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

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA has developed a series of compliance assistance resources to help keep workers safe from trenching and excavation hazards. OSHA’s goal is to increase awareness of trenching hazards in construction, educate job creators and workers on safe cave-in prevention solutions, and decrease the number of trench collapses. These resources, which continue the goals of the Department’s recently announced Office of Compliance Initiatives (OCI), encourage and facilitate compliance evaluations. Read more»

New Public Service Announcement on Trench Safety Available

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.

 

OSHA to Hold Second Stakeholder Meeting on Whistleblower Issues

 

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.

September is National Preparedness Month: Keep Workers Safe from Natural Disasters

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 hurricaneswildfirestornadoesfloods, and other natural disasters strike.