News Update
August 25, 2021
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The Industrial Hygiene Factor: The Most Overlooked Variable in OSH Risk Management
by Dick Monod de Froideville, I.H., MPA
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Most managers responsible for Occupational Safety and Health have a marginal understanding of either the concept and/or context of Industrial Hygiene. This premise has been tested and found true anecdotally as well as functionally. Anecdotally this is true based on my 33 years as a Cal/OSHA Compliance Officer specializing in Industrial Hygiene. Statistically this is true because an examination of the 25 most common citations issued by Cal/OSHA since 2004 indicated that five of the top ten violations have Industrial Hygiene principles and practices at their core.
The IIPP (3203), Hearing Conservation (5097), Heat Illness (3395), Haz.Com. (5194), Respiratory Protection (5144) and Emergency Eyewash/Shower (5162) codes are in large part performance based, comprehensive, complicated, require some initial determination and are clearly I.H.-related. Violations of these I.H. “rooted” codes tend to be characterized by Cal/OSHA as serious with the highest penalties, are rarely overturned under appeal, and for over 17 years have exacted a significant human and economic price, thereby demanding attention and subsequent action.
The IIPP (T8CCR3203), lovingly considered the “General Duty” clause of Cal/OSHA, was designed and written in such a way as to provide the employer a living document that is expected to expand and contract to suit current business realities. Although it does not specify any update frequency, 3203(a)(4) does intimate that it be established for the purpose of identifying “potential” hazards because of changes in the production process. This would be the first I.H. related instruction. The second subsection containing I.H. application is contained in T8CCR3203(a)(6), which requires “timely correction” of the hazards.
It is important to remember the duty to perform periodic inspections mandated by the IIPP means that the employer look beyond the immediate safety related hazards such as slips, trips and falls and start examining their economic activities from a more global Industrial Hygiene perspective. Industrial Hygiene looks at all hazard assaults having any effect on workers because of the entire process flow from input, throughput as well as output of the business cycle. Industrial Hygienists analyze and quantify hazards by applying the scientific means and methods identified and categorized in the “OSHA Technical Manual”. Knowing, understanding and applying Industrial Hygiene principles and practices will help employers avoid either citations, workers compensation claims or both.
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This 4-day course covers industrial hygiene practices and related OSHA regulations and procedures. Course topics include recognition, evaluation and control of chemical, physical, biological and ergonomic hazards; Permissible Exposure Limits (PEL); OSHA health standards; respiratory protection; engineering controls; OSHA sampling protocols and strategies; and workplace health program elements. |
September 27-30
Virtual, Instructor-Led via Zoom
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OSHA’s 8-page Industrial Hygiene pamphlet offers a basic overview of OSHA's industrial hygiene principles and practices.
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Dick Monod de Froideville |
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Dick Monod de Froideville retired from the California Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA) after 33 years in both the Enforcement and Consultation Units. His Cal/OSHA experience covered a wide range of responsibilities, including conducting safety inspections, surveys and investigations; consulting with employer and labor groups, government agencies and the general public regarding occupational safety and health issues; and providing OJT and outreach training. Dick has provided training on a variety of topics for the OSHA Training Institute Education Center for many years, including sharing his expertise on Industrial Hygiene. Learn More
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Get Ready for National Preparedness Month |
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National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”
Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities.
Week 1 September 1-4: Make A Plan
Talk to friends and family about communication before, during and after a disaster.
Week 2 September 5-11: Build A Kit
Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster.
Week 3 September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness
Limit the impacts of disasters. Know the risk of disasters in your area.
Week 4 September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness
Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do if you are separated.
National Preparedness Month is sponsored by Ready. Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. Learn More
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CHECK OUT UPCOMING SEPTEMBER CLASSES |
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In-Person Classes: Physical distancing and other safety guidelines are followed in all In-Person classes, and class sizes are reduced. |
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In Region IX OSHA numbered Virtual, Instructor-Led classes offered via Zoom are only available to participants located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Contact us if you are unsure if this applies to you. |
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The OSHA Training Institute Education Center offers a range of books and learning tools, including:
~ 29 CFR1910 General Industry Standards
~ 29 CFR1926 Construction Industry Standards
~ Fall Protection: Complete OSHA Regulations
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Our Online OSHA Training Portal offers 10-Hour and 30-Hour Construction and 10-Hour General Industry classes, allowing you to take these classes at your own pace at your location. Get your OSHA 30-HR or 10-HR card with these 100% online classes that are OSHA-Authorized and valid nationwide for Construction and General Industry. Visit our OSHA Training Portal.
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The OSHA Training Institute Education Center Catalog features information on our training programs, including overviews and class descriptions, enrollment policies and course delivery options.
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WE'VE MOVED!
NEW ADDRESS
5860 Owens Drive
3rd Floor
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Phone: 866-936-6742
Fax: 925-460-0133
E-Mail
Website
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We are back in the office and available to respond to your inquiries at otc@clpccd.org or 866-936-6742.
The recommendations in this newsletter are advisory in nature, informational in content, and intended to assist employers in providing a safe and healthful workplace.
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