Trench Safety

OSHA has issued updated posters in English and Spanish on protecting workers in trenches.  In addition, U.S. Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta has released a public service announcement in English and Spanish to address the increase in preventable trenching related fatalities.  For more information on how to keep workers safe, visit OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation page.

Safe + Sound Week

 OSHA's Safe + Sound Week will be held August 13-19, 2018.  The week is a nationwide event to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs that include management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing workplace hazards.  The updated Safe + Sound Week page includes guidance on selecting activities for the week, information on how to plan and promote your events, and how to get recognition for participating in the week.

Temporary Worker Bulletins

OSHA has issued bulletins under its temporary worker initiative on respiratory protection and noise exposure and hearing conservation.  The bulletins review what the staffing agency and host employer can do to ensure that temporary workers exposed to airborne contaminants and hazardous noise levels are appropriately protected in accordance with OSHA standards. 

Forklift Operation

OSHA's new QuickCard on Safe Forklift Operation includes some key steps on how to stay safe while operating forklifts.

Occupational Chemical Database

OSHA's new Occupational Chemical Database compiles information from several government agencies and organizations into one online resource.  The database includes chemical identification and physical properties, exposure limits, and sampling information

Lead Exposure at Indoor Firing Ranges

OSHA has issued a QuickCard and fact sheet on protecting workers from lead exposure at indoor firing ranges.

Shipyard Employment

OSHA has issued shipyard employment fact sheets on personal protective equipment and safe use of portable and hand-held power tools.

Spring 2018 Regulatory Agenda

The U.S. Department of Labor, including OSHA, has issued its Spring 2018 Regulatory Agenda.  Federal agencies post their regulatory agendas on the Reginfo.gov website twice a year to provide a snapshot of their rulemaking priorities.  A listing of Department of Labor (including OSHA) rulemaking in the pre-rule, proposed rule, and final rule stages is available here.  Rules that are classified as long-term actions are listed here. 

The following products were issued by OSHA’s Alliance Program participants as part of the Alliance Program from April 1 to June 30, 2018.  These products do not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA.  For a complete listing of Alliance products, see the Alliance Program Participants Developed Products page. 

Hazard Communication Standard Info Sheets

The Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) developed the following new or updated information sheets on OSHA's hazard communication standard: Acute Dermal Toxicity, Acute Oral Toxicity, Acute Toxicity Inhalation, Flammable Liquids, Labeling - OSHA vs. GHS, Pictograms, Precautionary Statements, Self-Reacting Chemicals, Serious Eye Damage/Eye Irritation, Skin Corrosion Irritation, and What is the GHS?

FAQs on Respiratory Protection

NIOSH has issued a series of Frequently Asked Questions about respiratory protection.  The documents cover respiratory protection and respirator reuse and extended use (NIOSH Publication 2018-128), fit testing (NIOSH Publication 2018-129), and user seal check (NIOSH Publication 2018-130).

NIOSH FACE Reports and Products

The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program conducts investigations on workplace fatalities to identify the factors that contributed to these fatal injuries. This information is used to develop comprehensive recommendations for preventing similar deaths.  The NIOSH Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program issued the following reports and products from April 1 to June 30, 2018.  

NSC Fatigue in the Workplace Report

The National Safety Council has issued the second in its series of reports on workplace fatigue called "Fatigue in the Workplace: Risky Employer Practices."  The report reviews workplace practices and policies that contribute to worker fatigue, such as night shift and overtime scheduling, lack of time off between shifts, and a lack of rest areas in the workplace. A previous report in this series examined employees' personal risk factors for workplace fatigue.

CPWR Construction Safety and Health Network

CPWR (The Center for Construction Research and Training) has launched a new online Construction Safety and Health Network. The network provides a hub for construction researchers, trainers, safety and health professionals, and other industry stakeholders to share research findings and solutions and to connect on safety and health topics of mutual interest.

CPWR Skin Cancer Alert

CPWR has issued a hazard alert card on skin cancer in English and Spanish. The card explains how construction workers can protect themselves, and how to identify the signs of skin cancer.  Print copies of the English card are available from CPWR. 

NFPA Reports on Workplace Electrical Injuries

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued reports on Fatal and Non-Fatal Electrical Injuries at Work. The reports provide an overview of electrical injuries at work from 2012 to 2016.

The following materials developed by grantees under OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program were posted on the OSHA website from April 1 to June 30, 2018. See the OSHA website for a complete list of a materials developed by Harwood grantees. These materials do not necessarily reflect the official views of OSHA.