August 15, 2007 · Volume 6, Issue 16
A twice monthly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

In This Issue OSHA Offers New Health Care Compliance Assistance Module OSHA Introduces Enhanced Compliance Assistance Specialist Directory Third Annual "Workshop Week" at San Diego OSHA Training Institute Strategic Partnership Program News Alliance Activity Update Latest "SHARP" Certifications Voluntary Protection Programs Update More Events Posted to OSHA's Web Site "QuickTips" from QuickTakes OSHA Offers New Health Care Compliance Assistance Module     OSHA added a Health Care module to its Compliance Assistance Quick Start tool-the online guide to free compliance assistance resources on OSHA's Web site. The module is designed to help employers understand OSHA regulations applicable to the healthcare industry, including recordkeeping, reporting and posting requirements. It also contains information on developing a comprehensive safety and health program and on training employees. Back to Top OSHA Introduces Enhanced Compliance Assistance Specialist Directory     An enhanced Compliance Assistance Specialist (CAS) Directory is now available on OSHA's Web site. This new directory allows users to find their local CAS by directing them to the nearest OSHA Area Office. Users in states which operate their own OSHA-approved safety and health programs are provided with contact information for their state agency. Back to Top Third Annual "Workshop Week" at San Diego OSHA Training Institute    The OSHA Training Institute Education Center at the University of California, San Diego will be staging its popular "Workshop Week" from Sept. 17-21. A total of 16 short courses will be offered on topics such as safety and health management, machine guarding, evacuation and emergency planning, ergonomics, and OSHA recordkeeping. Students will be able to select from individual courses offered, or enroll in one of four pre-arranged, five-day tracks. For more information, visit http://osha.ucsd.edu/wwweek.htm, or call (858) 964-1054. Back to Top Strategic Partnership Program News     Region II: Construction employees taking part in the Harmon Shop Replacement Phase III Project in New York's Westchester County will benefit from a safety and health partnership among OSHA, the project's general contractor, Harmon Yard JV, contractors, trade unions, and the state of New York. The project involves construction of two new, large repair shops for the Metro-North Railroad, plus a new locomotive wash facility, 15 new tracks, and upgrades and expansions of two substations. As many as 25 contractors and 200 employees will be involved. Back to Top Alliance Activity Update     Region V: Lyondell/Equistar Chemical Co. in Tuscola, Ill., formed an alliance with OSHA and the Tuscola Awareness for Contractor Safety Council. The three organizations will work together to develop an effective safety and health training program, as well as encourage the use of voluntary compliance among eight different contractors and the Lyondell/Equistar plant. Also in Illinois, an alliance agreement between OSHA and the Central Illinois Builders of Associated General Contractors was signed focusing on preventing hazards in the state's construction industry. Back to Top Latest "SHARP" Certifications     Visit OSHA's "Who's Newly SHARP" Web page to see the most recent list of companies certified as Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) sites. The SHARP program recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system. Back to Top Voluntary Protection Programs Update     Visit "recent approvals" on the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) page of OSHA's Web site to view the latest list of employers approved for new or continued participation in VPP. We encourage you to examine the entire VPP site to learn more about how OSHA's premier cooperative program can help protect employees and lower workers' compensation costs. Back to Top More Events Posted to OSHA's Web Site     OSHA posted more safety- and health-related training information to its events Web page. Check for events near you. Back to Top "QuickTips" from QuickTakes     While using a ladder might seem simple enough, it is easy to take some aspects of ladder safety for granted in the workplace. In fact, falls from movable ladders represent one of the leading causes of occupational injuries. Here are a few recommendations for handling ladders properly: Look out for overhead hazards like power lines when placing or climbing a ladder. Do not use a self-supporting ladder, such as a stepladder, in a partially closed position. All locks on a ladder must be fastened properly. Always maintain a "three-point" (two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand) contact on a ladder when climbing. Do not try to obtain additional height by placing a ladder on unstable bases, such as boxes or barrels. Back to Top     OSHA's Web site features a Guide to OSHA Rules on Stairways and Ladders for employers and employees to use in preventing ladder-related workplace incidents. In addition, OSHA offers a Portable Ladder Safety QuickCard(tm) to serve as a resource to employees on common movable ladder hazards. Hard copies of these documents can be ordered for free from OSHA's Publications Office at (202) 693-1888. Look for more occupational safety and health "QuickTips" in your next issue. Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999

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