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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

In This Issue

OSHA seeks comments on proposed rule on occupational exposure to diacetyl

OSHA is accepting comments on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking on occupational exposure to diacetyl, a chemical used to give foods an artificial buttery flavor. Details are available in the Jan. 21 Federal Register.

OSHA publishes proposed rule to revise procedures for fit testing respirators

OSHA has proposed two revised fit test procedures under OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard for determining the effectiveness of facemasks. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking appears in the Jan. 21 Federal Register.

QuickTakes is now available through an RSS feed

OSHA is now making QuickTakes available more quickly and conveniently than ever through an RSS feed. To subscribe, visit www.osha.gov and choose "RSS Feeds."

Newest publication illustrates impact OSHA has made since its creation by Congress

The new OSHA Fact Book examines how that agency has influenced the decline in workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities and helped protect employees' safety and health. The Fact Book is just one of a host of online resources at www.osha.gov.

Occupational safety and health needs of the aging workforce is focus of upcoming conference

Strategies for anticipating the occupational safety and health needs of the aging U.S. workforce are the focus of an OSHA co-sponsored Feb. 17-18 conference in Washington, D.C. Click here for more information.

OSHA's role in upcoming construction safety conference

Workplace violations, Voluntary Protection Programs, and OSHA training are the subjects of presentations OSHA's Chicago regional officials will make at the 19th Annual Construction Safety Conference and Exposition, Feb. 17-19 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. Click here for more details.

OSHA shares safety information at National Association of Tower Erectors show

OSHA will showcase an exhibit and distribute compliance assistance and other informative materials to attendees at the National Association of Tower Erectors conference in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 23-26.

OTI education center partnership leads to new venue for OSHA training courses

California State University, Dominguez Hills OSHA Training Institute Education Center plans to offer OSHA training courses in Shafter, Calif., thanks to a new partnership with the Westside Energy Services Training and Education Center. CSUDH is now handling administration of OSHA Outreach Training Program cards for any trainers who previously received their authorization through WESTEC. Click here for more information, or call 888-4LA-OSHA.

Two OSHA area offices earn VPP star recognition

OSHA's Peoria, Ill., and Eau Claire, Wis., Area Offices are now members of the Voluntary Protection Programs star family. They join five other OSHA area offices that have earned star recognition under this cooperative program acknowledging an organization's excellence in workplace safety and health.

Events page features more conference information

OSHA posted more safety- and health-related conference and meeting information to the events page on its Web site. Look for activities in your area.

"QuickTips:" The importance of AEDs in the workplace

Automated external defibrillators are medical devices designed to analyze a heart rhythm and deliver an electric shock to victims when indicated, thereby restoring the heart rhythm to normal. OSHA is encouraging employers to make this equipment available in their workplaces.

OSHA's Safety and Health Topics page on AEDs features more resource information that will help employers establish an effective AED program to prevent employee fatalities in the workplace.

OSHA is the resource for safety and health information. Look for more "QuickTips" in your next issue.

Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999, www.osha.gov