OUTREACH BLOG

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON OSHA EDUCATION CENTER WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, DEC 23RD THROUGH WEDNESDAY, JAN 1ST FOR THE HOLIDAY.

We will be closed Monday, December 23rd through Wednesday, January 1st for the holiday. Any Outreach Portal reports paid for expedited shipping will be processed upon return Thursday January 2nd and shipped FedEx overnight. We hope you have a great & safe holiday!

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 12/16/2024

OUTREACH PORTAL OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM REPORT OR NOTIFICATION OF UPCOMING TRAINING - NEW BUTTON FOR

When entering a "add upcoming training" notification for video conferencing, at least 7 days in advance, there is now a "remote/video conferencing" choice on the OTPR. When you print the OTPR PDF, it automatically fills in "remote" on the line, as is required. Trainers will need to upload a Word or Excel document entering all the information found on page 17 of the Requirements into the notification report. After the class is taught, complete your report by going to "view my submitted reports", click on the report created when entering your notification, scroll down and click "edit this report". Remember to upload the course paperwork; final detailed topic outline, daily sign-in sheets, and student contact information.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 11/14/2024

STUDENT REPLACEMENT CARDS, DATA ENTRY ERROR

If you request a data entry error replacement card, we need the original card returned so that it won't count towards the students 1 time replacement allotment. The replacement card will not be processed until we have the original, which will be destroyed.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/29/2024

VIDEO CONFERENCING - PLEASE SEE THE NEW REQUIREMENTS. YOU MUST GIVE 7 DAY ADVANCE NOTIFICATION

Beginning on October 1, 2024 all trainers must provide advance notification of training at least 7 days prior to the scheduled class start date & upload the paperwork into the Notification report remote/video conferencing classes. (see page 17 of the OSHA Outreach Requirements)
For step-by-step instructions on how to submit a Notification of Training in the Portal, please see page 12 of the Outreach Portal User Guide. Both Requirements & User Guide can be found under the "info" tab in the Outreach Portal after log-in. Once you submit your notification, the Portal creates a report. After you complete the training, go to your submitted reports and click on the report number to continue adding/modifying the report.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/23/2024

ADD UPCOMING CLASSES

There seems to be some confusion after you submit notification of your upcoming classes. You do not have to wait for approval when you enter a notification. Once you enter the notification, it creates the 1^st page of your OTPR and will show pending until you go back and complete it ("view submitted reports") and order cards when you’re finished. If you want us to review your detailed topic outline prior to your class, please send it in an email and request a review. Thanks! Michelle

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/15/2024

UTA OUTREACH IS MOVING THEIR OFFICES

Effective August 6, 2024, Outreach is moving back to the main DED Extended Campus building, 140 West Mitchell Street, Suite #C100D, Arlington, TX. 76010. Please be sure to always call or send an email prior to picking up your cards. Thanks! Michelle

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 08/05/2024

UPDATED OSHA OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND INDUSTRY PROCEDURES

We are implementing the new OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements and Industry Procedures in our Trainer and Trainer Update classes. The documents are available on OSHA's Outreach Training Program webpage:Outreach Training Program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Although the changes will not be effective until October 1, 2024, we will be using the new procedures effective immediately and we encourage you to implement them now.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 07/19/2024

OSHA’S NEW HAZARD COMMUNICATION (HAZCOM) RULE

OSHA's new HazCom rule was released May 20th.

The changes take effect July 19. There are staggered compliance dates for chemical manufacturers, importers, and distributors evaluating substances (January 19, 2026) and mixtures (July 19, 2027).

Employers have six months beyond those dates - July 20, 2026 for substances and January 19, 2028 for mixtures to update alternative workplace labeling, update their HazCom program, and provide any additional employee training for newly identified physical, health, or other hazards. The final rule aligns 29 CFR 1910.1200 with Revision 7 of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS); HazCom was last updated in 2012 to align with GHS Revision 3. The rule also incorporates several letters of interpretation OSHA issued since the HazCom rule was last updated.

The changes include:

· New definitions for bulk shipment, combustible dust, gas, solid, immediate outer package, liquid, physician or other license health care professional (PLHCP), released for shipment.

· Revised definitions for exposure or exposed, hazardous chemical, and physical hazard.

· Labeling requirements for certain very small containers and bulk containers.

· Significant changes to the flammable gas hazard class, including the addition of a new hazard class for desensitized explosives and several new hazard categories, such as unstable gases and pyrophoric gases in the Flammable Gases class and non-flammable aerosols in the Aerosol class.

· Revised health hazard statements and precautionary statements: revised health hazard definitions, updated skin corrosion/irritation and serious eye damage/eye irritation chapters, general updates to hazard classes.

· Only SDSs and labels for certain products (aerosols, desensitized explosives, and flammable gases) are affected by the new classification criteria. Affected establishments must update labels and SDSs for select hazardous chemicals accordingly.

Check out the OSHA Fact Sheet:Final Rule Modifying the HCS to maintain Alignment with the GHS and theside-by-side comparisonof the 2012 and 2024 versions.

In fiscal year 2023, OSHA cited employers for 3,203 violations under the old hazard communication requirements and sought $5.2 million in fines. UTA OSHA Education Center will offer the updated HM 100 Hazard Communication Global Harmonization System (GHS) course providing information on the updates to the HazCom standard.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 07/15/2024

NEW! OSHA ANNOUNCED 2024 OUTREACH TRAINING PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND INDUSTRY PROCEDURES

UTA Outreach Trainers,

NEW! OSHA Announced 2024 Outreach Training Program Requirements and Industry Procedures

OSHA periodically updates the requirements that authorized Outreach trainers must follow in conducting and reporting OSHA Outreach Training Program classes. This document highlights key changes in the July 2024, OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements and Industry Procedures. Beginning next week, The new documents will be available on OSHA's Outreach Training Program webpage: Outreach Training Program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration soon.

The updated OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements and Industry Procedures are effective October 1, 2024. Here are the key changes in the July 2024, OSHA Outreach Training Program Requirements and Industry Procedures:

Trainer Responsibilities:

· Lowered the requirement that Trainers must submit all exception requests from 60-daysto at least seven calendar days prior to the scheduled class start date.

· Added the use of "email, print media, social media, and websites" as inappropriate behavior if a trainer makes discriminatory or defamatory remarks regarding OSHA, an ATO, or any other individual or group of individuals.

· All timelines are identified as calendar days, vice working days or months.

· Clarifies that trainers have the sole responsibility to maintain all class records.

· Exception requests for video conferencing are no longer required, however, the primary Outreach trainer’s ATO must receive advanced notification no later than seven calendar days prior to the scheduled class start date.

· Video conferencing class size is reduced from 40 to 20 students unless a proctor is present for the entire class.

· Added that classes delivered using an alternative training method, i.e., video conferencing, must be reported on the OTPR, and recorded under the “Other” type of training in block 11 as “remote.”

· Clarified student course completion card delivery requirements.

Revisions to Industry Procedures:

· Added trainer update exemption for overseas service.

· Added ineligible training topics.

· Added that Outreach trainers must retain Program class records for five years from the class end date. This requirement is the sole responsibility of the Outreach trainer regardless of what records may be maintained by an employer. OSHA reserves the right to request copies of class records for verification purposes at any time.

· Added the Statement of Compliance and revised the document to read "attest" vice "affirm". - Updated training resources and URL links.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/28/2024

JULY 4TH SAFETY TIPS!

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to melt some metals. Never throw or point fireworks toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/28/2024

UTA OSHA OUTREACH WILL BE CLOSED JULY 4 & 5 FOR THE HOLIDAY. BE SAFE!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/28/2024

JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

National Safety Month

June is National Safety Month. Led by the National Safety Council, this year's focus is on the leading causes of preventable injuries and death in the workplace. Preventable injuries are the third leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 227,000 lives lost in 2022. Sixty-three million people sought medical attention for a work-related injuries in 2022. To combat these numbers and encourage safe work behaviors, each week of June focuses on a specific safety topic:

· Week 1: Safety engagement,

· Week 2: Roadway safety,

· Week 3: Risk reduction, and

· Week 4: Slips, trips, and falls.

Find more information about National Safety Month and workplace safety resources at nsc.org.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/19/2024

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON - HOLIDAYS

We will be closed Wednesday June 19th for Juneteenth holiday. We will also be closed July 4 & 5th. We hope you all have a safe and great holiday!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/18/2024

EXPEDITED CARD REQUESTS

Due to FedEx schedule changes to pickup services, expedited requests must be received no later than 12pm CST for same day processing requests. If received after 12pm CST, it will be shipped the following day.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/12/2024

OSHA REGIONAL REALIGNMENT

OSHA Regional Realignment

DOL announced changes to the structure of OSHA’s Regional Operations to be implemented by the end of the current FY. The changes reflect the nation’s demographic and industrial changes since the passage of the OSH Act and will allow stronger enforcement in the South and more state oversight and whistleblower presence in the West — an area dominated by State run programs. The changes include creation of a new OSHA Regional Office in Birmingham, Alabama, overseeing agency operations in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee as well as the Florida Panhandle. The Birmingham Region will address the area’s growing worker population and the hazardous work done by people employed in food processing, construction, heavy manufacturing, and chemical processing. OSHA will merge Regions 9 and 10 into a new San Francisco Region. As part of the change, the agency will also rename its Regions to associate them by geography, rather than its current practice of assigning numbers. Region 4 will be renamed the Atlanta Region with jurisdiction over Florida, excluding the Panhandle; Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Region 6 will be renamed the Dallas Region with jurisdiction over New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. The composition of OSHA’s other Regions will remain the same, but renamed as follows:

· Region 1 - Boston Region

· Region 2 - New York City Region

· Region 3 - Philadelphia Region

· Region 4 - Atlanta Region

· Region 5 - Chicago Region

· Birmingham Region

· Region 6 - Dallas Region

· Region 7 - Kansas City Region

· Region 8 - Denver Region

· Regions 9 and 10 - San Francisco Region

View a map of OSHA’s new regional structure and boundaries.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/09/2024

WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY

Workers Memorial Day takes place this Sunday April 28, 2024. People around the world will honor the thousands killed each year on the job and the millions more who suffer serious occupational injuries and illnesses. The number of workplace fatalities and injuries remains unacceptably high: in construction alone, approximately 1,000 workers die on job sites annually.

Each year, April 28th offers the opportunity for us to remember those who have died and to strengthen our commitment to make sure every worker comes home safely every day. Fulfilling that commitment takes the dedication of people across the industry: owners, contractors, managers, government officials, unions, workers, and many others.

Improving the safety and health of construction workers must take many forms and respond to many hazards. This year we encourage everyone to focus on addressing:

· Falls. One in three work-related deaths in construction is caused by a fall. The National Campaign to Prevent Falls in Construction brings together people from across the industry to raise awareness of this hazard and to show how to prevent these incidents. Participate in next week’s National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction as part of making a year-round commitment to eliminating this hazard.

· Mental Health.Mental health issues -- especially opioid dependency and suicide – continue to affect construction workers at much higher rates than the average U.S. worker. CPWR’s resources, which include Hazard Alert Cards, Toolbox Talks, and training programs, all support prevention. Also, watch for the opportunity to sign up to receive a new newsletter highlighting mental health research and effective resources.

· Struck-by Incidents.The just-completed National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents raised awareness of these hazards, the second leading cause of death and the leading cause of nonfatal injuries among construction workers. Listen to the Stand-Down webinar on developing Internal Traffic Control Plans and check out other CPWR materials that address hazards such as dropped objects, heavy equipment, lift zone safety, and work zone safety.

I hope you will join in remembering those who have been lost and in protecting today’s workers.

Chris Trahan Cain
CPWR Executive Director

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/26/2024

YOU MUST GET APPROVAL BEFORE CONDUCTING A VIDEO CONFERENCING CLASS!

The rule is still in place! You must get approval to conduct a video conferencing class by answering all questions, a-p, of the Requirements. The 60 day advance has been changed to at least 7 days in advance. Please email outreach@uta.edu for video conferencing class exception approvals.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/04/2024

REMINDER: ADVANCE NOTICE OF TRAINING

OSHA Outreach Training Program Trainers are required to provide advance notice of scheduled Outreach training. Class notifications can be done through the Outreach Portal at least 24-hours prior to your scheduled class.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/04/2024

VIDEO CONFERENCING INFO

We've had several trainers doing video conferencing and there are some misconceptions happening. They thought they could just do checkmarks next to their names as they took role. NO. You must email them a sign-in sheet, have them sign it and send it back each day. Also, you must do a test and an evaluation. Before we approve your submitted report, we are going to ask for your paperwork each time. Please upload your paperwork into your submitted report.; detailed topic outline, daily sign-in sheets, student contact information (where cards will be delivered), test, evaluations. We will also expect to have the follow up impact evaluation for P3 emailed to us w/in 21 days from the course end date. There have been some questions about that one so I sent an email off to OSHA for clarification. I've copied and pasted the answer here. ---

Note: To answer this question (item p.3. Follow-up impact evaluation), stated, “I am not really sure what this means" If it means send another survey after the test asking what they thought of the test, it can also be done the same way using Google Forms. It is basically a synopsis written by the trainer to you, the Education Center. It may contain pro’s and con's of course delivered, ideas on how to improve, beneficial suggestions and/or how the course impacted the students over a brief period of time. Essentially, how the course went.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 02/08/2024

HOLIDAY SHIPPING SCHEDULE -- CLOSED DEC 22-JAN 1

We will be closed Winter break December 22-January 1. Last ship date before the holidays is December 21. Next expedited date to ship is January 2. Happy Holidays!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 11/28/2023

OPTING IN TO ADVERTISE ON OSHA.GOV FIND A TRAINER PAGE, YOU MUST CHOOSE A LANGUAGE OR IT WILL NOT POPULATE TO THEIR WEBSITE!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/24/2023

WE NEED YOUR HELP! PLEASE HELP US IMPROVE THE CONSTRUCTION OSHA 10!

The UTA OSHA Training Institute Education Center is joining with 5 OTIECs to conduct a study of the Construction OSHA 10 safety training. The goal is to learn, from authorized trainers, what teaching approaches work best with this curriculum so that we can help improve student learning. This study is also available in Spanish!

If you wish to participate, please reach out to The University of Texas at Arlington OSHA Education Center Outreach at outreach@uta.edu. We will provide you with an instruction sheet that will take you through the steps of the study, as well as a set of PowerPoint slides you can use in the classroom when asking your students to participate in the Safety Questionnaires.

We sincerely appreciate your consideration of joining us in this important study.

Once you have completed all of the activities, you will be entitled to a $100 gift card, which will be sent to you by US mail.

Thank you in advance!

https://wvu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4VDQKLWcvwY5UW2

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/20/2023

OUTREACH STUDENT COMPLETION CARD PRICE INCREASE SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 1, 2023!

OSHA has announced the effective October 1, 2023, the fee for OSHA Outreach student completion cards will increase from $8 per card to $10 per card. They have also adopted a biennial review process to evaluate card pricing every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). OSHA will be communicating these changes on the Outreach landing page on their website, a QuickTakes notice, a Trade Release, and OSHA social media.

Replacement cards will increase from $20.00 to $25.00 each.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 09/19/2023

NEW PORTAL RELEASE SEPTEMBER 4TH!

The Outreach Portal official upgrade release is scheduled for September 4th. Overall, most pages have been updated and streamlined, making the system processing and page loading faster. A wider page allows for more content to be visible in reports. The mobile usage is far more advanced. Besides a new look and feel, the upgrade release has a few new features:

* New Messages – All automated emails sent via the Outreach Portal can be found on this page. In every message, there is a link to each report.
* Notification of Upcoming Classes – The date of the notification will now be in the notes of the report and the trainer receives an email that their notification was received.
* Profile image – The trainer may now add their photo to the profile area and will be visible to the administrators.
* Report payment receipt – The Portal report has a new payment receipt button to print a receipt instead of the full Portal PDF report.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 08/18/2023

REPLACEMENT CARDS WILL BE INCREASING FROM $20.00 TO $25.00 EACH BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2023

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 07/20/2023

OUTREACH STUDENT COMPLETION CARD PRICE INCREASE FROM $8.00 TO $10.00 EACH

Outreach Student Completion Card Price Increase

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/25/2023

SUSAN HARWOOD TRAINING GRANT PROGRAM

Outreach Trainers,

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced the availability of more than $12.7 million in funding to make more good jobs available to the U.S. workforce by supporting training initiatives designed to promote safety and health in the nation’s workplaces.

OSHA’s Susan Harwood Training Grant Program includes funding opportunities for Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and new Capacity Building training grants for nonprofit organizations. Grants will support recipients’ efforts to provide instructor-led remote and in-person hands-on training for workers and employers in small businesses; industries with high injury, illness and fatality rates; and vulnerable workers, who are underserved, have limited English proficiency, or are temporary workers.

•Targeted Topic Training: Supporting educational programs that identify and prevent workplace hazards. Applicants must conduct training on OSHA-designated workplace safety and health hazards.

•Training and Educational Materials Development: Supporting the development of quality classroom-ready training and educational materials that identify and prevent workplace hazards.

•Capacity Building: Supporting organizations in developing new training programs to assess needs and plan for full-scale safety and health education programs, expanding their capacity to provide workplace safety and health training, education and related assistance to workers and employers.

Specifically, the Harwood grants will fund training and education on how to recognize, avoid and control hazards, and inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Funding will be available in the following categories:T

Applicants must register with grants.gov and SAM.gov to apply for a grant opportunity. Submit applications at www.grants.gov by July 7, 2023.

OSHA will also host a webinar, “How to Prepare a Competitive Susan Harwood Training Grant Application,” on May 25, 2023, from 1 to 2:30 PM EDT. Register for the webinar.

For more information, see the News Release, Federal Register Notice and the Susan Harwood Training Grants webpage.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/23/2023

WANT A LIST OF EVERY STUDENT YOU'VE ORDERED STUDENT CARDS FOR VIA THE OUTREACH PORTAL?

Log into the Portal, click "profile" in the top banner. Click "View Your Students" button. You can enter the reports "from" and "to" dates and can choose "all courses" or click the drop down arrow and choose just the "10 hour". Click "Filter Results". Once it displays, you can click the button "Download XLS of these Students" for a spreadsheet.

If looking for a certain student, click and hold down the CTRL button and F at the same time, type the student name in the pop-up box. It will FIND the name and jump to it by highlighting that student. You can click the blue arrow to the left of the card number to go directly to that particular report. If you want to order a replacement card for that student, scroll down and put a checkmark next to the students name and click "Request Replacement Cards". Click "go to Card Queue" to complete shipping information and pay.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/03/2023

OSHA.GOV HAS FREE SPANISH CLASSES VIA WEBINAR!

Did You Know?

Falls are the main cause of death for construction workers, but they can be prevented. Register for a free Spanish language webinar on April 26 to get help using personal fall protection systems and preparing an emergency response plan.

Don't forget to visit OSHA's website to participate in the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction May 1-5. https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls-stand-down#googtrans(en%7Ces)

¿Sabías?

Las caídas son la principal causa de muerte de los trabajadores de la construcción, pero estas muertes se pueden prevenir. Inscríbase en un seminario web en español gratuito el 26 de abril para obtener ayuda sobre el uso de sistemas personales de protección contra caídas y la preparación de un plan de respuesta de emergencia.

No se olvide de visitar el sitio web de OSHA para más información sobre cómo participar en el 10º evento de la campaña nacional de prevención de caídas en la construcción del 1 al 5 de mayo.

"Did You Know?" messages are issued on occasion to QuickTakes subscribers.

QuickTakes is emailed free twice monthly to more than 380,000 subscribers. You can receive it faster and easier by subscribing to the RSS feed that delivers almost instant information. Visit OSHA's RSS Feeds webpage to subscribe.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/18/2023

OSHA OUTREACH FRAUDULENT CARDS

We are seeing a lot more fraudulent cards coming through lately. The crooks are trying to get smarter. There is a URL address coming out of Holland. They are putting in the QR codes this fake web address making the cards look valid but they are NOT. The good URL to go to verify UTA cards, which is what we put in every valid card QR code, is:

Real http://verify.outreachportal.com/AVer.cfm?CAD=3143024&TYPE=NT&common=44&edc=2

Here is the Fraudulent website: Not real https://verify.outreachportal.online/Aver.cfm?CAD=24-571984580

Notice the valid web address is .com and the fraudulent is .online.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/24/2023

ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL TOPIC LINES ADDED TO THE OUTREACH REPORT

We strive to make updates or additions to the Outreach Portal based upon your requests or suggestions. You requested more lines be added to the optional topics area of the Outreach Portal Report. You will now find extra optional lines when you are adding a report. Please let us know about anything you would like to see added.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/13/2023

"TRANSLATOR PRESENT" CHANGE IN THE PORTAL

It has been brought to our attention that a translator is allowed to translate only 1 topic or all of them...meaning the whole 10 or 30 hour doesn't have to be doubled...only the topics that actually had a translator. When you mark translator present on a 10hour, the Portal will no longer force you to enter 20 hours.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/19/2022

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SELECTS THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON FOR OSHA TRAINING INSTITUTE EDUCATION CENTER

Every 5 years, DOL conducts a national competition for new and/or the renewal of existing OTI Education Centers. This competition evaluates applicants on organizational commitment, experience and qualifications; staff experience and qualifications; location and training facilities; marketing and administrative capabilities; Diversity Equity Inclusion and Accessibility; and language accessibility. The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) has once again been awarded a non-financial cooperative agreement by the U.S. Department of Labor to provide OSHA Training Institute Education Center (OTIEC) courses. This selection recognizes UTA's outstanding performance and ability to support OSHA's training mission by providing quality safety and health training to workers and employers. The University of Texas at Arlington OSHA Education Center is the leading provider of OTIEC courses among all of the OTIECs. For more information, please view the trade release or visit osha.gov/training. DOL approved the reauthorization of the current 25 OTIECs and added one new OTIEC - the Construction Education Foundation in Denver, Colorado.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/05/2022

PREVENTING SUICIDE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Preventing Suicide in the Construction Industry

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Mental health is a growing concern in the construction industry. A 2020 CDC report shows that suicide among the U.S. working-age population is increasing, and that construction and extraction occupations have the highest rates of death by suicide of any occupational group. Learn more about how to recognize the signs, start a conversation, and play a role in supporting friends, co-workers, and family members with the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) Suicide Prevention Month Toolkit, which includes a social media toolkit, toolbox talks, posters, CIASP QR codes, logos, and other resources.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 09/12/2022

EXTENSIONS & RELAXATION OF THE 7-YEAR REQUIREMENT END OCTOBER 10TH

Extensions & Relaxation of the 7-Year Requirement End October 10th

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the OSHA Directorate of Training and Education relaxed some of their requirements. The re-institution of the 90-day grace period and the relaxation on the requirement for OSHA Outreach Trainers to have completed the applicable standards course within the past seven years if your authorization expired are being reinstated. Effective October 10, 2022, no extensions will be granted and the requirement to retake the applicable standards course if your OSHA Outreach Authorization expires and you have not taken the training in the past seven years will be enforced.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 09/09/2022

NOTIFICATION OF TRAINING PAGE HAS BEEN ADDED

We’ve added a notification page to the Outreach Portal. You can now add it in the Portal. You will log in and click “Add Outreach Report”. You will see in blue “Add Notification of Training” (Pre-Report) at the top. It is just filling out the 1^st page of the report. You can also upload any paperwork you choose. We ask that every UTA trainer put in notification as soon as they know they are going to have a class. If you would like your paperwork reviewed before your class, please email your request to outreach@uta.edu.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 03/25/2022

UTA EXPEDITED SHIPPING NOW AVAILABLE!

Need your Outreach cards tomorrow? We now have expedited shipping. Add the report & pay an extra $25.00 before 1pm CST and we will ship them out to you same day. It must be a street address. No PO Boxes!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 08/10/2021

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN EASILY RUN A REPORT OF ALL YOUR STUDENTS? YOU CAN CHOOSE BY DATE, INDUSTRY TYPE, OR ALL.

Go to your Profile in the top banner. Click the button "view your students". Choose your dates and industry type and click "filter results". Once all the students display, you can either click the blue arrow on the left hand side to go directly to the OTPR (Outreach Training Program Report) or scroll to the bottom of the list and click "download XLS of these students". On the far right you can "add email addresses" if you haven't added them already, prior to downloading the report. Another hint, if you want to order a student replacement card, you can click the blue arrow to go into the original OTPR and scroll to the name list and put a checkmark next to the student name and click "request replacement card". Easy Peasy!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 07/29/2021

OUTREACH CARDS SHIPPED YET?

Are you wondering if your student Outreach cards have shipped yet? You can go to the Outreach Portal submitted report and look under "tracking." You are able to click the link and it will take you directly to the FedEx.Com, UPS.Com, or USPS.Com tracking page & show you where your package is at that exact moment.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/15/2021

OSHA PENALTIES RAISED FOR 2020

OSHA raised its civil penalties by approximately 1.8 percent on January 15, 2020. The final rule implements annual inflation adjustments of civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced by OSHA and other agencies within the Department of Labor in 2020, as required by the Inflation Adjustment Act (Public Law 114-74). OSHA's penalty increases for workplace safety and health violations include:

For a willful violation, in which an employer knowingly failed to comply with an OSHA standard or demonstrated a plain indifference for employee safety, the minimum penalty increases from $9,472 to $9,639 and the maximum penalty increases from $132,598 to $134,937;

For each repeated violation for an identical or substantially similar violation previously cited by the agency, the penalty ceiling rises from $132,598 to $134,937;

For each serious violation for workplace hazards that could cause an accident or illness that would most likely result in death or serious physical harm, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494;

For each other-than-serious violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494;

For each failure to correct violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494; and

For each posting requirement violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494.

New penalty amounts take effect immediately, applying to any penalties assessed after January 15.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 02/08/2021

SIGN UP FOR VIRTUAL LIVE INSTRUCTOR LED TRAINING CLASSES!

New and for a Limited Time Only! Virtual Live Instructor Led OSHA Training Classes. To register call 866.906.9190 today!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 11/20/2020

RESPIRATORY PROTECTION VS. SOURCE CONTROL - WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

CDC: Respiratory Protection vs. Source Control - What's the difference?

In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends that adults and children two years and older wear a mask, especially when social distancing is not possible or feasible. Cloth masks and medical masks used in healthcare settings such as surgical or procedure masks are important tools in the fight against the spread of COVID-19, however they are not a type of respiratory protection. Due to limited supplies, respiratory protection should be reserved for workers who rely on it to perform their work safely. The masks that we all should wear are primarily intended for source control. What is the difference between respiratory protection and source control?

Respiratory protection protects the wearer. Respiratory protection refers to respirators, which are protective devices that cover a person's nose and mouth or the entire face or head to help reduce the wearer's exposure from breathing in air that contains contaminants, such as small respiratory droplets from a person who has COVID-19. This type of protection can include filtering facepiece respirators, like the N95 respirator.

Source control protects others. Source control refers to the use of masks to cover a person's mouth and nose and to help reduce the spread of large respiratory droplets to others when the person talks, sneezes, or coughs. This can help reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, by someone who is infected but does not know it.

Breaking Down the Difference:

Respiratory Protection: Respirators, such as the well-known N95 filtering facepiece respirator, remove particles from the inhaled airstream of the wearer through a filter media. When used in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, respirators are highly effective at reducing the wearer's exposure to bacteria and viruses, as well as other airborne particles like mold and dust, in their inhaled airstream. N95 filtering facepiece respirators are disposable devices that in times of normal operation, are discarded after every use or shift. There are key criteria for these personal protective devices to be effective as respiratory protection:

1. 1) The respirator filter needs to be highly effective at capturing particles that pass through the filter;
1. 2) The respirator must also fit the user's face snugly to minimize the number of particles that bypass the filter and get into the breathing zone through gaps between the user's skin and the respirator seal. A good seal helps ensure that the air goes through the filter.

When worn properly, respirators are designed to help protect the wearer by passing most of the air through the filter. N95 respirators filter at least 95% of particles of all sizes from inhaled air. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) regulates respirators by using stringent test conditions to evaluate these devices, approving those that meet a minimum filtration efficiency requirement for occupational use. It is important to note that a respirator that has earned NIOSH approval will have specific labeling printed on the facepiece. You may see some masks on the market labeled as "N95", but if it does not contain the other components of the required label, most importantly the word "NIOSH," it may not be NIOSH-approved and, therefore, cannot be relied on to provide respiratory protection. You can further ensure that you are using a NIOSH-approved respirator by checking for the model on the NIOSH Certified Equipment List or the NIOSH List of Approved Filtering Facepiece Respirators. Additionally, if the respirator does not form a tight seal with the face, it cannot provide the expected level of protection.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that workers are fit tested on the make and model of respirator that will be used, the first time it is used and every year after (or even sooner if the user has had a significant change in weight or change to their facial features, such as what might occur with extensive dental work). Fit testing ensures that respirator users are receiving the expected level of protection by minimizing contaminant leakage into the facepiece.

Preliminary data suggests that the outward leakage from exhalation valves is less than or comparable to that of many devices being used for source control, such as cloth masks, bandanas, and surgical masks. However, until more research is available, masks with exhalation valves or vents should NOT be worn to help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others (source control). Here are some tips when it comes to exhalation valves:

* Wear a respirator without an exhalation valve when both source control and respiratory protection are required.
* If only a respirator with an exhalation valve is available and source control is needed, cover the exhalation valve with a surgical mask or a cloth mask.

Source Control: Unlike respirators, masks are not designed to reduce the particles that the wearer will inhale and are not evaluated by NIOSH for their effectiveness to protect the wearer from airborne hazards. While there are many different mask designs available, they typically do not form the necessary seal against the wearer's skin or have the appropriate level of filtration. Additionally, a typical mask wearer, outside of an occupational respiratory protection program, does not undergo fit testing to ensure an adequate level of protection. Therefore, while filtering facepiece respirators can be used as a type of source control except for those that have an exhalation valve in certain occupational settings, a mask should not be used as a respirator. The purpose of wearing masks is to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the spread of the virus through respiratory droplets from asymptomatic individuals. Masks are recommended as a barrier to help prevent large respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. Emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies shows that masks help reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Together with social distancing, masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.

While masks help to keep some large respiratory droplets contained and from reaching other people, they are not perfect. If you are sick with COVID-19 or think you might have COVID-19, wearing a mask does not make it safe or acceptable to visit public areas or be close to other people. Isolate yourself, whether or not you have symptoms. Stay home except when directed by your medical provider to get medical care. As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home, use a separate bathroom if available, and do not share personal items like cups, towels or utensils. If you need to be around other people or animals within your own home, you should wear a mask, and be sure to frequently wash your hands. Those with underlying medical conditions who find it more difficult to breathe when wearing a mask can check with their health care provider to determine if a mask is appropriate for you. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

A benefit of masks that are made from cloth material is that they can, and should, be washed after every use

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 09/11/2020

NOTIFICATION OF CLASSES

We ask that as soon as you schedule to teach an outreach class, please send an email with notification to outreach@uta.edu. Please include the following:

1. Type of class {example: 10hr Construction}

2. Begin and end dates of class

3. Being and end times of class

4. Address where training will be held

5. Include any pertinent information we may need such as “facility requires a badge, 2 day notice must be given”.

**If the class cancels, please email us no later than 12 hours prior to start time.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

OSHA Outreach Team --- 866-906-9190

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/11/2020

NEW AND FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY! VIRTUAL LIVE INSTRUCTOR LED OSHA TRAINING CLASSES

New and for a Limited Time Only! Virtual Live Instructor Led OSHA Training Classes

Due to the impact of the current pandemic, The University of Texas at Arlington OSHA Education Center will be offering a limited number of OSHA courses as live virtual training events using Microsoft Teams. Check our program schedule for these live virtual class sessions. These live virtual open enrollment classes are only available for participants who live or work within OSHA Region VI (Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas) and only for a limited time.

To be able to participate in these live virtual OSHA courses, you will need the following:

1) An internet connection – broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE)

2) A microphone – built-in or USB plug-in or wireless Bluetooth (note: you can use the microphone and receiver built into your smart phone. However, earphones with a microphone are recommended)

3) A webcam or HD webcam - built-in or USB plug-in (strongly recommended, but not required) or a HD cam or HD camcorder with video capture card

Attendance during all class sessions is required due to the minimum contact hours.

If you have questions or would like to register for one of these classes, please contact The University of Texas at Arlington, Division for Enterprise Development, OSHA Education Center at 866.906.9190 or osha@uta.edu.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 05/08/2020

OUTREACH TRAINER NEWSLETTER -- SPANISH

Entrenadores de Alcance,

La siguiente guía se proporciona con respecto a las solicitudes de excepción. Todas las consultas relacionadas con excepciones o cualquier otro tema deben dirigirse a su Organización de Capacitación Autorizada (ATO). Todas las solicitudes de excepción deben enviarse al Centro de Educación de UTA OSHA (outreach@uta.edu) no a OSHA.

Solicitudes de Excepción,

OSHA no otorga excepciones de manera rutinaria. OSHA no tiene intención de emitir ninguna aprobación automática o general de solicitudes de excepción. Cada solicitud de excepción se evaluará individualmente, por mérito propio.

· OSHA ha renunciado temporalmente al requisito de que las solicitudes de excepción se reciban 60 días antes de la fecha de inicio de clase. Si desea solicitar una excepción, envíe su solicitud por correo electrónico a outreach@uta.edu. Consulte los Requisitos del programa de divulgación para conocer los procedimientos de solicitud de excepción adecuados. Si tiene alguna pregunta, favor siéntase libre en llamarnos al 866-906-9190.

· Todas las solicitudes de excepción deben cumplir con los requisitos del programa de capacitación de extensión de OSHA. Su solicitud de excepción debe incluir una narrativa detallada que describa la necesidad de la excepción y explicar por qué la flexibilidad inherente en el programa es insuficiente.

· Todas las solicitudes de excepción deben ser por escrito y no debe ser acompañada por ninguna otra solicitud de excepción para la misma clase.

· odas las solicitudes de excepción deben cumplir con todos los requisitos que se encuentran en los Requisitos del Programa de Capacitación de Alcance.

Excepciones al instructor-Requisito llevado en persona

Los capacitadores de extensión que soliciten excepciones al requisito de aula presencial dirigida por un instructor para la capacitación de extensión incluida en los requisitos del programa de capacitación de extensión de OSHA deben cumplir con todos los demás requisitos del programa de capacitación de extensión de OSHA.

Todos los 16 elementos de la Sección V.R.2.a) -p) de los Requisitos de capacitación de alcance de OSHA deben abordarse en su solicitud de excepción.

Actualmente, la mayor cantidad de desaprobaciones provienen de que los capacitadores no brindan las fechas del curso o la clase, como lo requiere el resumen detallado del tema en la Sección V.P.3. Esa sección dice: "El esquema debe indicar el título del curso, la ubicación y la fecha y el período real (por ejemplo, de 1 p.m. a 2 p.m.) de cada tema entregado, e incluir todos los descansos y períodos de comida.”

Entrenadores Periodo de Gracia de 90 días

El período de gracia de 90 días para los capacitadores de alcance que necesitan volver a autorizar comienza el día en que su ATO reanuda sus operaciones normales. No comienza con el vencimiento de su autorización actual.

Si no puede asistir a su clase de entrenador de actualización antes de su vencimiento, OSHA DTE ha permitido que UTA ofrezca un período de gracia temporal de 90 días en un caso por caso. Envíe su solicitud por correo electrónico para una extensión de la caducidad de su tarjeta de entrenador a osha@uta.edu.

Nuevamente, todas las solicitudes de excepción deben enviarse al Centro de Educación de UTA OSHA (osha@uta.edu), no a OSHA.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/16/2020

CDC INFORMATIONAL RESOURCES FOR CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has prepared two public service announcements (STOP the spread of germs and 2019-nCoV: What the public should do) regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, now officially renamed COVID-19-coronavirus disease, 2019-by the World Health Organization. The announcements address actions the general public can take to help prevent the spread.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 02/17/2020

NOVEL CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

While there is currently no evidence of ongoing transmission of this virus in the United States, now is a good opportunity for workers and employers to review relevant workplace health guidance. Interim guidance and resources are available from OSHA. Their webpage provides information for workers and employers about the evolving coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The information includes links to interim guidance and other resources for preventing exposures to, and infections with, 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Based on how other similar viruses spread, infected people may be able to spread the 2019-nCoV through their respiratory secretions, especially when they cough or sneeze. Employers and workers should consult interim CDC guidance specific to 2019-nCoV, along with existing resources for other coronaviruses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), for precautions appropriate for this similar virus.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/27/2020

SPANISH - BOLETIN INFORMATIVO DE ENERO DEL ENTRENADOR DE OUTREACH (JAN 2020 OUTREACH TRAINER NEWSLETTER)

Entrenadores de Alcance:

Bienvenido a nuestro boletín mensual de recursos para capacitadores de alcance. La intención de este boletín es mantenerlo informado sobre nuevas orientaciones, requisitos y materiales de capacitación.

Sanciones de OSHA aumentadas para 2020:

Es hora de cambiar su Introducción a la información de OSHA. OSHA aumentó sus sanciones civiles (85 Fed. Reg. 2,292) en aproximadamente un 1.8 por ciento el 15 de enero de 2020. La regla final implementa ajustes anuales de inflación de las sanciones monetarias civiles evaluadas o aplicadas por OSHA y otras agencias dentro del Departamento de Trabajo (DOL) en 2020, como lo exige la Ley de Ajuste de Inflación (Pub. L. 114-74). Los aumentos de penalización de OSHA por violaciones de seguridad y salud en el lugar de trabajo incluyen:

·Para una violación intencional, en la que un empleador no cumplió con conocimiento de un estándar de OSHA o demostró una clara indiferencia por la seguridad de los trabajadores, la multa mínima aumenta de $9,472 a $9,639 y la multa máxima aumenta de $132,598 a $134,937;

·Por cada violación repetida por una violación idéntica o sustancialmente similar previamente citada por la agencia, se eleva la penalización de $132,598 a $134,937;

·Por cada violación grave por riesgos laborales que podrían causar un accidente o enfermedad que probablemente resulte en la muerte o daños físicos graves, la penalización máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494;

·Por cada infracción que no sea grave, la multa máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494;

·Por cada falta de corrección de violación, la penalización máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494; y

·Por cada violación del requisito de publicación, la multa máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494.

Nuevas multas entrará en vigencia de inmediato, aplicando a las sanciones aplicadas después del 15 de enero.

Nuevos Recursos:

Impresión de Tarjeta en el Portal:

¡Noticias emocionantes sobre el Portal de Alcance! Hemos agregado una nueva característica que creemos que todos apreciarán. El Portal de Alcance ahora mantendrá una copia del frente y reverso de las Tarjetas de Alcance en el registro del informe del Entrenador. ¡Los entrenadores ya no necesitan copiar o escanear físicamente sus tarjetas, lo que le ahorra tiempo! El documento se almacenará en la misma área en la que actualmente carga sus archivos. Para ver los archivos, vaya a reporte enviado/completo del entrenador, desplazarse hacia abajo y verá "Archivos de informe." Las copias de las tarjetas están etiquetadas como "copias de la tarjeta de estudiante".

Al imprimir, la impresora tiene por defecto 1 tarjeta por página. En la configuración de la impresora, puede elegir cuántas tarjetas por página hasta "16 páginas" e incluso 2 caras, lo que lo llevaría a un total de 32 copias de tarjetas en 1 hoja de papel. La siguiente pantalla de impresión muestra cómo se ve.

Insert “Print screen” pic.

Siempre nos esforzamos por hacer que nuestro Portal sea más fácil de usar para nuestros Entrenadores. Por favor, siéntase libre de enviar cualquier comentario o nuevas ideas para mejora, estaremos encantados de agregarlo a nuestra lista de deseos. ¡Apreciamos a cada uno de ustedes y les agradecemos por su negocio!

Estimado Alcance,

Recientemente recibí una carta de solicitud de auditoría del Centro de Educación de UT Arlington OSHA. No creo que esto sea justo. Siento que me están molestando. Solo hago un pequeño número de clases cada año. Estoy demasiado ocupado para esto! No veo por qué tengo que tomarme el tiempo para reunir todo este papeleo. Hablé con algunos de mis otros amigos que son Entrenador de Alcance OSHA y ninguno de ellos ha sido auditado. ¿Por qué me molestan?

Sinceramente,

Ser elegido

Querido Ser elegido

Lamento que sienta que lo están molestando, pero estamos obligados a realizar observaciones y auditorías aleatorias mensualmente. Este es un requisito ordenado por la Dirección de Capacitación y Educación de OSHA. Las auditorías son para garantizar el cumplimiento de los requisitos y procedimientos del Programa de Capacitación de Alcance. Encontrará más información en los Requisitos del Programa de Capacitación de Alcance con fecha del 1 de enero de 2019, en la página 29. También puede visitar el sitio web:

https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/program_requirements.pdf

Sinceramente,

Centro de Educación de UT Arlington OSHA

Entrenadores de Alcance:

Sanciones de OSHA aumentadas para 2020:

·Por cada violación repetida por una violación idéntica o sustancialmente similar previamente citada por la agencia, se eleva la penalización de $132,598 a $134,937;

·Por cada infracción que no sea grave, la multa máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494;

·Por cada falta de corrección de violación, la penalización máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494; y

·Por cada violación del requisito de publicación, la multa máxima aumenta de $13,260 a $13,494.

Nuevas multas entrará en vigencia de inmediato, aplicando a las sanciones aplicadas después del 15 de enero.

Nuevos Recursos:

Impresión de Tarjeta en el Portal:

Insert “Print screen” pic.

Estimado Alcance,

Sinceramente,

Ser elegido

Querido Ser elegido

https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/program_requirements.pdf

Sinceramente,

Centro de Educación de UT Arlington OSHA

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/23/2020

PORTAL CARD PRINTING

Exciting news about the Outreach Portal! We have added a new feature that we think everyone will appreciate. The Outreach Portal will now keep a copy of the front and back of the Outreach Cards in the Trainer's report record. Trainers no longer need to physically copy or scan their cards, saving you time! The document will be stored in the same area you currently upload your files. To view the files, go to the Trainer's completed submitted report, scroll to the bottom and you will see "Report Files". Copies of cards are labeled "student card copies".

When printing, the printer defaults to 1 card per page. In the printer settings you can choose how many cards per page up to "16 pages" & even 2 sided which would bring it up to 32 total card copies on 1 sheet of paper. In the printer settings look for "pages per sheet" which is usually up to 16 and then check mark double sided.

We are always striving to make our Portal more user friendly for our Trainers. Please feel free to send any comments or new ideas for enhancements and we'll be happy to add it to our wish list. We appreciate each of you and thank you for your business!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/21/2020

OSHA PENALTIES RAISED FOR 2020

Time to change your Introduction to OSHA information. OSHA raised its civil penalties (85 Fed. Reg. 2,292) by approximately 1.8 percent on January 15, 2020. The final rule implements annual inflation adjustments of civil monetary penalties assessed or enforced by OSHA and other agencies within the Department of Labor (DOL) in 2020, as required by the Inflation Adjustment Act (Pub. L. 114-74). OSHA's penalty increases for workplace safety and health violations include:

* For a willful violation, in which an employer knowingly failed to comply with an OSHA standard or demonstrated a plain indifference for employee safety, the minimum penalty increases from $9,472 to $9,639 and the maximum penalty increases from $132,598 to $134,937;
* For each repeated violation for an identical or substantially similar violation previously cited by the agency, the penalty ceiling rises from $132,598 to $134,937;
* For each serious violation for workplace hazards that could cause an accident or illness that would most likely result in death or serious physical harm, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494;
* For each other-than-serious violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494;
* For each failure to correct violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494; and
* For each posting requirement violation, the maximum penalty increases from $13,260 to $13,494.

New penalty amounts take effect immediately, applying to any penalties assessed after January 15

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/21/2020

NEW_ WELCOME LETTER TO TRAINERS

Welcome to the UT Arlington Outreach family! We offer you our congratulations on receiving your Authorized Outreach Trainer status. This achievement is an important step to further enhance your career in the Occupational Safety and Health fields. We would like to take this time to introduce the UT Arlington Outreach Training Program, and to share information that will help you be successful in your journey as an Outreach Trainer.

We ask that as soon as you schedule to teach an outreach class, please send an email with notification to outreach@uta.edu. Please include the following:

1. Type of class {example: 10hr Construction}

2. Begin and end dates of class

3. Being and end times of class

4. Address where training will be held

5. Include any pertinent information we may need such as “facility requires a badge, 2 day notice must be given”.

**If the class cancels, please email us no later than 12 hours prior to start time.

As a Region VI OSHA Authorized Outreach Training Education Center, we offer many great benefits within our Outreach Program. One of the most popular benefits is the submission of Outreach Training Program Reports via our website:

https://www.outreachportal.com

We designed the portal with our instructors in mind and to provide a more efficient and reliable process of submitting program reports. The Outreach Portal is a web-based application designed to provide a more efficient method to request Outreach cards.

· Improves the trainer’s record keeping and reporting capabilities by reducing paperwork and providing a centralized location for all program reports submitted.

· Reduces the amount of administrative work associated with submitting paper reports, allowing you more time to focus on your outreach training, as well as allowing us more time to dedicate to providing you with outstanding service.

· Provides a training resources page within the Outreach Portal with templates, examples, power points, videos and many other sources to help you be successful in preparing for your training classes.

OSHA needs your permission to publish your contact information as an available trainer on the www.OSHA.gov website for people who are interested in receiving training. Please log in to the Outreach Portal and click “profile” to choose to opt in or out.

While we strive to keep our Outreach Trainers as informed as possible, OSHA’s website is the one-stop-shop for the most current information regarding the Occupational Safety and Health industries and any updates to the Outreach Training Program. You can find the Outreach Training Program’s homepage by logging on https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/.

We sincerely hope you find your journey as an Authorized Outreach Trainer with UT Arlington to be successful. Through our combined efforts, we will continue to strive for excellence through uncovering new and improved processes to benefit the safety industries.

Welcome to the Family!

Contact us:

UT Arlington Outreach Program

Toll Free: 866.906.9190

Phone: 817.272.2581

Fax: 817.272.3576

Email: outreach@uta.edu

URL: www.uta.edu/ded/osha

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/07/2020

OSHA TOP 10 VIOLATIONS BY INDUSTRY

OSHA has provided a listing of the Top 10 violations for the following industries:

OSHA Top 10 (FY 19)

OSHA Top 10 - Construction (FY 19)

OSHA Top 10 - Oil & Gas (FY 16-19)

OSHA Top 10 - Maritime (FY 16-19)

OSHA Top 10 - Healthcare(FY 16-19)

Trench Safety - New Year Resolution - Mark Your Calendar!

2019 Trench Safety Stand Down June 17-21, 2019. Injuries and fatalities associated with trenching and excavation work are preventable. The following resources listed on the The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) website: https://www.cpwr.com/trench-safety may be used to raise awareness of the risks and promote safe work practices. Here is a list of resources available:

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 12/17/2019

PORTAL TRACKING INFORMATION

You can now check to see if your cards have been shipped! Go to your "submitted reports" and choose the report under "view" and click. In the report, scroll down, to "tracking". It will show you when it was shipped. You can click the tracking number and it will take you to the carrier website to view all the latest tracking information.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 12/05/2019

SENSITIVITY

Sensitivity

Inclusiveness in a learning environment depends upon the kinds of interactions that occur among you and your students. These interactions are influenced by course content; prior assumptions, and awareness of potential multicultural or physical issues in educational situations. Your knowledge about your students; and your decisions, comments, and behaviors during the process of instructing are important.

* Anticipate possible responses to controversial topics. Students should be encouraged to openly share their views during discussions, but be prepared to correct stereotypes and challenge students' assumptions and stop personal attacks when comments are exchanged. It can be a difficult task to reconcile the tension between challenging offensive speech and not suppressing free speech. Consider your own response to emotion in the classroom.

* Establish agreed upon guidelines early in the class. Keep discussion etiquette in check. Students may need to be reminded periodically of the rules, especially if their behavior suggests that they are ignoring them.

* Use a variety of methods to create learning groups. Group composition can have a significant impact on group functioning, which is why it's always wise to have a variety of methods on hand. Try assigning students heterogeneously across race, gender, or class, or mix them up randomly.

* Be careful about comments made during class lectures, discussions, and feedback during presentations. Be aware of the fact that comments that are not fully explained may inadvertently embarrass or promote inaccurate conclusions.

* Create a classroom climate that encourages and expects questions about and critiques of course content. Such a climate will help to create a norm of critical thinking that will facilitate the learning process for all students. As students share their critiques with the class, other students will benefit by being exposed to different interpretations, perspectives, and concerns regarding course material.

* Be open to students' reactions to course material, even when you feel uncomfortable with the manner in which they are expressed. Be prepared for students to publicly challenge inaccurate information about particular groups that appears in class readings, films, etc.

* Be aware of gender dynamics in classroom discussions. Monitor the occurrence of this type behavior.

* Maintain the role of facilitator. One of the challenges of teaching is maintaining the role of instructor under a variety of conditions. Examine your typical responses to conflict and find ways that you may admit your limits with respect to content areas while maintaining responsibility for the group process.

* Intervene when necessary. A safe learning environment is not only fostered but needs to be maintained. In many classes, there are critical moments that can confirm in students' minds how safe the classroom is, how committed is the instructor is to equitable participation and student learning.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/02/2019

RESOURCES - AMPUTATIONS

Amputations

In response to the alarming number of amputations in the United States as well as the National Emphasis Program, the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing/OSHA Consultation in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor/OSHA and the SHARP/VPP Association developed the Amputation Prevention Information Booklet. This booklet is designed to be an aid for front-line supervisors and/or lead persons to assist them in communicating to the workforce on how to recognize and eliminate potential amputation probabilities in the workplace. There are seven different Amputation Prevention Information Booklets: Construction/Public Sector, General Industry I, General Industry II, Grain Handling, Die Casting/Metal Fabrication, Poultry, and Sawmills/Woodworking.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 09/30/2019

90 DAY TRAINER GRACE PERIOD ENDS

This is just a reminder that effective January 1, 2019, the 90-day grace period will be eliminated and the requisite update course must be completed BEFORE the expiration date indicated on your trainer card. If authorization lapses, not only must you retake the Trainer Course in order to once again be authorized to conduct the 10- and 30-hour outreach classes, but will be subject to meeting all prerequisites of becoming a trainer, up to and including successfully completing the applicable Standards course. Please ensure you schedule your OSHA update class before your trainer card expires. You can check the upcoming course schedule at www.uta.edu/ded/osha. If you have any questions or need help registering for a class please call 866-906-9190.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 10/23/2018

FOCUS FOUR CAMPAIGN

Focus Four Campaign

The Focus Four Hazards have accounted for the vast majority of injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. In an effort to prevent future injuries and fatalities, OSHA, our state plans, consultation projects, and construction industry partners have initiated a “Focus Four Hazards” campaign from March through June in Region Three’s jurisdiction. The goal of this campaign is to raise awareness in the recognition, evaluation, and control of these hazards through the delivery of toolbox talks for employers to provide to their workers. These toolbox talks will be available during the campaign for employers to use at their own discretion.

Construction's "Fatal Four"

Out of 5190* worker fatalities in private industry in calendar year 2016, 991 or 19% were in construction?that is, one in five worker deaths last year were in construction. The leading causes of worker deaths on construction sites were falls, followed by struck-by, electrocution, and caught-in/between. These "Fatal Four" hazards were responsible for well over half (64%) of the construction worker deaths in 2016*, according to BLS reports.

· Falls - 384 out of 991 total deaths in construction in CY 2016 (39%)

· Struck by Object - 93 (9%)

· Electrocutions - 82 (8%)

· Caught-in/between - 72 (7%) This category includes construction workers killed when caught-in or compressed by equipment or objects, and struck, caught, or crushed in collapsing structure, equipment, or material.

Eliminating these four hazards would save 631 lives each year.

We ask that you assist us in promoting this campaign with your construction contacts and encourage your leadership to participate in these efforts to prevent future injuries and fatalities. To receive these toolbox talks, you can contact our Area Offices, Consultation Projects, or send us an email request at OSHA-Focus4-Region3@dol.gov.

We appreciate your assistance and support with this campaign. We encourage you to provide feedback which will assist us in promoting future efforts and evaluating our impact in the construction industry. All voluntary feedback may be sent to OSHA’s designated Focus 4 campaign account at OSHA-Focus4-Region3@dol.gov. We thank you for your part in bringing awareness to these preventable incidents.

Did You Know (DYK)

Among 189 construction workers who died in 2014 -2016 from being caught or crushed in collapsing materials, more than half (52% or 99) were killed by collapsing structures or equipment such as walls or cranes, and another 41% (77) of deaths were caused by excavation or trench cave-ins. The leading cause of caught/compressed by equipment or objects deaths was due to running equipment or machinery (45% or 39 deaths), followed by being compressed or pinched by shifting objects or equipment.

Source: CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 06/13/2018

OUTREACH PORTAL PROFILE PAGE ENHANCEMENTS

Attention Outreach Trainers,

The trainer profile page in the Outreach Portal has been updated. Please log in to the Outreach Portal (www.outreachportal.com) and click "profile" in the top banner to update your profile page. We have added a website address line and a place to checkmark all the languages you speak. Once these optional fields are added, click "update your contact information". If you choose to publish your trainer information on the OSHA.GOV outreach trainer page, this new information will be included in the next upload.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/23/2018

UPDATE TRAINER PROFILE TO

Attention Outreach Trainers,

OSHA's website now has a searchable list of authorized Outreach trainers to assist the public in finding authorized instructors for the 10- and 30-hour Outreach classes. The list provides trainer names and contact information, and indicates which course the trainer is authorized to teach (construction, general industry, maritime, or disaster site worker classes). OSHA expects the list to grow as more Outreach trainers are added. ( https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/outreach_trainers.html ) If you are a UT Arlington trainer who is interested in having your information listed, log into the Outreach Portal (www.outreachportal.com) and click on "profile", click "Yes, publish my contact information" and click "update your contact information". Your information will be included in the next upload to the osha.gov website.

Thanks & have a safe day!

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/20/2018

LIST OF AUTHORIZED OUTREACH TRAINERS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE @OSHA.GOV/DTE/OUTREACH/

List of Authorized Outreach Trainers Now Available Online

List of Authorized Outreach Trainers Now Available Online

OSHA’s website now has a searchable list of authorized Outreach trainers (https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/outreach_trainers.html) to assist the public in finding authorized instructors for the 10- and 30-hour Outreach classes. (https://www.osha.gov/dte/outreach/) The list provides trainer names and contact information, and indicates which course the trainer is authorized to teach (construction, general industry, maritime, or disaster site worker classes). OSHA expects the list to grow as more Outreach trainers are added. If you are a trainer who is interested in having your information listed, contact your Authorizing Training Organization.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 04/04/2018

NEW OSHA REQUIREMENTS & PROCEDURES JANUARY 1, 2018

Trainers can find the new updated Requirements & Procedures by clicking "Training Resources" in the bottom banner of any page in the Portal. The mandatory Intro to OSHA module has been reduced from 2 hours to 1 hour. For Focus Four topics, if more time is spent in this area, the additional time may be reported in the specific Focus Four area. Falls topic increased from 1.25 to 1.5 hours.

Posted by Michelle Bradshaw on 01/08/2018