Region 7 News Release: 09-1414-KAN
Nov. 23, 2009
Contact: Jeremy Eggers
Phone: 303-844-1299

OSHA's Omaha Area Office focuses local emphasis program on general industry establishments with noise, respiratory hazards

OMAHA, Neb. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Omaha Area Office has launched a local emphasis program in Nebraska aimed at reducing employee exposure to health hazards in general industry establishments that commonly have noise and respiratory hazards.

The program is designed to help ensure general industry employers are proactively addressing noise and air quality issues in the workplace. OSHA uses the term "general industry" to refer to all industries not included in agriculture, construction or maritime.

"The hazards associated with noise and air contamination are well recognized," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "OSHA's Omaha Area Office will devote resources to outreach and enforcement activities for many general industry employers in Nebraska to help ensure worksites are safe and healthful."

Under the program, OSHA will develop a list of potential companies for inspection based on the type of work conducted. Some industries to be covered will include those involving fabricated structural metal products; miscellaneous fabricated metal products; cut stone and other stone products; concrete, gypsum and plaster products; coating, engraving and related services; millwork, veneer, plywood and structural wood; motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment; nonferrous foundries (castings); and iron and steel foundries.

For more information, call OSHA's Omaha Area Office at 402-553-0171 or toll-free at 800-642-8963.

General industries are regulated by OSHA's general industry standards, directives and standard interpretations. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/generalindustry/index.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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