February 16, 2024
OSHA tips on reporting, DWC seeks rulemaking ideas and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Establishments required to electronically submit annual illness and injury data must do so using OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The ITA frequently asked questions page can help employers with creating an ITA account, determining requirements with NAICS codes, navigating technical issues and more. Electronic submissions are due March 2, 2024.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC is asking stakeholders for suggestions for both new rules and revisions to existing rules. Stakeholders can provide concerns or issues that should be addressed, details about the suggested change and other information via the agency’s online form.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The February edition of NIOSH Research Rounds explores the benefits, challenges and considerations for integrating robots into the workplace to improve employee safety, especially in the construction industry. The NIOSH Center for Occupational Robotics Research is using tools such as virtual reality (VR) to help prevent the hazards of working near and with robots. Future webinars about this topic are also previewed.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Wearing proper safety lenses can reduce eye injuries by 90%
An Industrial Safety & Hygiene News article stresses the importance of wearing the proper safety eyewear to prevent injuries. Doing so can prevent 90% of workplace eye injuries, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. A guide for choosing the proper eyewear is provided, focusing on features such as lens coating, material and fit.