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Worker moving packages. Guidance on Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 at Work

Find OSHA resources for
responding to COVID-19

Remembering Lost Workers

Elias Avila-Romero (37) crushed under forklift.
Chad Airington (43) struck by excavator bucket.
James Graham (53) electrocuted by light fixture.
Ann Marie Jacobson (79) fell on ground.
Jeremiah Joseph Brown (47) trench collapse.
Byoung Pyo Na (64) fell through roof decking.
Quirino Reynaga (74) crushed between motor vehicles.
Roberto Lamotte (45) struck by falling tree.
Halyna Hutchins (47) shot by coworker.
Norman Inferrera (16) struck by boat.

TIP OF THE WEEK

Here are 5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe in a Trench.

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Explore the revised Small Business Handbook

Submit comments on OSHA’s proposed rule to require certain employers to submit their case-specific injury and illness data annually.

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The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) to meet on June 30

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Workplace Safety Reminders

COVID-19 Reminders

Here are 5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe in a Trench.

When thunder roars, go indoors!

See what opportunities await you at osha.gov/careers.

It is officially summer today, but prepare for heat every day.

Before entering a trench: Slope it. Shore it. Shield it.

Check out the OSHA Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool.

Make a safety zone around your business to protect workers from wildfires.

Download the free It’s the Law poster in 12 languages.

Forklift operators must complete forklift training and be certified.

Promptly provide first aid for any heat illness symptoms.

Ensure that workers who operate aerial lifts are properly trained.

Employers must ensure there is a safe way to enter/exit a trench.

Know the signs of heat illness and act quickly.

Ensure that all workers at a tree care operation are trained in hazard recognition.

Train workers to use required respirators correctly.

Rest long enough to recover from heat.

Never enter a trench unless it has been properly inspected.

Take steps now to protect workers from tropical storms and hurricanes.

Have an evacuation plan in place before a wildfire occurs.

OSHA is hiring, be a part of our mission.

Wear sunscreen when working outdoors.

If someone is in crisis, stay with them and get help.

Train workers on how to safely perform lashing duties.

Make it okay to talk about mental health concerns.

Ensure workers know what to do in case of a heat illness emergency.

Only use climbing equipment approved by the manufacturer for tree care work.

Train workers on common heat illness symptoms.

Know the warning signs of suicide.

Provide all required training for landscaping and horticulture workers.

Develop a written heat illness prevention plan.

Remind employees of available mental health services.

Train workers on safe tractor operations.

Employers are responsible for providing workers with water, rest, shade.

Everyone can help prevent suicide.

Get your certificate for participating in the 2022 Fall Prevention Stand-Down.

Always wear fall protection when working 6 feet or more above the ground.

Aerial lifts must only be used with fall protection equipment including tie-off.

Workers need to build tolerance to heat and take frequent breaks.

Watch a father's story on the loss of his son from heat illness.

View fall prevention resources in English and Spanish.

Jim Barber shares the pain of losing a son to heat illness.

Today is Workers Memorial Day. Join us at 1 p.m. ET.

Participate in the Fall Stand-Down this May 2-6.

Submit comments electronically for OSHA’s stakeholders meeting on heat.

Workers are protected for reporting potential money laundering violations.

Workers have the right to a workplace safe from extreme heat hazards.

Workers have the right to report criminal antitrust violations without retaliation.

Join OSHA to discuss protecting workers from heat hazards this May 3.

Join the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.

Dying should not be part of the job. Join us on April 28 to help spread the message.

Participate in OSHA’s stakeholders meeting to protect workers from heat.

Join us in commemorating workers who lost their lives.

Learn how to conduct a Safety Stand-Down.

Assess the worksite for fall and falling object hazards.

Routinely check on workers who are at risk of heat stress.

Place a trained observer outside of the grain bin.

Wear fall protection when working 6 feet or more above the ground.

Do not enter a bin where grain is built up on the side.

Turn off and lockout equipment before entering grain bins.

Never use generators indoors or in confined spaces.

Wear proper PPE when using chainsaws and chippers.

Seek immediate medical care for all animal bites.

Train workers on safe tractor operations.

Face the ladder when climbing up or down.

Use a camera to assist with storage and retrieval of unit loads.

Practice evacuation plans on a regular basis.

Only put ladders on a stable, level surface.

Watch for signs of heat illness and act quickly.

Download the free It’s the Law poster.

If you have been retaliated against, file a whistleblower complaint within 30 days.

You have the right to work on machines that are safe.

Always assume downed power lines are energized.

Train workers using a language and vocabulary they understand.

Participate in the Stand-Down May 2-6 to prevent falls in construction.

You have the right to request an OSHA inspection.

Do not cross flooded roadways.

Seek medical attention for signs of heat illness.

Maintain a 3-point contact when climbing/descending a ladder.

Train workers to inspect and operate chippers.

Today is the deadline to submit 2021 injury and illness data.

Have an evacuation plan before a flood occurs.

Employers can’t fire, demote, or retaliate against a worker for filing a complaint with OSHA.

Apply for an OSHA career today!

Federal law entitles you to a safe workplace.

Employers have 1 week left to submit 2021 injury and illness data.

Evaluate and control hazards from preservative coatings on vessels.

Set the ladder at the proper angle.

Review your sharps Exposure Control Plan with workers.

March 2 is the deadline for submitting Form 300A data.

Keep forklifts clean; free of excess oil and grease.

Provide continuous driver safety training and communication.

Make a safety and health program part of daily operations.

Reposition worktables to avoid a long reach.

Regardless of race, language or citizenship status - all workers have the same right to a safe workplace!

Ensure temporary workers know how to do their work safely.

Provide your Employer Identification Number when submitting Form 300A data.

Remove workers and livestock from manure pits before agitation.

Wear PPE when removing downed trees.

Use snow removal methods that do not involve workers going on roofs.

Employers have 1 month left to submit 2021 injury and illness data.

Do not allow anyone under 18 to operate a forklift.

Post warning signs in the language of the worker at confined space entries.

Wear proper footwear when walking on snow or ice.

Prohibit the use of portable electronic devices while driving.

Employers in certain industries must submit OSHA injury and illness data.

Only trained and certified workers may operate a forklift.

Train retail workers to report workplace violence.

Warm up before shoveling snow and scoop small amounts at a time.

Know if you have to submit your injury and illness data by March 2.

Use powered equipment designed for outdoors and wet conditions.

Provide a working phone within 50 feet of a manure storage structure.

Assume all downed or damaged power lines are energized.

Train workers on the risks of each chemical being stored.

Refuel a snow blower prior to starting the machine.

Dispose of used needles in proper secured containers.

You can be part of the OSHA team. Apply today!

Conduct a hazard analysis before repairing downed/damaged power lines.

Place heavier loads on lower or middle shelves.

Keep the vehicle's exhaust pipe clear of snow.

Provide warm areas for use during break periods.

Commit to a safer workplace in 2022.

Fifty years ago, worker safety became a national priority.

See how workplace safety improved during OSHA's 50 years.

For 50 years, OSHA has helped transform America’s workplaces.

Employers can begin submitting 2021 Form 300A data on Jan. 2, 2022.

Keeping workers safe can be your career. Apply today!

Provide annual bloodborne pathogen training.

Avoid overexertion in cold weather.

Make a difference. Join the OSHA team today!

Always use generators in well-ventilated areas.

Perform a written engineering survey on each structure before demolition.

Assume all downed power lines are energized.

Workers should always wear proper safety equipment.

Train anyone using a chainsaw on how to use it safely.

Visit the Tornado Response and Recovery webpage to keep workers safe.

Join our team! Apply now.

Wear a high visibility vest at all times in vehicular traffic areas.

Use a device to lift and reposition heavy objects.

Use self-inspection checklists to identify workplace hazards.

Drive forklifts slowly on docks and dock plates.

Make the flu less severe—get a flu vaccine.

Activate safety features on sharps devices.

Train temporary workers before they begin a project.

Keep an emergency kit in all work vehicles.

Inspect manure structure ventilation system prior to entry.

Wear bright visible clothing at warehouse and dock sites.

Download our updated Small Business Safety and Health Handbook.

Do not give rides or use forks to lift people.

If you are in crisis, there is confidential support available 24/7.

Look for overhead power lines before handling or climbing a ladder.

Keep walkways and access areas clear and dry on refrigerated containers.

Drivers should use wheel chocks when making deliveries.

Workers have the right to receive required safety equipment.

Maintain ladders free of oil, grease and other slipping hazards.

Give clear instructions and train working teens this holiday season.

Review emergency plans with all workers.

Never position yourself under a jacked vehicle or equipment on chassis.

Wear fall protection when working on elevated surfaces outside the crane’s cab.

Inspect lifting devices prior to use on reefers in marine terminals.

If you have trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help.

Subscribe to QuickTakes in English and Spanish.

Establish work procedures that prevent texting while driving.

Use proper fall protection for commercial fishing.

Read our latest QuickTakes e-newsletter in English and Spanish.

Inform workers of their rights in a language they understand.

Temporary and permanent workers are protected from retaliation.

Encourage young workers to speak up about job hazards.

Determine what PPE emergency response workers need.

Reduce the noise level with engineering controls.

Use a buddy system to help young workers learn the ropes of a new job.

Get a flu vaccine – it’s more important than ever.

Prohibit young workers from performing certain tasks.

If you are outside during an earthquake, stay outside.

Practice earthquake safety procedures at least twice a year.

Train young workers to identify hazards.

Look for overhead power lines before handling or climbing a ladder.

Waterless hand cleaner and towels are not adequate substitutes for soap and water.

Check the driving records of all employees who drive for work purposes.

Do not enter onto or below bridged grain or when grain is built up on sides.

Do not walk on or “down” the grain to make it flow.

Always maintain a 3-point contact when climbing a ladder.

Find an authorized trainer and avoid fraud.

Safety training is important for workers of all ages.

Never overload a forklift.

Lift with your legs, not your back.

Properly store personal protective equipment to prevent damage.

Identify opportunities to get vaccinated.

Wear protective equipment when handling pesticides.

Train young workers on agricultural hazards.

Test the air within a bin or silo prior to entry.

Share your thoughts on how to improve OSHA's whistleblower program.

After handling pesticides, clean your hands and change clothes before heading home.

Train commercial dive teams on lockout/tagout procedures.

Conduct a pre-dive inspection with remotely-operated vehicles.

Use self-inspections as a starting point for identifying hazards.

Know and calculate water forces that can trap divers.

Review, practice and adjust your emergency plan.

You have the right to speak up for a safe workplace without retaliation.

Don't wait, plan ahead for extreme weather events.

Vaccines are the optimal step to protect against COVID-19.

Employers should modify work schedules during heat.

QuickTakes is now available in Spanish.

Join the Construction Suicide Prevention Stand-Down Sept. 6-10.

Allow new and returning workers to gradually increase work as they acclimatize to heat.

Use generators in well-ventilated areas.

If someone shows signs of heat illness, get medical attention and cool them down quickly.

You have the right to speak up about hazards without retaliation.

Help workers acclimatize to prevent heat illness.

Only use gas/diesel-powered generators outdoors.

Assume downed power lines are energized.

Act quickly if you recognize the signs of heat illness.

Visit OSHA's Flood Response & Recovery webpage to keep workers safe.

You have the right to be treated equally.

Find out more about how to file a complaint.

You have the right to request an OSHA inspection.

It is illegal to retaliate against a worker who complains to OSHA.

Change your face covering if it gets wet or dirty.

You have the right to be trained in a language you understand.

Find resources specifically designed for small businesses.

Report each COVID-19 worker fatality to OSHA within 8 hours.

Wear a hat and dress for the heat.

You have the right to a safe and healthful workplace.

Download OSHA's recommended practices for safety and health programs.

It is illegal to be fired or threatened for reporting a safety issue.

Worker participation is a core element of a safety and health program.

On day 1, work no more than 20% of a shift at full intensity in the heat.

You have the right to be paid properly.

Prevent workplace injuries and illnesses by implementing a safety and health program.

The updated Small Business Handbook is now available.

OSHA is hiring industrial hygienists. Apply now!

Learn about your rights this National Whistleblower Appreciation Day.

Monitor yourself and others for signs of heat illness.

You have the right to report an unsafe workplace.

Acclimatize to heat by following the 20% per day rule.

At-risk workers should follow COVID-19 recommended precautions and policies.

Maintain the COVID-19 log as though it is a confidential medical record.

Take advantage of your employer's opportunities to get vaccinated.

Limit the number of unvaccinated or otherwise at-risk workers in one place at any time.

Nonprofits can apply for $21M in training grants to improve worker safety and health.

Ease into work until you are used to the heat.

Grant funds of $11.8M to develop workplace training and educational materials are here.

Ask your employer about paid leave, if necessary, to get vaccinated.

You have an opportunity to develop training that can impact workers.

Identify opportunities to get vaccinated.

Apply for $10M to prevent work-related infectious diseases, including COVID-19.

Determine if the COVID-19 Healthcare ETS applies to your workplace(s).

Know how to protect yourself during flood cleanup.

Wear protective gloves when working in contaminated floodwaters.

Find resources for hurricane preparedness and response.

Act quickly if you see signs of heat illness.

Take breaks in a shady or cool location.

Heat illness can affect workers indoors or outdoors.

Take rest breaks to recover from heat.

Drink cool water even if you are not thirsty, every 20 minutes.

$21M is available in training grants. Apply now!

Employers must use engineering controls to limit worker exposure to silica during fracking.

Beat the heat while working indoors or outdoors.

Help ensure the safety of workers during a storm.

Today is the first full day of summer. Train workers to recognize heat hazards.

Trenches must have cave-in protection.

Healthcare employers are required to develop and implement a COVID-19 plan for each workplace.

A plan and day-to-day supervision are a start to keeping workers safe from the heat.

Train and evaluate forklift operators before use is permitted.

Keep workers safe in a trench. Slope It. Shore It. Shield It.

Healthcare employers, notify workers within 24 hours if a person in the workplace is COVID-19 positive.

Prevent heat illness, provide workers with Water. Rest. Shade.

Have an evacuation plan in place before a wildfire occurs.

June 8 is National Forklift Safety Day. Learn how to help protect workers.

Practice storm evacuation plans on a regular basis.

Drink a cup of water every 20 minutes while working in the heat.

De-energize and ground overhead power lines before work begins.

Train all workers on what to do in case of a storm emergency.

New and returning workers need to build tolerance to heat.

Develop, implement, and enforce an energy control program.

Visit vaccines.gov to find free COVID-19 vaccines near you.

COVID-19 vaccines are free and available to everyone.

A disaster-specific health and safety plan includes protective equipment.

Label chemicals so workers know the identity and hazards before being exposed to them.

Properly store personal protective equipment to prevent damage.

Disconnect power tools before servicing, cleaning, or changing accessories.

As job tasks and hazards change, review protective equipment needs.

Make sure that clothing has no strings or loose ends that could be caught by machinery.

The highest level of protective equipment provides respiratory, skin and eye protection

Establish a plan for contacting medical personnel in the event of an emergency.

Beware of overhead and underground utility lines when clearing debris.

If you are in crisis, there is confidential support available 24/7.

Know how to protect yourself during flood cleanup activities.

If you have trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with someone who can help.

It is illegal for an employer to fire, demote or transfer a worker for complaining to OSHA.

New or returning workers need to acclimatize to working in the heat.

Have a fall rescue plan.

Workers have the right to receive required safety equipment.

Don't miss the Fall Stand-Down virtual events happening this week.

Secure ladders at the top and bottom.

OSHA is hiring! Apply here.

Join the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction.

April 28 is Workers Memorial Day.

Provide all required training for landscaping and horticulture services.

Learn how to keep workers safe behind the wheel.

Have a qualified arborist survey the worksite and tree condition.

Access OSHA Spanish-language compliance assistance resources.

Learn how to create a workplace anti-retaliation program.

Employers and workers need to stay focused behind the wheel.

Know in advance if emergency responders are equipped to perform confined space rescues.

Assess the worksite for fall and falling object hazards.

Read this guide on how to identify counterfeit masks.

You have the right to report if your workplace is unsafe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safe driving is important across all industries.

Provide construction information related to confined spaces.

Only use climbing equipment approved by the manufacturer for tree care work.

Know how to identify a counterfeit 3M respirator.

OSHA accepts whistleblower complaints in any language.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness month.

Place a trained observer outside of the grain bin in case of an emergency.

Train workers to use stepladders safely.

Know how to stay safe if you enter a grain bin.

Review your severe weather emergency action plan.

Use a safety harness and an anchored lifeline.

Look for overhead power lines before handling or climbing a ladder.

Stand Up for Grain Safety: March 29- April 2.

Ensure restroom exhaust fans are operating at full capacity.

Place posters that encourage good hand hygiene and physical distancing.

Control the accumulation of grain dust through housekeeping.

Do not share objects or tools between workers without appropriately disinfecting them.

Test the air inside grain bins before entering.

Ensure ventilations systems work properly.

Train workers using accessible formats and in a language they understand.

Place a trained observer outside of the grain bin in case of an emergency.

Always inspect the generator for damage or loose fuel lines before use.

Provide the supplies necessary for good hygiene practices.

Determine what PPE is necessary to protect workers.

Never walk down grain to make it flow.

Generators should be used outdoors and at least 20 ft. from doors, windows, and vents.

Implement physical distancing in all communal work areas.

Assign a workplace coordinator responsible for COVID-19 issues.

Turn off and lockout equipment before entering grain bins or performing maintenance.

Never use a generator indoors or in a partially enclosed space.

Use sharps containers that are closable, puncture-resistant, leak-proof, and biohazard labeled.

Train everyone administering vaccines according to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens standard.

Make sure workers use personal protective equipment properly.

Ensure potentially COVID-19 infected workers are not in contact with other coworkers.

Do NOT pass used sharps between workers.

Use a combination of measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Practice routine cleaning.

Conduct a COVID-19 workplace hazard assessment.

Use Sharps with Engineered Sharps Injury Protections and other safer needle devices.

Employers should provide supplies for good hygiene.

Improve workplace ventilation.

Provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment.

Wear all necessary PPE when administering COVID-19 vaccinations.

Train workers on COVID-19 procedures in a language they understand.

Use surgical face masks or cloth face coverings.

Masks can protect everyone, but are not a replacement for physical distancing

Ensure COVID-19 infected and potentially infected people are not in the workplace.

Implement a COVID-19 Prevention Program tailored to your workplace.

Address robotic machine hazards with workers.

Never operate a machine without proper safeguards.

Lift with your legs, not your back.

Always maintain 3-point contact when climbing a ladder.

Limit the number of passengers riding in shared-use vehicles.

Empower workers to request a temporary suspension of work activity they believe to be unsafe.

If transporting workers in vans or buses, avoid seating more than two people in the same row.

Clean snow from shoes or boots before mounting a ladder.

Inform staff early and often of steps being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Use videos and other resources to train workers on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Weather permitting, open windows when two or more people are in a vehicle.

Communicate safety and health protocols to workers.

Always read the label before using hazardous chemicals.

Before backing up get out and look around.

Use low-noise tools and machinery.

Always tie-off before climbing a cell tower.

Before entering a trench: Slope It. Shore It. Shield It.

Look for overhead power lines and buried power line indicators.

Find an authorized trainer and avoid fraud.

Allow breaks to warm up in cold environments.

Use partitions installed along production lines where social distancing is not possible.

Immediately separate sick offshore workers from their colleagues.

Move workstations farther apart.

Limit the number of workers in shared living quarters onboard vessels.

Install plexiglass partitions between workstations.

Avoid gathering with colleagues during breaks onshore and offshore.

Clean tools shared by meatpackers and processors.

Face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.

Maintain at least 3 to 4 feet of clearance around the top and sides of portable generators.

Know who to test and what actions to take based on test results.

Train the least experienced to the most seasoned worker on safe work practices.

Take extra measures to maintain proper physical distance between workers and holiday shoppers.

Use face coverings to protect workers and customers.

Never use portable generators indoors.

Avoid putting your coworkers at risk - stay home if you are sick.

Stay current on public health recommendations.

Train retail workers on the steps necessary to stay safe this holiday season.

Safety training is important for workers of all ages.

Commit to keeping teen workers safe.

Never enter a grain bin without an observer.

Know your exposure risk to COVID-19 at work.

Follow safety tips to protect workers from tree care hazards.

Never exceed a forklift's rated load.

Have a plan to keep workers safe during severe weather events.

Stay informed about the coronavirus to keep yourself healthy.

Follow sanitation requirements to protect workers.

Reminder: Submit your 2019 injury and illness data by March 2.

Keep workers safe from slips when walking on ice and snow.

Machines should be properly safeguarded to prevent amputations.

Employers: Display your injury and illness summary starting Feb. 1.

Ensure workers know their roles in a safety and health program.

Resolve to follow all personal protective equipment requirements.

Now is a great time to review safety and health programs with workers.

Mark any rooftop hazards hidden by the snow.

Employers should provide cold stress training to workers.

Drivers should use wheel chocks when making deliveries.

Provide warm areas for workers during break periods.

Review emergency plans with all workers prior to sales events.

Know the jobs, equipment, and work hours allowed for youth under 18.

Give clear instructions and train working teens this holiday season.

Never move a mobile ladder occupied by a worker.

When driving, avoid taking medications that make you drowsy.

Test confined spaces for traces of hydrogen sulfide.

Do not take home work clothes or shoes exposed to lead.

Know your workplace noise level.

Develop a fire safety plan and train workers.

Never overload a forklift.

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Reminders

Workplace Safety Reminders

Find resources for cleaning up after a storm at osha.gov/hurricane.

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Find OSHA resources for responding to COVID-19

TIP OF THE WEEK

Submit comments on OSHA’s proposed rule to require certain employers to submit their case-specific injury and illness data annually.

OSHA is Hiring! Apply Now.

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TWEETS Follow @OSHA_DOL

Find OSHA resources for
responding to COVID-19

OSHA is Hiring!
Apply Now.