April 1, 2021 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Apr. 1, 2021 • Volume 20, Issue 8 • A twice-monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health.

OSHA QuickTakes - OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Secretary of Labor Sworn In

Marty J. Walsh was sworn in as the nation’s 29th Secretary of Labor on March 23, and immediately shared a public message about his commitment to America’s workforce.

New Resources

Two new fact sheets on sharps disposal containers address supply shortages and reducing needlestick injuries for vaccinators and others assisting at COVID-19 vaccination sites.

Counterfeit Respirators

Counterfeit 3M respirators are being distributed in healthcare facilities. The Health Professionals and Allied Employees union has created a guide to identify fake masks.

Health Workers Beware! Your mask may be a fake. Fight back now.

Photo of construction worker wearing harness

Fall Protection

Learning how to properly fit fall arrest harnesses will be the focus of an April event to support the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls.

Silica Summit

A free webinar highlighting advancements in the control of silica in hydraulic fracturing will be held April 13-14.

$Photo of fracking activities$

Distracted Driving

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The National Safety Council has resources to keep workers safe on the road.

Injury Reporting

Employers may still submit the required 2020 injury and illness data beyond the March 2 deadline.
Employers must post their Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300A) from February 1 through April 30.

Sreenshot of Injury Tracking Application

Safety Settlement

A seed production company signed a settlement agreement to improve safety procedures and training after a worker suffered a severe leg injury.

Training Violations

A container shipping company faces penalties for failing to train workers on how to safely operate powered industrial vehicles.

Lockout/Tagout Violations

A frozen dessert manufacturer was cited for ignoring hazards that led to two workers suffering amputations.

Read about more OSHA enforcement cases.

Whistleblower Protection

OSHA ordered one of the nation's largest railway companies to reinstate and pay damages to a worker who was fired after suffering a work-related injury.

Small Business Recognized for Safety

A precision metal manufacturing facility in Maine reduced injury rates and costs working with OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program.

OSHA Safety Partnerships

Partnership - An OSHA Cooperative Program

Alliances Promote Safety

Social Media

Follow @OSHA_DOL on Twitter. For more safety and health resources and information, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's social media accounts:

Safety Q&A

What OSHA standards apply to the landscaping industry?

Landscape and horticultural services encompass a wide range of services and hazards. Industry hazards are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry or construction, depending on whether the work is considered maintenance or building activity. Employers in landscaping may also fall under a new rulemaking project on Tree Care Operations. Many workers in the industry are Hispanic. Employers must provide all required training to workers in a language and vocabulary they can understand. OSHA offers small businesses confidential advice for complying with its standards. OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program can work with you to address standards, training workers, and specific safety concerns at no cost. Contact your local office, and schedule a consultation visit.