In preparation for the multiple tropical storms, typhoons, and hurricanes that are currently active in the Pacific Ocean (Typhoon Mangkhut, Hurricane Olivia, and Tropical Storm Paul) and Atlantic Ocean (Hurricanes Florence, Isaac, and Helene), OSHA reminds everyone of their Hurricane Preparedness and Response Webpage, which outlines several links on preparedness and response and recovery.

OSHA’s Worker Safety and Health Resources for Hurricanes and Flood Cleanup and Recovery website also provides up-to-date listings of OSHA Fact Sheets, QuickCardsTM, and Interagency and OSHA alliance partner publications that will aid in cleanup and recovery operations.

In addition, it is important to prepare your staff on hurricanes and potential flooding that will occur before, during, and after these storms.  Here are somethings that can be done to get ready:

• Know the Risks:  You can search for general information about hurricanes and risks in your area by visiting www.ready.gov and www.nhc.noaa.gov, or other local/national weather applications.
• Get prepared:  As the storm(s) approach, ensure that all employees are aware of accountability systems and how to get in touch with supervisors and/or other employees when disasters affect their area.
• Stay Informed:  Know where to get trusted information during a hurricane and monitor the local news and follow directions of supervisors and local officials.

For additional information on disaster preparedness, check out the NIEHS and CPWR app for emergency response and hazardous waste workers: https://safeconstructionnetwork.org/collaborations/new-niehs-cpwr-app-provides-resources-for-emergency-response-and-hazardous-waste-workers-2/ 

In August, OSHA released updated FAQs and other resources to help employers and workers understand the requirements under the Silica Standard for the Construction Industry (29 CFR 1926.1153).  CPWR has added these materials to the Work Safely with Silica website and planning tool, and updated the tip sheet, “Table 1 – Equipment Names and Best Practice Tips”, as a quick way to see how the information in the new FAQ’s relates to Table 1 and to view the videos.

The new OSHA resources include:

• The updated FAQs, organized by topic
• Six new videos on Controlling Silica Dust for Table 1 Tasks
• A new video “Protecting Workers from Silica Hazards in the Workplace”
• A Sample Training PowerPoint 

Conducting a literature review? Looking for past research on a specific hazard? Before you dig any further, check out CPWR’s collection of Annotated Bibliographies.  Organized by topics such as Asphalt, Falls, Prevention thru Design, and Older Workers, each bibliography provides a comprehensive list and overview of available interdisciplinary research published in that area.

Access the full collection at www.cpwr.com/publications/reports/bibliographies.

Originally Presented on Thursday, August 23rd by: Clayton Sinyai, Communications Research Manager, CPWR
Are your construction safety and health handouts and training materials getting the point across to your readers? CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has used lessons from health communications experts to review more than 100 handouts, brochures and pamphlets used in construction safety and health training around the country to identify good and bad practices – and tested these with hundreds of construction apprentices and journeymen. In this 30 minute webinar followed by Q&A, CPWR Communications Research Manager Clayton Sinyai will present the results of the study, then share tips you can use to select the right materials for YOUR audience – or to prepare your own.

Play Recording

Resources to Improve Your OSH Training Materials (mentioned during webinar):

• Readability Calculators (Here’s one)
• The CDC Clear Communication Index ()
• Everyday Words for Public Health Communication
• Clear Writing for a Construction Audience
• Testing with your intended audience!

Hand injuries including cuts, strained muscles and tendons, damaged nerves, skin disorders, and burns can impact the quality of work, productivity – and even end careers.  According to the Occupational Safety & Health article, the BLS states that over 1 million workers are sent to the emergency room with hand injuries each year, but they aren’t the only ones affected.  “From lacerations and cuts to burns and broken bones, these injuries can be costly for employers. In 2011, the National Safety Council estimated the cost of hand injuries, and the results may be surprising to some employers: The direct cost of a laceration can be $10,000, stitches are often $2,000, and a severed tendon can be more than $70,000. It’s also important to note that these numbers don’t account for the indirect costs, like time away from work and lost productivity due to long-term damage, that are associated with even minor hand injuries.”

To learn more about the risks and prevention of hand injuries, read the full article at OH&S Online, and visit CPWR’s website devoted to this topic – ChooseHandSafety.com