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Reminder: electronic reporting deadline March 2

March 2 was the deadline for establishments required to submit 300A data. If you missed the deadline and are required to file, you should do so as soon as possible. For more information.



NEP to reduce or eliminate worker exposure to silica revised

Effective Feb. 4, the National Emphasis Program (NEP) on respirable crystalline silica for general industry, maritime and construction to "identify and reduce or eliminate" silica-related hazards was revised.

Significant changes include:



Low hazards industry list updated

The list of low-hazard industries used to determine whether small-business employers are exempt from programmed safety inspections has been updated. Employers in these industries that employ 10 or fewer employees are exempt from programmed safety inspections. The appropriations language contains exceptions for inspections stemming from fatalities, the hospitalizations of two or more employees, imminent danger situations, employee complaints, and health hazards, among other situations.



National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputation extended to manufacturing industries in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia

The NEP on amputations will target industrial and manufacturing workplaces in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia where it's been determined that unguarded or improperly guarded machinery and equipment played a role in employee injuries. A concerted education and prevention effort will also be made to raise awareness. NEP enforcement activities will begin after March 10, 2020, and will remain in effect until the program is cancelled.



New hazard bulletin: grease traps

The new bulletin provides information on how to properly cover grease traps to prevent workers from tripping or falling into them.



Technical corrections and amendments to 27 standards

According to a final rule published in the Feb. 18 Federal Register, the corrections are to 29 CFR 1904 (recording and reporting occupational injuries and illnesses), 1910 (general industry), 1915 and 1918 (maritime), and 1926 (construction).



National stand-up for grain safety week

The National Stand-Up for Grain Safety Week will take place April 13-20.



New webpage to observe 50th anniversary

A new webpage marks the 50th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Visit www.osha.gov/osha50 to find 50th anniversary events.



Cal OSHA Guidance on requirements to protect health care workers from 2019 novel coronavirus

The guidance covers the safety requirements when providing care for suspected or confirmed patients of the respiratory disease or when handling pathogens in laboratory settings in California.



Cal OSHA - Employee access to employer's Injury and Illness Prevention Plan

The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board ("Standards Board") approved a rule allowing employee access to their employer's Injury and Illness Prevention Plan within five days of a request, effective January 1, 2021.



Recent fines and awards

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For additional information.