Workplace Solutions

Washington — OSHA is rescinding two major parts of its electronic recordkeeping rule, no longer requiring the submission of injury and illness data from Forms 300 and 301.

Baltimore — Hog farm workers who regularly wear facemasks on the job may significantly protect themselves and those in their households from exposure to the antibiotic-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Washington — OSHA has published answers to a list of frequently asked questions regarding the agency’s respirable crystalline silica standard for general industry.

Washington — Employers required to keep and maintain an OSHA 300 injury and illness log must post their 300A summary sheet in the workplace from Feb. 1 to April 30.

Lansing, MI — Michigan has become the first state to lower permissible blood lead levels – by as much as half – to protect workers, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently announced.

Olympia, WA — Strategic positioning during cranking of landing gears can help prevent truck drivers from injuring their shoulders when raising or lowering trailers, results of a recent study by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and North Carolina State University suggest.

Washington — NIOSH recently introduced checklists to help employers assess damp areas and identify mold.

Watertown, SD — A new video from the National Association of Tower Erectors highlights the importance of understanding and following the proper sequence of performing tower modifications.

Silver Spring, MD — Awareness of nanotechnology or nanoparticles in the construction industry remains relatively low among contractors, union leaders and apprenticeship program staff, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by the Center for Construction Research and Training – also known as CPWR.

Tokyo — Long-term exposure to powdered toner or toner-using machines has no significant impact on lung health, concludes a recent study of copier industry workers by researchers at Japan’s Showa University.