Manufacturers across the nation are facing an industry-wide workforce shortage. Between the aging workforce and fewer graduates seeking careers in the trades, the gap is growing, rapidly. The struggle to attract and retain talent is evident. Industry leaders are asking: How do manufacturers in the modern age create an appealing culture for the next generation?

Having a detailed fall protection plan is essential to providing a safe work environment for employees working at heights. While OSHA only requires a written fall protection plan for employees engaged in specific types of work who can demonstrate that it is infeasible or hazardous to use conventional fall protection equipment (See 1926.501(b)(2), (b)(12), and (b)(13)), CPWR feels that the use of a plan is beneficial to the safety of all workers at risk for a fall.

The high cost of health care is placing a heavy burden on more than 137 million Americans in the form of stress or delayed care, according to a new study by American Cancer Society (ACS). Additionally, researchers found that medical financial hardship is on the upswing in the U.S. High out-of-pocket spending for medical needs can drain assets and affect household finances. Patients may delay or forgo needed medical care because of cost, jeopardizing benefits of treatment.

Employers who are currently offering health coverage to their workers through Association Health Plans (AHP) can continue to do so through the remainder of the plan year, despite a recent court ruling that found portions of the Department of Labor’s AHPs rule unlawful.

OSHA and its partners are hosting events throughout the country this week for the sixth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Employers and workers will pause to talk about fall hazards, OSHA compliance, and industry best practices to prevent falls. The 2019 poster is available on OSHA's publications page.

The body of a third worker was recovered yesterday from the rubble of the Illinois silicone factory that exploded and erupted into flames late Friday. The search for the fourth body believed to still be in the debris that was the AB Specialty Silicones factory in Waukegan will resume today.

More and more people are using portable generators to make sure they don’t lose power during natural disasters. If not used correctly, however, these useful devices can pose dangers of their own, especially electrocution and carbon monoxide poisoning risks. The CDC says that if water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits and electrical equipment, you should turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service panel.

The EPA has approved changes to the State of Texas’ clean-air plan for improving storage tank regulations and demonstrating reasonably available control technology for emissions that contribute to the formation of ozone. The agency said the changes will help the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria area move toward better air quality and attainment of the 2008 ozone standard.

OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down Week to Prevent Falls in Construction runs May 6-10, 2019, in conjunction with the North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Safety Week. Anyone interested in educating employees in fall hazards, or other job hazards, can participate.

A Texas manufacturing company faces more than a quarter of a million dollars in penalties, after OSHA inspectors determined it exposed its employees to falls and other hazards. Molding Acquisition Corp. - operating as Rotoplas – was cited for a dozen violations by OSHA – ten serious and two willful – for failing to protect employees from serious safety hazards at its location in Fort Worth.