Dec 1, 2006

Other important news from OSHA this month

OSHA offers Tips for Employers on Safe and Sober Workplace Parties
The holiday season and workplace parties often go hand-in-hand. However, when alcohol is served, these celebrations can have dangerous consequences if someone drives home under the influence. DOL's Working Partners for an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace Web site offers a number of tips for employers and employees on how they can work together to help prevent impaired driving in their communities and send a safe and sober message about workplace parties and drinking.

OSHA has posted on its Web site a new "Your Rights as a Whistleblower" fact sheet, which explains employee rights if an employer retaliates against the employee for participating in protected workplace safety and health activities. In addition, OSHA posted an updated fact sheet on "The OSHA Consultation Program."


OSHA Training Classes Offered... A number of free training courses are being offered this month in Metairie, La. Excavation and Trenching Competent Person is scheduled for Dec. 4 and 19; Scaffold Competent Person for Dec. 12; OSHA 7600 16-hour Disaster Site Worker for Dec. 13-14; and Forklift/Lull Competent Person for Dec. 20. All courses are free to private company employees under OSHA jurisdiction, and who are actively involved in hurricane recovery work. For more information, contact Beverlee at bcarrick@buildsafe.org

Latest Alliance News   National Office: Employees working in the machine automation industry will continue reaping benefits from an alliance renewed between the Association for High Technology Distribution and OSHA. Region IV: Highway and road construction workers will benefit from an alliance to be signed Dec. 5 between OSHA's Atlanta Region and the Georgia Department of Transportation which is aimed at preventing highway construction worker fatalities and serious injuries.

New SHARP Certifications  Visit OSHA's "Who's Newly SHARP" Web page to see the latest list of companies recently certified as Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) sites. The SHARP program recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system.