Safety@Work Newsletter

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Protecting workers from crystalline silica hazards in the workplace

About 2.3 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to crystalline silica, a common mineral found in many construction and industrial materials. Workers who inhale dust from cutting or grinding this mineral are at an increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases. These tips can help prevent crystalline silica hazards and promote a healthy, safe workplace.

National Fire Prevention Week, October 8-14, 2023

This October, during National Fire Prevention Week, create a company fire prevention plan, or review your existing plan, to help keep workers safe and businesses open.

Fire Safety Resources

• DWC Workplace Safety Resources
  • Fire Prevention Tips.
  • Fire Prevention Plan Sample OSHA Written Program (English / Spanish) (Word format).
  • Fire Prevention (English / Spanish).
  • Fire Safety: Flammable Liquids - Take 5 for Safety (English /Spanish).
  • Fire Safety Workplace Program (English / Spanish).
  • Fireworks Safety Fact Sheet (English / Spanish).
  • High Rise Building Evacuations (English / Spanish).
  • House and Building Fires Fact Sheet (English / Spanish).
  • Free online safety videos (type “fire” in the Search Box to find links to videos related to fire safety).
• OSHA Resources for Fire Prevention
  • Fire Safety Fact Sheet.
  • Fire Safety Index Page (with links to relevant standards and many other resources).
• National Ag Safety Database Fire Safety Resources.
• Fire safety resources for the public, which might also be useful in work situations, from the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
  • TDI Fire Safety Videos.
  • Fire Safety Research and Resources.
  • “Fire Safety for Texans” School Curriculum.

Free OSHA 10-hour construction classes

DWC offers in-person training in both English and Spanish. Those who complete the course receive an OSHA 10-hour construction course completion card within eight weeks. 

• You must be a Texas resident or an employee currently working in Texas to register.
• The student must understand and communicate in the language of the course.
• All classes start at 8 a.m.

September 2023 

Austin (Barbara Jordan Building-BJB) | Two-day | In person | Spanish | Sept. 26-27

Austin (Barbara Jordan Building-BJB) | Two-day | In person | English | Sept. 27-28 

October 2023

Fort Worth (TECQ) | Two-day | In person| Spanish | Oct. 10-11

Fort Worth (TECQ) | Two-day | In person | English | Oct. 12-13

Austin (BJB) | Two-day | In person| English | Oct. 18-19

El Paso (Field office) | Two-day | In person | English | Oct. 26-27

Austin (BJB) | Two-day | In person| Spanish | Oct. 26-27

Fort Worth (TECQ) | Two-day | In person | Spanish | Oct. 30-31

For more information, check the TDI website.

Free on-site or online safety consultations

No matter your needs or challenges, the Texas OSHA Consultation Program (OSHCON) has safety and health resources to help your business.

OSHCON consultations are free and confidential. They are offered in person at your job site or virtually.

We can help you find, reduce, and remove safety and health hazards, and learn OSHA standards.

OSHCON also provides:

• Training.
• Help with safety and health programs.
• Free safety training materials and publications.

Check out the OSHCON webpage or contact us:

• Toll-free request line: 800-252-7031, option 2
• OSHCON@tdi.texas.gov
• OSHCON Online Request Form