New opportunities in safety
By Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 1/1/1999
As we enter a new year, there are several issues on the horizon that could affect safety distributors. Many are opportunities, as opposed to hindrances.Two of the items that could be far reaching for distributors include a ruling by OSHA that calls for employers to pay for personal protection equipment for employees, and a broad ranging ruling that would require all employers to have a standard safety and health program.
Also on OSHA's docket are measures addressing the health risks caused by exposure to metal working fluids and ethylene oxide, new assigned protection factors for respirators, and new lockout/tagout rules for construction sites.
"Anything that gets employers to identify hazards in the workplace will lead to demand for more protective equipment, and we only think that can be good for industry," says Bruce Clash, public affairs director for the Safety Equipment Assn. "It'll get the little guys to focus on a comprehensive safety program."
As could be expected, the ruling is being met with a fair amount of objection from industry groups. However, the concept has long been a priority of OSHA chief Charles Jeffress. OSHA expects to publish proposed standards on the subject in April, mandating the basic elements of employer safety and health programs. A separate standard is being developed for the construction industry.
As for new respirator regulations, OSHA is expected to release a table for respirator-assigned protection factors next month. OSHA will then request public comment before finalizing the protection factors sometime in 1999. This also could lead to new consultative opportunities for distributors.
"That's going to have a big impact on distributors because they'll need to help educate customers on new protection factors that are applicable to the work place," says Clash.
Lastly, OSHA is considering a revision of its existing standards for fall protection in the construction industry.
Talkback
Related Content
Related Content
Sponsored Links
View All Blogs
