News from APCA
Updated National Emphasis Program (NEP)
OSHA issued a press release announcing that it has updated the National Emphasis Program (NEP) on preventing trenching and excavation collapses in response to a recent spike in trenching fatalities. The NEP will increase education and enforcement efforts. The program began on October 1, 2018 with a three-month period of education and prevention outreach. During this period, OSHA will continue to respond to complaints, referrals, hospitalizations, and fatalities. OSHA-approved State Plans are expected to have enforcement procedures that are at least as effective as those in this NEP.
OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable Wrap
Another successful OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable on September 20. Record attendance was reported for the meeting focusing on labor trends in construction.
In follow-up, please see the attached roundtable slide presentations. In addition, here is the link to sign up to receive the CPWR Monthly Update Newsletter, in an effort to better track and promote their new outreach/training products and resources. The next OSHA Alliance Program Construction Roundtable is tentatively planned for September 19, 2019.
- OSHA Construction Update
- Labor Trends in Construction
- Robotics and Automation
- Drones in Construction: Worker Safety
- Construction Roundtable
De Minimis Violation Notices-Blood Laboratory Proficiency Testing and Approval
This memo provides guidance on how to evaluate employer's use of clinical laboratories for employee blood lead testing under the general industry Lead Standard and the construction Lead Standard.
OSHA Construction Conference and Silica in Construction FAQs
Jim Shelton, OSHA Compliance Assistant Specialist, attended the Aug 23rd APCA Safety Committee meeting and provided the Committee with valuable OSHA information.
• Silica FAQs August 23, 2018 – These FAQs provide guidance to employers and employees regarding the respirable crystalline silica standard's requirements.
• OSHA Construction Safety and Health Conference – September 13 - 14, 2018 – Houston Marriott Westchase – Houston, TX
OSHA Resources on Silica Now Available
OSHA has announced the availability of two new resources focusing on silica:
• Sample Training PowerPoint for Construction – A sample employee training presentation (with instructor notes) to help employers or other instructors train employees covered under the OSHA respirable crystalline silica standard for construction (29 CFR 1926.1153).
• Video: Protecting Workers From Silica Hazards in the Workplace – A five-minute informational video focusing on the hazards of exposure to respirable crystalline silica.
Oil and Gas Pipeline Construction Hazard Information
Between 2011 and 2016, there were 79 fatal injuries and more than 3070 estimated nonfatal injuries among oil and gas pipeline construction workers (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Finding and fixing hazards ensures workers go home safe and sound every day. Use the information here to find and fix hazards in your company.
OSHA CONSTRUCTION Safety & Health 2018 Conference
In Memoriam: Morris Farrar
It is with great sadness that APCA reports the passing of Morris Farrar, founder of Farrar Construction, Inc., on July 23. Mr. Farrar served as APCA President and on the Board of Directors, and he and his wife, Bobbie, were active in the association for many years.
Mr. Farrar founded Farrar Construction, Inc., out of Dover, Oklahoma, which has continued to operate under ownership by his three sons, Randy, Mark, and Steve.
Services for Mr. Farrar will be held this Friday, July 27, in Dover, at the old High School Gymnasium, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to the Dover School or to your favorite charity be made in his honor.
Reminder: 2017 Form 300A Deadline
Reminder: Specific Employers Required to Submit 2017 Injury and Illness Data by July 1
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is reminding employers that the deadline for electronically submitting their 2017 Form 300A data to OSHA is July 1, 2018.
Electronic submissions are required of establishments with 250 or more employees that are currently required to keep OSHA injury and illness records and establishments with 20-249 employees that are classified in specific industries (including construction) with historically high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses.
For more information and a link to the Injury Tracking Application, visit the Injury Tracking Application Electronic Submission of Injury and Illness Records to OSHA.
Trench Safety Stand Down
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), and North American Excavation and Shoring Association (NAXSA) Stand Down dedicated to trench safety is happening this week, June 18-22.
Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt shared an article on the Department of Labor blog with key safety tips for working in trenches. To learn more and see the article, please visit: https://blog.dol.gov/2018/06/20/trench-safety-stand-down-protecting-american-workforce
"Focus Four" Toolbox Talks Available
The Focus Four Hazards have accounted for the vast majority of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. In an effort to prevent future injuries and fatalities, OSHA, our state plans, consultation projects, an
d construction industry partners have initiated a “Focus Four Hazards” campaign.
The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards through the delivery of toolbox talks for employers to provide to their workers. These toolbox talks will be available during the campaign for employers to use at their own discretion.
New Additions to Safety Library
Recent additions to the APCA Safety Zone's Toolbox & Best Practices Library (identified as New) include articles on Hurricane Preparedness and Disaster Cleanup & Recovery. There's also the latest edition of NUCA Safety News for your review.
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