US 2019 SAFETY AND HEALTH STATISTICS By: Frank M. Parker, III – CIH, CSP, PE, BCEE The US Bureau of Statistics has published its summary of injuries, illnesses and fatalities reported by private industry for the year 2019 [bls.gov/iif/oshsum.htm#19Summary_Tables]. In summary:

Welcome, Mr. David Lucas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) – Texas Asbestos Individual Consultant We are happy to share with you the newest addition to Caliche, Ltd. Mr. Lucas has been involved with industrial hygiene sampling, primarily with asbestos related projects, since the state licensing conception. He is experienced with numerous asbestos removal projects and has worked with many individual asbestos contractors and building representatives through the years. In the 1980’s, Mr. Lucas worked with our CEO, forensic expert, and ex Magnolia City Mayor, Mr. Frank Parker III. Together they co-invented the PL1 sampler.

THE ‘FIRST STEP’: OSHA UPDATES COVID-19 GUIDELINES AS BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOCUSES ON WORKER SAFETY Updated COVID-19 guidance for workplaces has been issued by OSHA as a “first step” in the Biden administration and OSHA leadership’s attempt to address the pandemic. “The updated guidance, titled Protecting Workers: Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace stems from an Executive Order signed by President Joe Biden on Jan. 21. In addition to issuing the updated guidance, the order directs OSHA to consider an emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19. If an ETS is considered necessary, the agency is instructed to issue one by March 15.”

NIOSH Finds Inconsistent Use of Hearing Protection Among Noise-Exposed Workers “More than 50 percent of workers exposed to noise in 2014 did not wear hearing protection consistently, a study conducted by NIOSH researchers has found. Published earlier this month in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the study shows that inconsistent use of hearing protection was more prevalent in industries that have fewer noise–exposed workers.”

OSHA has a wealth of information available on their website pertaining to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Not only can you find an overview of information for both workers and employers regarding the evolving pandemic, you will also find ongoing updates, FAQ’s, hazard recognition and current standards. People unaccustomed to face masks will find the FAQ section especially enlightening as the information is focused on various questions and concerns involving face masks.

NIOSH Finds Inconsistent Use of Hearing Protection Among Noise-Exposed Workers “More than 50 percent of workers exposed to noise in 2014 did not wear hearing protection consistently, a study conducted by NIOSH researchers has found. Published earlier this month in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the study shows that inconsistent use of hearing protection was more prevalent in industries that have fewer noise–exposed workers.”

NIOSH Finds Inconsistent Use of Hearing Protection Among Noise-Exposed Workers “More than 50 percent of workers exposed to noise in 2014 did not wear hearing protection consistently, a study conducted by NIOSH researchers has found. Published earlier this month in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the study shows that inconsistent use of hearing protection was more prevalent in industries that have fewer noise–exposed workers.”