is allowed to stand near the grounding location
    d. The grounding location must be locked/tagged out

17. Portable cord- and plug-connected equipment:
    a. Must be inspected before use on every shift
    b. Should be inspected each morning
    c. Must be inspected annually by a licensed electrician
    d. Only needs an inspection if you notice a problem

18. When electrical hazard warning signs are posted and a barricade limits entry into an area:
    a. You must use the buddy system to enter the area
    b. A written entry permit must be posted near the space
    c. Non-qualified persons need special permission before they work in the area
    d. The area contains exposed energized parts

19. If you need to use a ladder while working near electrical parts:
    a. Use a conductive ladder
    b. Use a metal ladder
    c. Use a non-conductive ladder
    d. The ladder must be intentionally grounded

20. If a circuit breaker trips and deenergizes the machine you are using:
    a. You can just manually re-set the circuit breaker and continue to use the machine
    b. It must be determined that it would be safe to reenergize the circuit before the circuit breaker can be re-set
    c. You must immediately lock out the machine
    d. You must install a new circuit breaker