
U.S. Department of Labor Provides Compliance Assistance Resources to Keep Workers Safe from Trenching-Related Hazards

October 8 – 10, 2018 Safety Week at Del E. Webb School of Construction is an opportunity to highlight the importance of safety in every aspect of the construction industry starting in the classroom. For event details click here.
Every Monday, beginning on Sept. 24, OSHA’s homepage will feature a brief safety tip to help employers and workers prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Each tip will link to educational and training resources.
OSHA released a new public service announcement on trench safety that features U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. The 45-second video, “5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe,” highlights well-known and proven safety measures that can eliminate hazards and prevent worker injuries. For more information on protecting workers in trenches, see OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation webpage.
A meeting will be held Oct. 16 in Washington, D.C., to solicit public comments and suggestions from stakeholders on whistleblower issues in the finance industry within OSHA’s jurisdiction. OSHA is seeking input on improving whistleblower customer service, and enhancing understanding of the whistleblower laws it enforces. The meeting will be held at the Department of Labor’s national headquarters. Those interested must register by Sept. 30. More information will be available in the news section on the Whistleblower Protection Programs webpage.
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.