Kuleana Safety Consulting

Excavation Safety: Ever wonder why OSHA Compliance Officers do their jobs? What do you think might have happened if he hadn't stopped by when he did? Things that make you wonder #whatwasithinking http://youtu.be/0wmcD3aM8X4

Heads Up....... OSHA's penalty structure has been granted an increase to reflect inflation. The new maximum penalty for a serious willful violation could now cost your employer $124,000. The old maximum penalty was $70,000.

OSHA has implemented a new Silica standard for the construction industry. It requires a Competent Person to assess hazards and has become enforceable as of September 23, 2017. Don’t get left in the dust. Get trained and informed on the new regulations. If you perform concrete work or drywall or sanding drywall mud, then this applies to you and your work!!!

Have you ever heard of a chemical called diacetyl? It is an additive that was used in processed foods to give it a "buttery" flavor. About 10 to 15 years ago it was found to cause an irreversible lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, in manufacturing workers that made microwave popcorn. It could get so bad that some workers that contracted the bronchiolitis obliterans actually had to go on a waiting list for lung transplants. Why am I bringing this up now? Well there... is a study that has found this same chemical diacetyl and diacetyl substitutes in flavored e-cigs. Since these chemicals could also be used in the vaping liquids we may start to see more people effected by this chemical in a major way. Since just about everywhere you go you can see people vaping and smoking e-cigs. Just something to consider for those that love to vape or smoke e-cigs. Do your vaping liquids have the listed chemicals used to make your favorite solution? Probably not, but if they do? Please check it sooner rather than later

Point To Ponder: Does your in-house safety person or HR Manager know that there has been a change to the record keeping and reporting portion of the OSHA Standard? Well the new rule is that if you have a single worker get admitted into the hospital or have an amputation caused by work related activities, that upon notification you have eight (8) hours to notify OSHA or your State OSH Department as if it was a fatality? Well now you know. So don't get caught off-guard or una...ware. Aloha Big Lew