July 22, 2022

Best practices for temporary employees, OSHA increases focus on trenching and excavation hazards and more

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

New document provides best practices for temporary employees

NIOSH and several other safety organizations published a document to help host employers within all industries implement best practices for handling temporary employees. Protecting Temporary Workers: Best Practices for Host Employers includes three sections covering written contracts, training, and injury and illness reporting.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA heightens efforts to reduce trenching and excavation hazards

Due to increasing trenching and excavation related fatalities, OSHA is increasing enforcement under its national emphasis program. Compliance officers are expected to inspect over 1,000 trenches across the U.S. OSHA Administrator Doug Parker is also calling on employers to ensure that protections are in place for each trench.

What to expect from OSHA’s health care COVID-19 standard

OSHA’s permanent COVID-19 standard for the health care industry is expected to be issued in September 2022. The standard is anticipated to be similar to the emergency temporary standard, but it could affect a broader scope of employees and may exclude the mandatory vaccination requirement.

Studies, resources, trends, news

New report shows impact of COVID-19 on construction industry

A report from The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) shows the rate of nonfatal illnesses in construction jumped over 81% during the first year of the pandemic. Additionally, the rate of nonfatal respiratory illnesses increased more than 1,100% from 2016 to 2019.