In This Issue

Employers are reminded to post injury and illness summaries

On Feb. 1, employers were to begin posting a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. Employers are only required to post the Summary (OSHA Form 300A) -- not the OSHA 300 Log -- from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2009. Copies of OSHA Forms 300, 300A and 301 are available on the OSHA Recordkeeping Web page.

Public hearing scheduled on proposed cranes and derricks standard in construction

OSHA will hold an informal public hearing March 17 on the proposed cranes and derricks in construction standard. Details are available in the Jan. 26, 2009 Federal Register.

Maritime industry stands to benefit from two new online OSHA resources

Slips, trips and falls, fire and falling overboard are among the safety topics addressed in two new online publications designed to protect maritime industry employees. The Deck Barge Safety guidance document and Spud Barge Safety fact sheet identify the connection between proper controls, procedures and training, and also raise awareness of the hazards and proper solutions to prevent injuries and fatalities.

OSHA to share safety information at Associated General Contractors show

OSHA will showcase an exhibit and distribute compliance assistance and other informative materials to attendees at the Associated General Contractors of America annual convention in San Diego, March 4-6.

Combustible dust explosion inspections focus of upcoming seminars in Illinois

OSHA's North Aurora, Ill., Area Office and the Illinois Safety Council, which formed an alliance with OSHA's Illinois area offices, will host combustible dust explosion inspection seminars Feb. 18 and March 26 in Naperville, Ill. The seminars will offer instructions on OSHA standards relating to combustible dust and best practices to protect employees against dust explosions. To register, visit www.ilsafetycouncil.org.

OSHA Challenge helps improve workplace safety and health

If you are an employer interested in developing an effective safety and health management system that follows the Voluntary Protection Programs' model, then the OSHA Challenge Pilot is the answer. On average, Challenge participants' injury and illness rates decrease by almost 40 percent. Upon successful completion, graduates from the Pilot may be considered for expedited approval to VPP. For more information, visit the Challenge Web page.

Agency forms three new alliances

Promoting safety and health in construction is the goal of new alliances formed with the National Safety Council's South Louisiana Chapter and the International Association of Foundation Drilling's South Central Chapter. A new alliance established with the Gulf Coast Latin Chamber of Commerce and the University of South Florida's SafetyFlorida Consultation Program aims to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses among employees in Manatee and Sarasota counties, focusing particularly on Hispanic employees.

OSHA establishes partnership to promote construction safety

A new partnership was established with Sands BethWorks Gaming LLC to promote a safe workplace for employees involved in the construction of the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, Pa.

Events page features more conference information

OSHA posted more safety- and health-related conference and meeting information to the events page on its Web site. Look for activities in your area.

"QuickTips:" Resources to help businesses provide a safe and healthful workplace

During these challenging economic times, OSHA wants to see every business take a continuous, systematic approach to workplace safety. We have the tools to help businesses of any size identify hazards, address safety and health problems, train employees to prevent injuries and fatalities, and comply with safety and health standards. Some of those resources include:

• OSHA's On-site Consultation Program;
• compliance assistance products;
• regional and local area offices;
• publications; and
• Safety and Health Topics Web pages.

Visit OSHA's Web site to learn more. Look for more "QuickTips" on a new occupational safety- and health-related topic in your next issue.

Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999, www.osha.gov