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]]>U.S. Department of Labor | October 19, 2020
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on how N95 respirators effectively protect wearers from coronavirus exposure.
OSHA is aware of incorrect claims stating that N95 respirators filter does not capture particles as small as the virus that causes the coronavirus. OSHA’s new FAQ explains why an N95 respirator is effective at protecting users from the virus.
Visit OSHA’s COVID-19 webpage for further information and resources about the coronavirus.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
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Media Contacts:
Megan Sweeney, 202-693-4661, sweeney.megan.p@dol.gov
Release Number: 20-1845-NAT
U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay). |
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]]>The post What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared first on IAMAW.
]]>COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in parts of the United States. Risk of infection with COVID-19 is higher for people who are close contacts of someone known to have COVID-19, for example healthcare workers, or household members. Other people at higher risk for infection are those who live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Learn more about places with ongoing spread at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/ transmission.html#geographic. Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.? Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html. How does COVID-19 spread? The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but is now spreading from person to person. The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of • fever • cough • shortness of breath
What are severe complications from this virus? Some patients have pneumonia in both lungs, multi-organ failure and in some cases death. How can I help protect myself? People can help protect themselves from respiratory illness with everyday preventive actions.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should • Stay home when you are sick. • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. What should I do if I recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19? If you have traveled from an affected area, there may be restrictions on your movements for up to 2 weeks. If you develop symptoms during that period (fever, cough, trouble breathing), seek medical advice. Call the office of your health care provider before you go, and tell them about your travel and your symptoms. They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t go out and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others. Is there a vaccine? There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often. Is there a treatment? There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms. 2019-ncov-factsheet
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]]>This webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infections with, 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in confirmed human infections in China and exported cases outside of China, including in the United States, Thailand, Japan, and South Korea. China also has reported spread of the virus from infected patients to healthcare workers.
There is no evidence of ongoing transmission of 2019-nCoV in the United States at this time. Without sustained human-to-human transmission, most American workers are not at significant risk of infection. However, workers involved in airline operations (including cabin crewmembers), healthcare (including clinical laboratory personnel), and border protection may have exposure to travelers infected with the virus in China or other affected areas. Business travelers from the United States who visit areas abroad where the virus is spreading may also be at some risk of exposure.
There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with 2019-nCoV as the outbreak investigation continues. Based on how other similar viruses spread, infected people may be able to spread the 2019-nCoV through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. Previous outbreaks of coronavirus have been associated with spread from ill people to others through close contact, such as caring for or living with an infected person.
Employers and workers should consult interim CDC guidance specific to 2019-nCoV, along with existing resources for other coronaviruses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), for precautions appropriate for this similar virus.
Take steps to prevent worker exposure to 2019-nCov.
This section highlights OSHA standards and directives (instructions for compliance officers) and other related information that may apply to worker exposure to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
There is no specific OSHA standard covering 2019-nCoV. However, some OSHA requirements may apply to preventing occupational exposure to 2019-nCoV. Among the most relevant are:
OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) applies to occupational exposure to human blood and other potentially infectious materials that typically do not include respiratory secretions that may transmit 2019-nCoV. However, the provisions of the standard offer a framework that may help control some sources of the virus, including exposures to body fluids (e.g., respiratory secretions) not covered by the standard.
There are twenty-eight OSHA-approved State Plans, operating state-wide occupational safety and health programs. State Plans are required to have standards and enforcement programs that are at least as effective as OSHA’s and may have different or more stringent requirements.
Employers must also protect their workers from exposure to chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Employers should be aware that common sanitizers and sterilizers could contain hazardous chemicals. Where workers are exposed to hazardous chemicals, employers must comply with OSHA’s Hazard Communication standard (in general industry, 29 CFR 1910.1200) and other applicable OSHA chemical standards. OSHA provides information about hazardous chemicals used in hospitals in the Housekeeping section of its Hospital eTool.
Depending on the specific work task, setting, and exposure to other biological or chemical agents, additional OSHA requirements that may apply include:
Recordkeeping and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness (29 CFR 1904) |
Related Information |
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29 CFR 1904 – Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illness |
General Industry (29 CFR 1910) |
Related Information |
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1910 Subpart I – Personal Protective Equipment | 1910.132, General requirements | |
1910.133, Eye and face protection | ||
1910.134, Respiratory protection | ||
1910.138, Hand protection | ||
Subpart J – General Environmental Controls | 1910.141, Sanitation | |
Subpart Z – Toxic and Hazardous Substances | ||
1910.1020, Access to employee exposure and medical records | ||
1910.1030, Bloodborne pathogens | ||
1910.1200, Hazard communication |
Federal Agencies (29 CFR 1960) |
Related Information |
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29 CFR 1960 – Basic Program Elements for Federal Employee Occupational Safety and Health Programs and Related Matters |
Note: The “Directives” bullets above link to directives related to each OSHA standard. The directives in this list provide additional information that is not necessarily connected to a specific OSHA standard highlighted on this Safety and Health Topics page.
Section 11(c) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, 29 USC 660(c), prohibits employers from retaliating against workers for raising concerns about safety and health conditions. Additionally, OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program enforces the provisions of more than 20 industry specific federal laws protecting employees from retaliation for raising or reporting concerns about hazards or violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health insurance reform, motor vehicle safety, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime, and securities laws. OSHA encourages workers who suffer such retaliation to submit a complaint to OSHA as soon as possible in order to file their complaint within the legal time limits, some of which may be as short as 30 days from the date they learned of or experienced retaliation. An employee can file a complaint with OSHA by visiting or calling his or her local OSHA office; sending a written complaint via fax, mail, or email to the closest OSHA office; or filing a complaint online. No particular form is required and complaints may be submitted in any language.
OSHA provides recommendations intended to assist employers in creating workplaces that are free of retaliation and guidance to employers on how to properly respond to workers who may complain about workplace hazards or potential violations of federal laws. OSHA urges employers to review its publication: Recommended Practices for Anti-Retaliation Programs (OSHA 3905 – 2017).
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]]>The storm might be over but that doesn’t mean the danger is. Take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones during your cleanup after a hurricane, flood, or other natural disaster. Follow these cleanup tips and monitor your radio or television for up-to-date emergency information.
Get the right safety gear
If sewage is involved, make sure to wear the following during your cleanup:
Cleaning up your home can be a big job. Be sure to take care of yourself:
Take precaution when using a chainsaw
Remember that anything that’s had contact with floodwater could carry germs. To keep your kids safe make sure their toys are clean:
You may not be able to kill germs on some toys – like stuffed animals and baby toys. Throw out toys you can’t clean.
Wash up with soap and water
Be careful with floodwater – it can contain dangerous bacteria
Potential Hazards
Be careful when entering damaged buildings
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Be aware of any electrical hazards
Be careful with dangerous materials
Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC)
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]]>The post I.A.M. C.R.E.S.T. Outreach 501 Program Wichita, KS August 27-31, 2018 appeared first on IAMAW.
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IAM DL-70 located in Wichita KS was the site for a Spirit Aerosystems sponsored Outreach 501 training program held, August 27-31, 2018 for a joint labor /management group. Upon completion of the 501Trainer session, participants will be authorized to conduct 10 & 30-hour OSHA Outreach programs.
This type of training is another example of how a joint labor/management training program can be a pro-active approach to quality safety training for workers and managers.
Participating instructors demonstrated an outstanding professional ability to deliver quality educational training for the membership guided by Program Lead, Tom Frazee.
I.A.M. C.R.E.S.T. Staff Program Lead: Tom Frazee
I.A.M C.R.E.S.T. Associate Instructor‘s: Bill Hoobler, Gayle Kelly, Mike Clark, Pat Goble, and Assistant Director, Steve Fowee
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]]>The post OSHA Partners With NOAA to Protect Workers during Disasters appeared first on IAMAW.
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Hurricane season peaks in September, and wildfires are still burning throughout the Pacific Northwest and from California to Colorado. OSHA urges employers to be prepared to keep their workers safe during extreme weather events. The agency’s Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage provides information on protecting workers before and after hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters strike.
Resource, OSHA.gov/emergency
When a hurricane approaches, people tend to prepare based on previous experience, but that is not always accurate.
Here are some examples:
“I live outside of the cone, so I am safe from feeling the effects.”
The cone has nothing to do with impacts, only the average track error of the past five years. 2017’s Irma went up Florida’s west coast, but its wind field grew in size and pushed storm surge onto Florida’s east coast.
“It’s never flooded here before.”
It is not easy to picture 60 inches of rain, but it was one of the biggest stories of Harvey. There is no historical record of that amount, so it is difficult to imagine what it will do.
“We got hit last year and it was a one hundred year storm, so I’m in good shape for the next one hundred years.”
All a hundred year storm means is that you have a one percent chance of it happening to you every single year. That is the same as a 25 percent chance of flooding in a typical 30-year mortgage. You can be hit in back-to-back years or even in the same year.
“A very slight wiggle in the track doesn’t matter.”
That could be true over the middle of the ocean, but not for land. Hurricane Irma proved that. Its wiggle of 30 miles along Florida southwest coast meant the difference between getting only a few feet of storm surge versus 9 feet.
“We went through a Cat 4 and nothing bad happened”
Many people in Key West will tell you Irma was a Cat 4 there. The reality is they only got Cat 1 winds. You had to go 20 to 30 miles away to find the Cat 4 winds. The reality is that you have to understand exactly what you went through and that you may not have seen the strongest part of that storm.
How do we line up perception with reality? The answer lies in social science. A project will soon begin at NOAA’s National Hurricane Center to find ways to better communicate the risk from the hurricane hazards, find out how people are interpreting our products and to make sure everything is actionable. We have to plan for what COULD happen, not what has happened in the past. It is a life and death proposition.
Resources, OSHA.gov
NOAA Weather
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]]>The post IAM CREST Outreach 511 Program Wichita, KS June 25-28, 2018 appeared first on IAMAW.
]]>IAM DL-70 located in Wichita KS was the site for a Spirit Aerosystems sponsored Outreach 511 training program held, June 25 -29, 2018 for a joint labor /management group. The Outreach 511 program is a prerequisite for the Outreach 501 Trainer class scheduled for later this year. Upon completion of the 501 session, participants will be authorized to present 10 & 30-hour OSHA Outreach programs.
This type of training is another example of how a joint labor/management training program can be a pro-active approach to quality safety training for workers and managers.
Participating instructors demonstrated an outstanding professional ability to deliver quality educational training for the membership guided by Program Lead, Tom Frazee.
I.A.M. C.R.E.S.T. Staff Lead: Tom Frazee
I.A.M C.R.E.S.T. Associate Instructor‘s: Bill Hoobler, Gayle Kelly, Kurt Poole, Todd Davies, and Assistant Director, Steve Fowee
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]]>The post The Department of Labor Plans to Propose Rule to Better Protect Personally Identifiable Information appeared first on IAMAW.
]]>OSHA is making the NPRM available on its website for informational purposes only until the official version is published in the Federal Register. Until the date of publication, the NPRM can be found at osha.gov. After publication, the NPRM can be accessed through the Federal Register website at www.federalregister.gov.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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]]>The post Safety Training for Non-native Construction Workers in Small Companies Inadequate According to NIOSH/ASSE Research appeared first on IAMAW.
]]>According to research by NIOSH and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), non-native workers in small construction companies are less likely to receive even the minimum safety and health training required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The construction industry has one of the highest rates of work-related deaths in the country. Statistics compiled up to year 2015 by the he Bureau of Labor Statistics show that almost one fifth of work-related deaths occurred among construction workers. Key to reducing such staggering numbers is training. While a critical part of workplace safety and health in all industries, particularly construction.
Small construction companies are defined by NIOSH as having fewer than 50 employees. Previous research by NIOSH and ASSE found that workers in small companies, as well as young workers (age 25 and under) and non-native workers, face an increased risk for illness and injury in construction compared to other workers.
NIOSH investigators analyzed the results of an ASSE survey asking construction companies of different sizes and worker populations about their training practices. Data collected from 268 smaller construction businesses clearly shows that non-native workers in small companies received fewer hours of training, both when joining the company and on a monthly basis in companies with 50 or more employees.
The ASSE and NIOSH research is important as it looked at the work-related safety and health training practices of small and large construction businesses. The research coupled with a survey comprised of 34 questions and used by ASSE in a field of 258, concludes a clear disconnect between small construction businesses verses larger one with 50 or more employee’s.
For further information go to: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh
OSHA.gov
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