May 7, 2021
COVID-19 vaccinations spur CDC guidance on sharps use, new OSHA webpage on Workers’ Memorial Day commemoration and more
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
CDC provides guidance on sharps use and disposal
As many health care workers stay busy administering COVID-19 vaccinations, the CDC is providing guidance on the handling and disposal of sharps. The agency released two new fact sheets to remind workers of safe practices in order to prevent needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA unveils new webpage to honor those killed on the job
As part of this year’s Workers' Memorial Day commemoration, OSHA revealed a new website page that serves as a tribute to workers that lost their lives on the job. The page contains images of fallen workers along with their age, industry and state. Anyone who’s lost someone to a work-related incident can share their story with OSHA by email.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH was created 50 years ago under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. To recognize the anniversary, the agency created a timeline of its notable moments in history.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Employees have a right to know about any hazardous chemicals in the workplace under OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard. To help employers comply with the regulation, the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) organized the requirements into six basic steps.
Considerations for emergency communication
An EHS Today article explores four emergency communication trends that many organizations will face as they return employees to the office. The article discusses the need to better anticipate potential threats, make safety a top return-to-work priority, ensure employers can quickly communicate with remote and on-site employees, and have a thorough emergency communication strategy.