Safety Inspectors to Focus on Chemical Exposures in Midwest

OSHA’s regional office in Kansas City, MO recently announced a new Regional Emphasis Program to “increase awareness of chemical exposures and ensure employers implement required safety and health procedures”

OSHA Press Release, 10/20/21     

Inspections will focus on workplaces and industries in which OSHA documented employee exposure to hazardous substances during previous inspections. OSHA’s announcement provides three examples of hazardous substances of concern—asbestos, cadmium, and formaldehyde.
 
In addition to using more enforcement resources to prevent chemical exposures, OSHA started a three-month outreach program on October 1 to target employers, professional associations, safety councils, healthcare facilities, and other stakeholders with informational mailers and OSHA presentations.

Workplace Chemical Exposures

In January 2021, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics its National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) for 2019. The report documents the fatal injuries that occurred in 2019 while Americans were on the job. 

Among the report's key findings was the fact that exposure to harmful substances or environments led to the deaths of 642 workers in 2019, the highest number since the category was added to the report in 2011.  
 

Online GHS Hazard Communication Training 

Be confident that all of your employees are familiar with the hazards of chemicals in your workplace. OSHA requires annual hazcom training for covered employees.

The Hazard Communication online course is designed to help satisfy OSHA's annual training requirement in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h).

If you responsible for site hazard communication planning and implementation, the more advanced Managing Hazard Communication online course is for you.  

Tags: osha