Regulatory Roundup: OSHA Workplace Violence Standard, ASSP Active Shooter Report and More

Regulatory Roundup is a weekly compilation of employee wellness and safety news. You can read the full article by clicking the titles below.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 

OSHA moves forward with workplace violence standard for health care
Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta appeared before the House Education and Labor Committee to discuss the department’s policies and priorities. He reported OSHA will be moving forward with a standard on workplace violence prevention in health care facilities. The agency also has plans for a Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act panel.>

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) 

ASSP offers active shooter preparation guidance
According to the FBI, 250 active shooter incidents took place between 2000 and 2017, with 42% taking place in a business. An ASSP technical report provides guidance to employers on what they can do to prevent an active shooter from entering the building as well as what to do if an incident does occur. Five key areas to focus on include assessing the risks, safeguarding the facility, training, coordinating with agencies and handling post-incident issues. 

Studies, resources, trends, news 

Campaign cautions drivers about railroad crossings 
In 2018, 270 drivers were killed at railroad crossings, marking a 10-year high. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) started a campaign to warn drivers of the dangers. The “Stop. Trains Can’t” campaign runs through May 12 and includes messages about the hazards of crossing railroad tracks and education about warning devices.

Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center (KIPRC) issues recommendations for ATVs
Kentucky has recorded an average of 19 ATV-related deaths each year since 1982. The KIPRC issued recommendations regarding the safety of ATVs in order to combat the fatality rate. Recommendations include wearing DOT-approved protective headgear and eyewear, handling a stall or slide on a steep hill and both avoiding and handling rollovers.

Tips for heat stress

According to OSHA, there were 30 heat-related fatalities from 2017-2018. Industrial Safety & Hygiene News offers heat stress prevention tips such as acclimatization, modified schedules, hazard identification and monitoring.

Courtesy of Work Safe, Texas

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