September 8, 2023
Updated offshore drilling provisions, sharps injuries study and more
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)
The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) is reinstating provisions in a rule aimed at addressing gaps in offshore drilling safety. The safety regulation was introduced to prevent another explosion like the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, but some provisions were rolled back in a 2019 revision. Reinstated provisions include requirements for the design, maintenance and repair of rig blowout preventers. The rule goes into effect October 23.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Younger employees may be at increased risk of sharps injuries
A NIOSH study releases injury rates from sharps, or sharp objects such as needles. Trends for these injuries were examined through factors such as industry and age groups, which showed that females and employees under 35 years old were more likely to be injured. Next steps for this research include better understanding how and why these injuries happen as well as how to prevent them through education.
Workplace safety and the world of Barbie
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) posted an article to inspire a focus on workplace safety, capitalizing on the success of the Barbie movie. The article uses common hazards present in a few of Barbie’s jobs to showcase resources NIOSH offers to keep employees safe.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Judge rules that Texas can’t prevent mandated water breaks
On August 30, a Texas judge blocked H.B. 2127, a recently passed state law that would have gone into effect on September 1. This law would have prevented local cities and counties from passing ordinances such as mandatory water breaks for employees. The state is expected to appeal the ruling.
OH&S webinar on fixing common HazCom mistakes
Occupational Health & Safety Magazine is hosting a webinar next week to discuss common mistakes in hazard communication programs. The webcast will examine common issues like labeling secondary containers, handling chemical mixtures, choosing who needs training and understanding what exceptions may apply. The webinar is scheduled for September 20.