November 22, 2024
Maritime committee meeting plans, construction PPE rule updates and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA will hold an online public meeting of the Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) on December 3. The agenda includes reports from shipyard and longshoring workgroups, presentations on OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Falls and emerging technology in the maritime industry. The full committee will meet from 8-9:30 a.m. CST, followed by workgroup meetings.
Construction PPE fit rule under final review
OSHA's final rule on personal protective equipment (PPE) fit requirements for the construction industry is undergoing review by the White House. The rule aims to address longstanding concerns and align construction standards with those in general industry and maritime, ensuring PPE properly fits all employees, including women and smaller employees. OSHA expects this change to improve safety without increasing employer costs.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC releases 2023 Texas workplace injury and illness report (PDF 384KB)
DWC has released its annual report on nonfatal, work-related injuries and illnesses in Texas. The 2023 data shows an injury and illness rate of 1.8 per 100 equivalent full-time employees, the lowest in the past decade and below the national rate of 2.4. The report provides detailed statistics by industry sectors, helping employers, safety professionals and policymakers identify workplace safety issues.
DWC highlights advancements in wearable safety technology
DWC reports on how wearable safety technology and self-monitoring, analysis and reporting technology (SMART) applications are transforming workplace safety. These innovations provide real-time monitoring, instant alerts and valuable data to prevent accidents and respond quickly to emergencies. The article highlights six key areas of advancement, including vital signs monitoring, downed employee detection, fatigue monitoring and more.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
BLS reports decrease in workplace injuries and illnesses for 2023
The BLS reports a significant decrease in employer-reported workplace injuries and illnesses for 2023. Private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal cases, down 8.4% from 2022. The total recordable case rate fell to 2.4 cases per 100 full-time equivalent employees, the lowest since 2003. Notably, respiratory illnesses decreased by over 70%. The report highlights changes across various industry sectors, with health care and social assistance seeing the largest decrease in total cases.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH highlights safety for American Indian and Alaska Native employees
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, NIOSH is showcasing its American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) Initiative. The program aims to improve occupational safety and health support for tribal communities. NIOSH has developed a strategic plan focusing on research, practice, policy and capacity building for AI/AN employee safety. Current projects include studying tribal emergency response, employee well-being, analyzing AI/AN occupational mortality and collaborating on hearing loss prevention. NIOSH seeks further collaboration with tribes and partners to advance these efforts.
NIOSH investigates safety implications of automation in construction
NIOSH is conducting research on the impact of automation and robotics in construction safety. While these technologies offer benefits such as increased productivity and reduced musculoskeletal strain, they also present new safety challenges. NIOSH researchers are developing models for safe human-robot interactions and examining the use of drones and demolition robots on construction sites.