Hazards

Final rule expands OSHA’s digger-derrick exemption and the agency launches its annual heat campaign in this week’s OSHA Roundup.

Washington – To help prevent thousands of potential worker heat-related illnesses, OSHA on May 20 launched its third annual Heat Illness Prevention Campaign.

Washington – A new final rule from OSHA expands the exemption for digger-derrick operations in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard.

Richmond, CA – The Richmond City Council in California recently adopted a resolution to implement recommendations from a Chemical Safety Board interim report on the August 2012 Chevron refinery fire and explosion.

Washington – OSHA has proposed delaying the compliance date for crane operator certification while the agency considers a potential rulemaking that would address concerns about the requirements.

Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently released tips for safely working outdoors in hot weather.

More than 16 years after OSHA suggested a comprehensive silica dust standard is necessary, stakeholders such as the American Foundry Society continue to meet and argue about the issue.

Combustible dusts – finely ground organic or metal particles – can be found in a number of industries, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries states. These industries include food, tobacco, plastics, paper, rubber, textiles, pesticides, pharmaceuticals and fossil fuel power generation.

As summer approaches, so do the dangers of working outside during hot weather. Knowing how to work safely in hot weather can help prevent heat stress injuries and heat stroke, the most serious heat-related disorder, according to NIOSH.

Washington – Chemicals used in poultry processing plants may pose a risk to inspectors and plant workers, according to affidavits from two U.S. Department of Agriculture employees.