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Safety Update - Ohio BWC Library - BWC News
Trenching Safety Webinar
Trenching poses some of the most severe hazards in the construction industry and sadly, trench failure is a leading cause of an increasing number of fatalities. BWC is offering a webinar at 1 p.m. July 15 that covers identifying risk factors related to trenching and excavation sites. Learn more and register here. NIOSH/CDC News
NIOSH Science Blog on Trenching
The National Institute of Safety and Health (NIOSH) Science blog posted an article on preventing trench fatalities.
The article discusses alternatives to trenching and planning before trenching. Slip Resistant Shoe Study
The NIOSH Research Rounds newsletter reported on a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health on the use of slip resistant shoes in food service operations. The study showed that slip resistant footwear reduced slip-related workers’ compensation claims among food service workers from 3.54 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months to 1.18 slipping injuries per 10 000 worker-months. Fall Prevention Publication
The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program issued a new publication on falls from roofs, ladders and scaffolds. The publication contains statistics about falls, links to reports of fall fatalities and resources to prevent falls. Safety Innovation Awards
Innovations come in many forms – advanced technologies, creative use of existing equipment, or unique processes and practices. Tell us about the innovative way you addressed a workplace safety or health risk and you could win cash awards. Each year, our Safety Innovation Awards encourage and recognize innovative and creative solutions that reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses. We believe showcasing these successful innovations inspires other Ohio employers to develop innovative solutions of their own.
We want to hear about your innovation! Visit our Safety Innovation Awards webpage for more information or to apply. Working with Natural Stone
This previously recorded webinar describes the dangers of silica exposure, employer requirements to comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Respirable Crystalline Silica Rule, and methods employers can use to protect workers. Rabies Infections
A report on human rabies deaths and exposures in the U.S. in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report discussed the statistics on this disease. The report found that most reports of rabies from 1960 to 2018 were attributed to bats. The report concludes that wildlife rabies is a risk to humans. Be sure to seek medical care if you are bitten or scratched by wildlife. Driving Safety
The latest issue of Behind the Wheel at Work contains information on driver fatigue and tips for driving in hurricane season. OSHA News
Flood Cleanup
Ohio and the rest of the Midwest have been dealing with more rain than usual this spring. Here are flood cleanup tips from OSHA to keep you safe.
Suicide Prevention. If you have a crisis and need help to cope, OSHA created a Preventing Suicide page on its website with links to suicide hotlines and resources from various organizations. There is help available, please reach out if you need it. Heat Stress
The summer months are with us and summer heat is here. OSHA resources for Occupational Heat Exposure are available to keep you and your employees safe. Find links to videos, an app for your phone and resources for symptom identification and first aid. New Measles Page
The OSHA website has a new page for Measles. Learn how to recognize measles and find control and prevention tips, OSHA standards and links to sites with more resources. OSHA Alerts
OSHA Alerts are a new series of publications that address safety hazards associated with specific activities, equipment or events. Each alert identifies the hazards involved and offers clear solutions to keep workers safe. Alerts are available for flood cleanup, trenching and forklift operation. Other News
Workplace Violence Response Training
The University of Southern Maine, in collaboration with Maine Small Business Development Centers, has launched a free online program to train small business retail workers in preventing and responding to violence. There are two current modules for employers and managers and a third module for employees will be available soon. 3-D Printing
Safety and Health Magazine describes aspects of safety related to 3-D printing in this article. The article discusses air emissions, engineering controls and other hazards such as heat and special issues involved with industrial-size equipment. Long Mining Shifts and Injuries
This article in Occupational and Environmental Medicine looked at injury data from 1982 to 2015. The study found a threefold increase in the proportion of injuries occurring more than nine hours into a shift. Additionally, incidents occurring during those long work hours were more likely to result in a death or multiple workers injured. Mentally Healthy Workplace
Is your workplace healthy for you mentally? The Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion created this Mental Health Toolkit to aid businesses in fostering a mentally healthy workplace. The four tools are awareness, accommodations, assistance and access. Breakfast is Important
A study reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men 40 to 75 years old who regularly skip breakfast have a significant increase in the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. Return to Work
The Canadian Institute for Work and Health (IWH) highlighted research from five studies on return-to-work programs with an infographic and links to the studies. You can find other infographics in the series on the IWH website. Please contact the library@bwc.state.oh.us or 614-466-7388 for more information on any of these items.
The Ohio BWC Library of BWC’s Division of Safety & Hygiene compiles and distributes this newsletter each month.
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