July 25, 2024
Advisory committee nominations, resources for safety programs and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA is looking to fill four representative positions on its 12-member National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health that advises the Secretary of Labor. These individuals would serve a two-year term beginning January 16, 2025. Nominations are due by August 16.
OSHA offers resources for safety programs
To support the efforts of this year’s Safe + Sound week on August 12-18, OSHA encourages employers to implement safety and health programs to reduce workplace injuries and deaths. The agency offers resources aligned to its core elements of a safety program, which include management leadership, employee participation and finding and fixing hazards.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Safety tips for forever chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are harmful chemicals linked to serious health problems, and employees in certain industries face a higher exposure risk. This DWC article guides employers to protect employees from exposure using strategies such as eliminating PFAS-containing materials whenever possible, implementing controls such as proper ventilation systems and good housekeeping practices and providing thorough training.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC offers weekly updates of respiratory illness findings
Each week, the CDC provides an update on respiratory illness findings on its Respiratory Virus Data Channel Snapshot page. In the latest update, the number of respiratory illnesses causing people to seek medical care was reported to be low nationwide, as were cases of influenza and RSV. However, areas across the country have been experiencing increases in COVID-19 activity with hospitalizations increasing for adults 65 and older.
Studies, resources, trends, news
OH&S webinar on performing hearing testing on-site
OH&S is hosting a webinar next week to discuss how to conduct accurate, OSHA-compliant hearing tests without a sound booth. Strategies will also be given for finding suitable testing environments in your facility and overcoming noise challenges. The webinar will take place at 1 p.m. CDT on July 31.