Here’s What’s New in OSHA Compliance
Are you using NIOSH approved N95 respirators?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has issued two new fact sheets on filtering facepiece respirators. One gives criteria for assessing if an N95 filter is approved by the agency and the other provides procedures for fit testing and...
OSHA fines may increase substantially, and sooner than you think
On Sept. 9, the House Education and Labor Committee proposed considerable increases to OSHA fines as a part of their budget resolution for fiscal year 2022, which starts on Oct. 1. The proposition was part of the committee's portion of the Build Back Better Act, a...
Hurricane Ida: OSHA Urges Response Crews to Prepare for Hazards
On Aug. 30, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a statement urging response crews and residents to recognize hazards in areas affected by Hurricane Ida. Health and safety hazards may be created by flooding, power loss, structural damage,...
COVID-19 linked to hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo
The COVID-19 virus is known to cause a host of problems and symptoms in the body, in addition to a compromised respiratory system. In fact, one surprising issue came to light earlier this year, which led to a significant increase in workplace audiometric examinations....
What to Know About OSHA Regulations in the Cannabis Industry
As U.S. lawmakers continue to legalize cannabis for medical and personal use, the industry’s workforce is growing alongside it. While most managers & business owners understand that occupational safety is regulated by OSHA, you may not be aware that the agency is...
OSHA COVID-19 Updates Guidance on Workplace Protection
On Aug. 13, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published updated guidance to help employers protect their workers from COVID-19. The new guidance is based on developments in science and data, including the updated guidance from the Centers for...
These Disposable Respirators Are FDA-Approved
Due to an increased domestic supply of NIOSH-approved respirators, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked the emergency use authorization of non-NIOSH-approved disposable respirators. Last year, manufacturers of NIOSH-approved disposable respirators were...
Hearing Conservation Program: OSHA Fines Metal Fabricator over $216K
After multiple inspections and a failure to abate hazards, OSHA cited a Milwaukee metal fabricating facility for failing to implement a hearing conservation program and for exposing workers to dangerous machines. During two different 2020 inspections, OSHA identified...
OSHA Revises National Emphasis Program for COVID-19
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has revised its National Emphasis Program for COVID-19. The National Emphasis Program went into effect in March 2021, focusing on companies that put the largest number of employees at risk for the coronavirus, as well...
3 Ways to Keep Your Team Safe From Workplace Mold
Mold is a naturally occurring fungi that thrives in moist climates—and can cause adverse health effects including respiratory issues. Buildings or facilities that have sat vacant due to COVID-19 that are now reopening should be properly inspected for workplace mold...