Your go-to place for reliable occupational health-related information.
DEC2020
California is now enforcing emergency temporary standards intended to protect employees from COVID-19 exposure hazards. The standards apply to most workers not covered by Cal/OSHA’s Aerosol Transmissible Diseases standard. Under the new regulations, employers must have a written COVID-19 Prevention Plan that addresses the following: A system for communicating information to employees about COVID-19 prevention procedures, testing, […]
Out of a total of 2.8 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses, 888,220 incidents caused a private industry employee to miss at least one day of work in 2019, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In its annual update on private industry workplace injuries and illnesses, the BLS also reported: Ten occupations accounted […]
NOV2020
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports it has issued 204 citations to covered employers for violating COVID-19-related safety standards. Potential penalties total $2,856,533. Violations include failure to: Implement a written respiratory protection program Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on proper use of respirator and personal protective equipment Report an […]
WorkCare is offering Access Bio’s CareStart™ COVID-19 diagnostic test in workplaces where rapid results are needed to help keep healthy workers on the job and those with COVID-19 in isolation at home until they are cleared for safe return to work. The CareStart point-of-care test detects antigens specific to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. […]
OCT2020
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document to correct misconceptions about the efficacy of N95 masks. The FAQ explains how N95 masks protect users from exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. OSHA reports that N95 respirator filters remove at least 95 percent of very […]
Flu prevention is more essential than ever this season. The combination of COVID-19 and influenza is projected to double the number of patients in the hospital, where resources are already stretched thin by the pandemic. Vaccination is recommended for everyone over 6 months old unless they have a medical condition that precludes it. Here are […]
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports it has cited 62 covered employers for violating COVID-19-related safety standards, with potential penalties totaling $913,133. Nearly all of the cited employers are health care organizations. Violations include failure to: Implement a written respiratory protection program Provide a medical evaluation, respirator fit test, training on the proper […]
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued temporary guidance on initial and annual fit-testing requirements for the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-approved tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators for protection against the coronavirus. The guidance applies when initial and/or annual fit testing is not feasible because of respirator and fit-testing supply […]
