Workplace Safety: The Latest News

Published on October 24, 2023

OSHA News Releases

OSHA Urges Workers, Public in Carolinas, Georgia, Florida to Be Aware of Hazards in Recovery Efforts After Hurricane Idalia

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is urging workers and the public to be aware of the hazards associated with recovery efforts after Hurricane Idalia. OSHA is providing resources and guidance to help workers and employers stay safe during cleanup and rebuilding operations.

OSHA Cites Houston-Area Manufacturer for 16 Repeat, Serious Violations

The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Houston-area manufacturer Steel Industries of Houston LLC with 16 repeat and serious safety violations following an inspection of the company’s facility. OSHA found that the company exposed employees to a variety of hazards, including exposure to electrical hazards, machine hazards, and fall hazards.

Colorado Contractor Awaits Sentencing on Manslaughter Charge After Failing to Protect Employees in 2021 Trench Collapse

A Colorado contractor is awaiting sentencing on a manslaughter charge after failing to protect his employees in a 2021 trench collapse that killed a 23-year-old worker. The contractor, Manuel Medina Jr., was cited by OSHA for multiple safety violations, including failing to properly shore the trench and failing to provide workers with adequate training.

Other Workplace Safety News

New Study Finds Workplace Injuries and Deaths Are Costing the US Economy Billions of Dollars Each Year

A new study by the National Safety Council (NSC) has found that workplace injuries and deaths are costing the US economy billions of dollars each year. The study found that the total cost of workplace injuries and deaths in 2022 was $195.1 billion.

OSHA Launches New Initiative to Address Workplace Violence

OSHA has launched a new initiative to address workplace violence. The initiative, called the National Initiative to Prevent Workplace Violence, is designed to help employers and workers prevent and respond to workplace violence.

New Report Finds That Rates of Workplace Fatalities Are Declining, But More Needs to Be Done to Protect Workers

A new report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found that rates of workplace fatalities are declining. However, the report also found that there are still a significant number of workplace fatalities each year. In 2022, there were 5,190 workplace fatalities in the US.

Workplace Safety Trends in the United States

There are a number of trends in workplace safety in the United States. Some of the key trends include:

• An increase in the number of older workers: The number of older workers in the US workforce is increasing. This is due to a number of factors, including an aging population and the increasing retirement age. Older workers are more likely to have health conditions that make them more susceptible to workplace injuries.
• An increase in the number of workers in the gig economy: The number of workers in the gig economy is increasing. Gig workers are often independent contractors who are not covered by traditional workplace safety regulations. This can make them more vulnerable to workplace injuries.
• An increase in the use of technology in the workplace: The use of technology in the workplace is increasing. This can create new hazards for workers, such as exposure to electromagnetic radiation and repetitive motion injuries.

Workplace Safety Challenges in the United States

There are a number of challenges facing workplace safety in the United States. Some of the key challenges include:

• A lack of resources for OSHA: OSHA is responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations in the US. However, OSHA is underfunded and understaffed. This makes it difficult for OSHA to effectively enforce workplace safety regulations.
• A lack of awareness of workplace safety: Many workers and employers are not aware of workplace safety regulations. This can lead to workers being exposed to hazards that they do not know about.
• A lack of training for workers: Many workers do not receive adequate training on workplace safety. This can make them more likely to be injured on the job.

Recommendations for Improving Workplace Safety in the United States

There are a number of things that can be done to improve workplace safety in the United States. Some of the key recommendations include:

• Increase awareness of workplace safety: Workers and employers need to be more aware of workplace safety regulations.
• Increase training for workers: Workers need to receive adequate training on workplace safety. If you are looking for workplace safety courses click here to see our fleet of courses on workplace safety and many more safety topics.

Workplace safety is a critical issue in the United States. OSHA is working to improve workplace safety, but more needs to be done. Workers, employers, and the government all have a role to play in improving workplace safety.