| March 15, 2007 · Volume 6, Issue 6 | |
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| A bi-weekly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces. | |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
In This Issue OSHA Alerts 14,000 Employers about High Injury and Illness Rates Stakeholder Meetings on Ionizing Radiation OSHA Seeking Nominations for Federal Advisory Council New OSHA Web-based Tools for Spanish Trainers Spanish-language OSHA 10-hour Course Scheduled in Chicago OSHA Forms Partnerships with Three Construction Industry Groups Alliance Program Update Voluntary Protection Programs Activity Latest Conference and Meeting Information 'QuickTips' from QuickTakes OSHA Alerts 14,000 Employers about High Injury and Illness Rates Approximately 14,000 employers recently received a letter from Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. alerting them of their high injury and illness rates and encouraging them to use free OSHA resources to improve their safety and health performance. The notifications were based on data reported by approximately 80,000 employers surveyed by OSHA last year (the survey collected injury and illness data from calendar year 2005). Foulke said the notification process "is meant to raise awareness that injuries and illnesses are high at these facilities."  Back to TopStakeholder Meetings on Ionizing Radiation OSHA is inviting the public to participate in informal stakeholder meetings on occupational exposure to ionizing radiation. There are two meetings; the first is March 16 at the U.S. Department of Labor Building in Washington, D.C., and the second is in Orlando, Fla., March 26. Details are available in the March 5 Federal Register. Back to TopOSHA Seeking Nominations for Federal Advisory Council OSHA is seeking nominations for persons to serve on the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH). FACOSH advises the Secretary of Labor on all matters relating to the occupational safety and health of federal employees. The Council, which is chaired by the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, is composed of 16 members appointed by the Secretary of Labor. Eight members are management representatives from Federal Departments and Agencies, and eight members are representatives of labor organizations representing Federal employees. Two management and three labor representative positions will be filled. Details of the nomination procedures are included in the March 2 Federal Register. Nominations must be received by April 2, 2007. Back to TopNew OSHA Web-based Tools for Spanish Trainers Spanish-speaking trainers and students will benefit from two new OSHA Web-based resources. The Spanish Outreach Trainers Lists provides the names of OSHA-authorized outreach trainers who provide 10- and 30-hour construction and general industry outreach training in Spanish. People interested in Spanish safety and health training may contact these individuals. Also, References for Spanish Trainers is a compilation of references outreach trainers will find helpful in developing or conducting their courses. Back to TopSpanish-language OSHA 10-hour Course Scheduled in Chicago OSHA's Region V Office in Chicago is joining forces with the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northern Illinois University and Chicago's Truman College to offer an OSHA 10-hour general industry course in Spanish. This course is specifically designed for supervisors, team leaders and managers. It will be offered March 28 and 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Truman College, 3500 W Peterson Ave. Registration and additional information is available by contacting (773) 907-3994 (bilingual). Space is limited. Back to TopOSHA Forms Partnerships with Three Construction Industry Groups Construction industry employees in OSHA's Region V will benefit from partnerships formed between OSHA and AK Steel Corporation, Builders Association Inc. and a joint venture with Legacy Building Group and Clayco. The goal of these partnerships is to lower injury and illness rates through increased identification, evaluation and control of safety and health hazards in the workplace. OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program is a voluntary and cooperative relationship geared to encourage, assist and recognize employer efforts to eliminate serious hazards and achieve high levels of employee safety and health. Back to TopAlliance Program Update National Office: OSHA has once again renewed its 2002 alliance with American Biological Safety Association to continue developing preventive measures addressing biological safety issues. Region II: OSHA's Puerto Rico Area Office and the University of Sacred Heart signed a new alliance to provide training and education programs for employees and students. The training will include an Associate Safety Professional preparatory course and an internship program between university students and OSHA. Region VI: OSHA's Dallas, Texas Area Office formed an alliance with the Panhandle Safety Training Center of Frank Phillips College to promote job safety and health in the panhandle region of Texas. Back to TopVoluntary Protection Programs Activity Visit "recent approvals" on the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) page of OSHA's Web site to see the latest list of employers recently approved for new or continued participation in VPP. We encourage you to examine the entire VPP site to learn more about how OSHA's premier cooperative program can help protect employees and lower workers' compensation costs. Back to TopLatest Conference and Meeting Information OSHA recently posted more safety and health-related conference and meeting information to the events page on its Web site. Check for activities near you. Back to Top'QuickTips' from QuickTakes With warmer weather and longer days approaching, employers and employees in the landscaping industry are emerging from their winter hibernation to begin work beautifying the nation's parks, highways and yards. Following a few simple safety precautions can help prevent injuries to you and your employees. Make sure everyone: By taking the right precautions when warmer weather beckons, you and those around you can enjoy a safer, healthier spring. OSHA's Safety and Health Topic Page on Landscape and Horticultural Services is a tremendous resource for more information. Turn to OSHA for more safety and health-related 'QuickTips' in your next issue. Back to Top |