November 08, 2011 3:00 PM CST

OSHA publishes new materials on worker safety

New information to help protect construction workers

By Occupational Safety and Health Administration

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently published new and revised information that explains workers' and employers' rights, as well as how to protect workers from hazards in the construction, general and maritime industries. To order free copies of these materials online, visit OSHA's Publications page, or call OSHA's toll free number at 800-321-6742.

OSHA's Small Entity Compliance Guide for Respiratory Protection Standard provides small businesses with a comprehensive step-by-step guide complete with checklists and commonly asked questions that will aid both employees and workers in small businesses with a better understanding of OSHA's respiratory protection standard.

It's the law of the land that workers have a right to a safe workplace. OSHA's Workers' Rights booklet describes the rights to which workers are legally entitled to under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The booklet covers many topics, including rights provided under OSHA standards, filing a complaint with OSHA, whistleblower protections, and educational and training resources available.

OSHA provides employers with information on their rights and responsibilities following a federal OSHA inspection. The booklet, Employer Rights and Responsibilities, explains what happens after an inspection, and defines the types of violations for which an employer may be cited as a result of an inspection.

OSHA has also published information to help protect construction, general industry and shipyard workers, and those who work outdoors.

• Laboratory Safety document and fact sheets advise laboratory managers on how to protect their workers from exposure to chemical, biological and physical hazards.


• Aerial Lifts Protect Yourself details measures employers must take to ensure safe use of aerial lifts by workers required to use this equipment.


• Aerial Lift Fall Protection Over Water in Shipyards QuickCard lists ways to protect workers using aerial lifts from injuries and death resulting from equipment failure, tip-over, falls and ejection.


• Permit-Required Confined Spaces in General Industry QuickCard explains what workers should do before entering a confined space, such as an underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, silos or manholes.


• Working Safely in Trenches QuickCard provides illustrations of protective systems that should be used to prevent worker injuries and death from trench cave-ins.


• Nail Gun Safety educates construction employers and workers on how to prevent work-related nail gun injuries.


• Protecting Workers from Heat Stress QuickCard and poster emphasizes the importance of employers providing workers with water, rest and shade to prevent workers from suffering heat illness, exhaustion and stroke.

For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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About the Author

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.