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OSHA Training News Update June 10, 2020

OSHA Provides Extensive COVID-19 Guidance for Construction Employers and Workers

OSHA has launched a  webpage for construction employers and workers, including recommended actions to reduce the risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Employers of workers engaged in construction, including carpentry, ironworking, plumbing, electrical, utility construction work, heating/air conditioning/ventilation, and earth-moving activities, are advised to remain alert to changing conditions related to community spread of COVID-19 and testing availability, and to implement coronavirus infection prevention measures accordingly. The OSHA COVID-19 Guidance for Construction webpage includes information regarding: Using physical barriers, such as walls, closed doors, or plastic sheeting, to separate workers from others experiencing signs or symptoms consistent with COVID-19; Keeping in-person meetings (toolbox talks, safety meetings) as short as possible, limiting the number of workers in attendance and using social distancing practices; Requesting that shared spaces in home environments where construction activities are being performed, or other construction areas in occupied buildings, have good air flow; and Staggering work schedules, such as alternating workdays or extra shifts, to reduce the total number of employees on a job site at any given time. OSHA recommends that employers c onduct a job hazard analysis to help determine the hazards to which workers may be exposed; evaluate the risk of exposure; and select, implement and ensure workers use controls to prevent exposure. Hazard prevention topics featured on OSHA's webpage include engineering controls, administrative controls, safe work practices and PPE. Learn More

June is Trench Safety Month

June has been designated  Trench Safety Month  by the National Utility Contractors Association due to the enthusiastic success of NUCA’s annual trench safety program. The association is devoting the entire month of June to getting the message out to the public and non-NUCA industry companies about the importance of employee safety when working underground or in and around trenches. "An Unprotected Trench Can Be an Early Grave” is one of the more powerful messages the utility construction industry has used for past June events. NUCA and utility construction industry members are committed to taking every measure possible to reduce risks on our jobsites and to raise awareness of trenching and excavation hazards. NUCA has planned a 2020 Trench Safety Stand Down for the week of June 15-19, 2020; however, a date change may be necessary due to COVID-19. For more information, visit NUCA’s Trench Safety Stand Down webpage . Additional Resources: Daily Excavation Checklist Read Buried Alive: Joe’s Story OSHA’s Trenching and Excavation Safety OSHA Trenching Fact Sheet:  English |  Spanish

OSHA Emphasizes the Importance of Worker Training in Response to COVID-19

OSHA is stressing the importance of training all workers with reasonably anticipated occupational exposure to COVID-19 about the sources of exposure to the virus, the hazards associated with that exposure and the appropriate workplace protocols to prevent or reduce the likelihood of exposure. Training should be provided during scheduled work times and should include information about how to isolate individuals with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 or other infectious diseases and how to report possible cases. Workers required to use PPE must be trained on when to use PPE; what PPE is necessary; how to properly put on, use and take off PPE; how to properly dispose of or disinfect, inspect for damage and maintain PPE; and the limitations of PPE. OSHA's  Personal Protective Equipment Safety and Health Topics  webpage provides information on training in the use of PPE, and OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Training Videos webpage offers a variety of  respiratory protection training videos. When the potential exists for exposure to  human blood, certain body fluids or other potentially infectious materials , workers must receive the training required by the Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) standard, including information about how to recognize tasks that may involve exposure and the methods, such as engineering controls, work practices and PPE, to reduce exposure. For more information, visit OSHA’s Worker protections against occupational exposure to infectious diseases webpage or Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention  webpage. OSHA's  Training and Reference Materials Library  contains materials developed by the OSHA Directorate of Training and Education as well as links to other related sites. The materials listed for Bloodborne Pathogens, PPE, Respiratory Protection and SARS may provide additional material for employers preparing COVID-19 training for their workers.

OSHA Provides COVID-19 Guidance for Stockroom and Loading Dock Workers

OSHA has recently issued guidance for stockroom and loading dock workers in English and Spanish . Highlights include: Stock displays (e.g., shelves, freezers) during slow periods or shifts during which stores are closed to minimize contact with the public. If stocking occurs while stores are open, use barriers or markers to physically separate employees from customers. Maintain at least six feet between co-workers and customers, where possible. Coordinate with vendors and delivery companies to minimize the need for stockroom and loading dock workers to have contact with delivery drivers. Visit OSHA’s COVID-19 webpage for the latest guidance and information.

About the OSHA Training Institute Education Center

The OSHA Training Institute Education Center at Chabot-Las Positas Community College District offers high quality OSHA standards-based training for construction, maritime and general industries at our San Francisco Bay Area location as well as other locations in Northern, Central and Southern California, Nevada and Hawaii. Due to the Coronavirus crisis and the shelter-in-place order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, upcoming in-person courses have been postponed to later dates . Our offices are currently closed, but we are available to respond to questions or concerns by phone at (866) 936-OSHA (6742) or by email at otc@clpccd.org .  We are closely monitoring local, state and federal recommendations regarding COVID-19 to ensure the safety and health of our students and staff. Please refer to guidance from the CDC and OSHA for the most accurate, up-to-date information, and check our website for updated class information.