This is an interesting graphic that helps me better understand the typical time progression of coronavirus cases, and the periods where a person is most likely to be infecting others. Note that the contagion rate goes down a day after symptoms occur, not because the person is less contagous, but because they are likely to stay at home (often passing it on to family members only).
The attached file contains visuals that summarize what's happening with Coronavirus as of 3/15/2020.COVID19 Stats2020.03.15
These are historic times. Our pro-active actions / or lack of appropriate actions is likely to determine whether 80,000 or 300,000 people in the US die from COVID-19. Modeling estimates predict we could keep cases down to 100,000 with good controls and actions, or cases could exceed 800,000 if controls are not implemented or effective.
This will affect all companies in some way. For instance, school spring break extensions may cause some employees to miss work to care for children. Companies need to make plans and communicate expectations with employees on the Coronavirus topic. (more…)
If there is any confusion on completing the OSHA 300 and 300A forms for your company, refer to this link:
Establishments in most industries with 20 to 249 employees (at a single site) must submit injury and illness data (from the OSHA 300A annual summary) to OSHA electronically. Follow this link for a list of industries affected by this requirement:
When a worker needs a respirator with a charcoal-type filter (for a gas) a significant amount of time per day to protect from a significant air contaminate hazard, traditional practice is to use a fitted respirator. Many companies are not yet aware that the new Powered Air Purifying Respirators (abbreviated PAPR) are often a better choice...(than a fitted respirator) for the both company and the worker.
A PAPR system is 5 times more effective in purifying the air the worker breathes, the system is more comfortable (with cool air flow), and the OSHA requirement for annual fit testing and facial hair shaving for fitted respirators does not apply for a PAPR system. (more…)
OSHA inspections are on the rise at printing companies, and most audits result in citations for electrical violations. Companies typically are not aware when their facility has numerous electrical compliance violations, which leaves your company (more…)
Establishments in most industries with 20 to 249 employees must submit injury and illness data (from the OSHA 300A annual summary) to OSHA electronically. Follow this link for a list of industries affected by this requirement:
Because of confusion over the rule, more than a third of workplaces required to submit 300A data did not upload their reports in 2017 (with 2016 injury/illness summary data). OSHA has indicated that they will begin cracking down on companies that do not file as required.
If there is any confusion on completing the OSHA 300 and 300A forms for your company, refer to this link:
Commercial Printer Cited For Exposing Employees to
Amputation, Electrical, and Fall Hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Nupress of Miami Inc. for exposing employees to amputation, electrical, and fall hazards. The Doral, Florida, commercial printer faces $71,139 in penalties.
OSHA cited the company for a lack of machine guarding on several pieces of equipment; failing to establish a lockout/tagout program when performing equipment maintenance and servicing; exposing workers to fall and electrical shock hazards; not implementing a written hazard communication program; and improper storage of flammable liquids.
“Implementing safety and health programs that identify and correct workplace hazards are required to minimize employees’ risk of serious or fatal injuries,†said OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Office Director Condell Eastmond.
The criteria for the first ISO standard on occupational health and safety (OH&S) management systems has just been released. While it's not likely that the majority of US companies will jump at the opportunity to become certified soon, the standard provides a uniform model that we can utilize as appropriate for the needs at our companies. Check out this article that provides an overview of the management system.  Copies of the ISO 45001 standard can be purchased from ANSI.
