Safety Culture Plus

The institutional and industrial cleaning industry provides essential products and services that are used to clean and maintain a healthy indoor environment for commercial establishments of all sizes and types, including schools, hospitals, day care centers, food service operations, office complexes, and other similar establishments. The industry includes manufacturers and distributors of cleaning products in addition to in-house and contracted service providers.
As in many industries, employees in the cleaning industry face a number of hazards. Cleaning industry employees may be exposed to potentially hazardous chemicals, may be asked to work with equipment that can present a danger and may be asked to perform various tasks that may cause an injury or illness if not performed properly. Further, the physical environment in which cleaning services are performed can present hazards.  To read the rest of the topic, click on the link below.

Safety and Health Topics: OSHA Assistance for the Cleaning Industry

National News Release: 09-338-NAT
March 31, 2009
Contact: Diana Petterson
Phone: 202-693-1898

U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA revises Field Operations Manual to enhance enforcement and compliance assistance

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA compliance officers with a single comprehensive resource of updated guidance in implementing the agency’s mission to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
"The manual will be a resource for workers and employers, giving them a consolidated reference on how OSHA expects workplaces to be safe and healthful," said OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor Donald G. Shalhoub. "This document is part of OSHA’s continuing commitment to make its standards and enforcement activities transparent and understandable to all parties."
The Field Operations Manual, formerly called the Field Inspection Reference Manual, constitutes OSHA’s general enforcement policy and procedures for use by the agency’s field offices in conducting inspections, issuing citations and proposing penalties. It is the guiding document for OSHA’s compliance officers, whose mission is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women.
The manual assists compliance officers in scheduling and conducting inspections, enforcing regulations, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. It also offers guidance on how to inform employers about OSHA’s free On-Site Consultation Service and compliance assistance.
The manual is available online at: http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02-00-148.pdf.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to promote the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

2009 – 03/31/2009 – U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA revises Field Operations Manual to enhance enforcement and compliance assistance

A new Safety and Health Topics Web page on pandemic influenza has been posted to OSHA’s Web site. The page is a central repository for OSHA information and resources on helping workplaces prepare for a pandemic. One of the newest resources is a link to a Web page featuring answers to the most frequently asked questions about OSHA’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers. 

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The safetyDRs Compliance Blog: OSHA Resources – Pandemic Influenza: OSHA, HIPAA, medical and dental safety, infection control

Cal/OSHA publications are now only available by download or, they may be picked up at a Cal/OSHA office if the publications are available. Please check with the Cal/OSHA office first because quantities are limited. All workplace postings can still be ordered from www.dir.ca.gov/wp.asp .

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Visit OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program Web page to get valuable information on how this program helps you to provide a safer 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 Small Business.