September 13, 2024
Injury tracking tool, comments for heat rule and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has introduced a new online dashboard that allows users to search and view data on severe workplace injuries. The Severe Injury Report dashboard covers injuries reported since 2015 in businesses under federal OSHA oversight. Users can search by year, industry, state and company name. OSHA hopes this tool will help employees and employers better understand and prevent serious injuries at their workplace.
OSHA has announced the opening of a public comment period for its proposed rule to protect employees from extreme heat. The rule aims to safeguard approximately 36 million indoor and outdoor employees from heat-related injuries, illnesses and fatalities. OSHA encourages public participation to help develop an effective final rule. Comments must be submitted by December 30.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH launches Worker Well-Being Database
NIOSH and the Health Enhancement Research Organization (HERO) have created a new database to study employee well-being. This database collects anonymous responses from a questionnaire about employees' experiences both in and outside of work. Available in English and Spanish, this tool will help researchers and employers better understand and improve employee well-being.
NIOSH looks at ways to keep AI safe at work
NIOSH researchers are suggesting five ways to manage workplace risks from artificial intelligence (AI) in machines and work processes. These ideas include having AI creators work with safety experts, getting independent reviews and creating a system to certify AI as safe. The goal is to protect employees' health and safety as AI becomes more common in jobs.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Texas Workers' Compensation Conference goes virtual
DWC is launching its first virtual Texas Workers' Compensation Conference on October 22-23, 2024. This new format aims to reach a wider audience while still offering continuing education opportunities. Early bird registration is available until September 30, with topics ranging from AI in Texas to ethical issues in workers' compensation.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Free webinars for farm safety week
The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) is offering a series of free online webinars from September 16-20, 2024, as part of National Farm Safety and Health Week. Topics include skid loader safety, road safety with farm equipment, noise hazards, suicide prevention, farm succession planning and more. These sessions aim to educate farmers, agricultural employees and health professionals on various aspects of farm safety and health.