August 1, 2007 · Volume 6, Issue 15
A twice monthly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces.

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

In This Issue OSHA Seeks Applicants for Training Institute Education Centers New OSHA Guidance on Traffic Safety in Marine Terminals Free Safety and Health Evaluations for Your Small Business Strategic Partnership Program News Alliance Activity Update Upcoming Events "QuickTips" from QuickTakes OSHA Seeks Applicants for Training Institute Education Centers     OSHA announced in the July 20 Federal Register that it is accepting applications from interested nonprofit organizations to become OSHA Training Institute (OTI) education centers. OTI centers augment the training capacity of OSHA's primary training Institute near Chicago, by conducting courses and seminars for individuals responsible for enforcing or directly supporting the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The deadline for applications is 4:30 p.m. CDT on Aug. 24, 2007. For further information on the OSHA Training Institute or the application process, see the announcement on the OSHA Web page. Back to Top New OSHA Guidance on Traffic Safety in Marine Terminals     OSHA recently posted the online document Traffic Safety in Marine Terminals, with the goal of preventing traffic-related safety and health hazards in the maritime industry. The guide focuses on the factors that contribute to traffic hazards at marine terminals and outlines measures that can be taken to prevent such accidents, such as safety checks, vehicle selection and maintenance, traffic controls, safe operation of vehicles, and safe driving techniques. Back to Top Free Safety and Health Evaluations for Your Small Business    Visit OSHA's On-site Consultation Program Web page to get valuable information on how this program helps you to provide a safe working environment for your employees. The service is provided only at your request and is delivered at no cost. Employers who use the service to develop and operate an exemplary safety and health management system may also qualify to participate in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). For additional information, visit our Web link at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/index.html. Back to Top Strategic Partnership Program News     Region II: Employees involved in the building of two major-league baseball stadiums will be safer thanks to a pair of new OSHA comprehensive construction partnerships emphasizing occupational safety and health. One partnership covers the Citi Field Project--the project to build a new home stadium for the New York Mets--while another will oversee the building of the new Yankee Stadium. Each partnership unites OSHA with the general contractors, building trades, and construction managers involved in that project. The New York State Department of Labor will also participate in the partnerships. Region V: Wisconsin construction employees will benefit from a new partnership between OSHA and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin. Region VI: Anslow Bryant Construction Ltd. entered a partnership with OSHA and the Houston Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) to promote hazard recognition among employees in Houston's construction industry. The OSHA-AGC construction safety partnership now consists of thirteen contractors and three subcontractors in the Houston area. Back to Top Alliance Activity Update     National Office: An alliance between OSHA and the Sealant Waterproofing and Restoration Institute was recently renewed in an ongoing effort to provide employees in the sealant, waterproofing, and restoration industries with information on workplace safety and health. Also renewed is OSHA's alliance with the American Council of Independent Laboratories which aims to unite the two organizations to help raise awareness about OSHA's Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program. Region I: Protecting the employees of plumbing, heating and cooling contractors is the goal of a new alliance between OSHA and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Massachusetts (PHCC of MA). The alliance will focus on the development of safety and health training and education programs by PHCC of MA members. Back to Top Upcoming Events     OSHA has updated its events Web page with even more safety- and health-related meetings and training information. Check for events near you. Back to Top "QuickTips" from QuickTakes     Summer tends to be the loudest season for many people due to the increased amount of outdoor activity. During this time of year, hearing protection is important, especially for construction employees and approximately 30 million Americans who are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. To reduce the risk of hearing damage and other health issues caused by overexposure to noise, here are a few suggestions from OSHA: If it is too loud to hear another voice from three feet away, do not work without hearing protection. When choosing hearing protectors, such as earplugs or earmuffs, select one that fits comfortably. Always turn off loud machinery before removing hearing protection. Have an annual hearing test if you are regularly exposed to loud noise.     OSHA has two Safety and Health Topics pages for employers and employees to use as resources in protecting their hearing. Noise and Hearing Conservation is a general index containing links to information on how to prevent hearing hazards in the workplace. OSHA also has a separate page on hearing hazards specific to the construction industry: Noise and Hearing Conservation (Construction). Look for more safety and health "QuickTips" on a new occupational safety and health topic in your next issue of QuickTakes. Back to Top Editor: Elaine Fraser, OSHA Office of Communications, 202-693-1999