November 8, 2024
OSHA reports decreasing fatality inspections, respiratory protection guidance and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has reported a significant decrease in work-related fatalities it was mandated to investigate for fiscal year 2024. The agency investigated 826 employee deaths, an 11% reduction from the previous year. Improvements include a 20% drop in fatal falls and a nearly 70% decline in trench collapse fatalities since 2022. OSHA credits these reductions to stronger enforcement, collaboration with labor and management and targeted emphasis programs.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH addresses beard safety during No Shave November
NIOSH is exploring solutions for employees with beards who need to use tight-fitting respirators. While beards can interfere with respirator seals, NIOSH is investigating alternatives like beard bands. Currently, the agency does not endorse these methods and recommends staying clean-shaven or using loose-fitting, powered air-purifying respirators for bearded employees. NIOSH is collaborating with various organizations and manufacturers to find safe solutions that allow facial hair without compromising respiratory protection.
NIOSH develops tools for monitoring silica in mining environments
NIOSH has created new tools to monitor respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in mining environments. These include methods for same-day results, video-assisted exposure monitoring and dust sensing networks for area monitoring. The developments are a response to new Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) rules lowering the permissible exposure limit for RCS, emphasizing the need for effective monitoring and control measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC updates COVID-19 and pneumococcal vaccine recommendations
The CDC now recommends a second dose of the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for people 65 years and older and those 6 months and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised. Additionally, the CDC has lowered the recommended age for adult pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. These updates aim to better protect vulnerable populations and improve vaccination coverage among adults with risk conditions.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA awards $10.5 million for mine safety training
MSHA has awarded over $10.5 million in grants to support mine safety and health training across the nation, including Texas. The funds will help deliver federally mandated training for miners. These programs aim to reduce mining accidents, injuries and illnesses by providing safety and health courses tailored to local conditions and hazards.
MSHA and NIOSH release opioid prevention guide for mining industry
MSHA and NIOSH have jointly developed an opioid resource guide for the mining industry. The guide offers actionable tools for mine operators and occupational safety and health managers to plan, implement and integrate workplace interventions. It aims to prevent prescription opioid misuse, illegal opioid use and opioid use disorder among mining employees. The resource includes 10 distinct strategies, a Workplace Health and Well-Being Model and evidence-based practices to address the disproportionate impact of opioid-related issues in the mining sector.