Proforma Safety Blog

Businesses Concerned About OSHA’s Proposal for Musculoskeletal Disorder Reporting Requirement

Posted by proforma on February 2, 2011  |  No Comments

HSE professionals are watching for further developments in possible reporting requirements on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to workplace injury or illness. OSHA proposes to require employers to disclose in federal surveys whether a worker’s injury is musculoskeletal in nature.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce (see history on this issue) says this move indicates interest of the Obama administration to adopt sweeping regulation of ergonomic safety. According to Marc Freedman, director of labor law policy for the Chamber, their concerns center on how OSHA will define MSD and whether the injuries actually occurred in the workplace.

On January 25, OSHA announced it was temporarily withdrawing its proposal that a column be added to employer injury and illness logs to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders, citing the need for active dialogue between the agency and the small business community.”
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Be Aware of Factors that Contribute to Hearing Loss

Posted by proforma on February 1, 2011  |  No Comments

People often accept hearing loss as an unwelcome development as they age, but few are aware of the many health conditions that can contribute to hearing loss, or the ways in which they can minimize it.

For example, a recent study appears to indicate a link between heart disease and hearing loss. Interesting to note is a finding that those who exercise saw a 32% reduction in risk for suffering a hearing loss. And this study showed diabetics are twice as likely to develop hearing loss. Cholesteral, blood type, chemotherapy and even tooth decay have demonstrated links to hearing loss. On a positive note, B-vitamin has been linked to preventing it.

If you’re interested in learning more about the various contributing factors, go here. And there’s also an online hearing test offered by the Better Hearing Institute that can give you feedback on how serious your hearing condition may be.

OSHA Hazard Communication Standard

Posted by proforma on February 1, 2011  |  No Comments

OSHA has slated final action for its  Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in August 2011. For details, go to  http://www.dol.gov/osha/regs/unifiedagenda/fall2010/1218-AC20.htm. OSHA intends to conform the existing HCS with the United Nations’ (UN) Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

OSHA Sees I2P2 As Top Priority for 2011

Posted by proforma on January 6, 2011  |  No Comments

OSHA is describing its Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2) as a top priority for 2011. A proposed rule to modernize the agency’s reporting system is expected in a September 2011 Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The intent is for the I2P2 standard to have the “widest industry and employer coverage that the rulemaking process can tolerate,” according to this document outlining the recommendations by the American Industrial Hygiene Association I2P2 Task Force. The focus will be on proactive identification and control of workplace risks related to physical, biological and chemical and safety hazards.

The proposed I2P2 rule would cover
1) Management duties
2) Employee participation
3) Hazard identification and assessment
4) Hazard prevention and control
5) Education and training
6) Program evaluation and improvement

Separate but related, OSHA also intends to pursue an Infectious Diseases regulation that will require employers to not only protect workers from exposure to infectious diseases, but also develop control programs. Primarily focused on the healthcare industry, a request for information is anticipated to be published soon. Further information is available here.
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Halliburton Shares Best Practice Document on Perforating

Posted by proforma on January 6, 2011  |  No Comments

Halliburton experienced a perforation gun discharge on the rig floor and has shared a “best practices” document with the industry through the International Association of Drilling Companies (IADC). The company cited the report’s applicability to any situation in which a company is performing a perforating job using coiled tubing, a “standard” coiled tubing motor head assembly, and a “ball drop type” perforating firing system.

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Install Wall-Mounted TVs and Touch Screens Correctly; Minimize Interference with Safe Passage

Posted by proforma on January 5, 2011  |  No Comments

Offices, labs, warehouses and operations facilities are becoming increasingly cluttered with wall-mounted TVs, computer touch screens cabinets, or other equipment that pose a safety problem if they interfere with human motion, especially critical in situations where personnel must exit quickly.

Tags:ergonomics, Fire, Home Safety, Workplace Safety

Filed Under: Workplace Safety