The Occupational Safety and Health Administration revised its voluntary Outreach Training Program requirements and procedures to improve the quality of outreach classes and ensure the integrity of its authorized trainers.
Formerly known as the “program guidelines,” the new “program requirements” will apply to all Outreach Training Programs, with separate procedures for each specific program. The new requirements include a trainer code of conduct and a Statement of Compliance which requires each trainer to verify that the training they conduct will be in accordance with the Outreach Training Program requirements and procedures. Other program enhancements involve limiting classroom size to a maximum of 40 students, limiting the use of translators to those with safety and health experience, and limiting the amount of time spent on videos during the training. Also, OSHA has imposed limits on outreach training conducted outside of the agency’s jurisdiction, and is allowing military members returning from overseas an additional 90 days from their return date to renew their trainer authorization.
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today issued the following statement regarding continued record temperatures:
“Four weeks into the summer, the nation continues to experience record heat. For outdoor workers, this means being at risk for heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Employers must take the precautions needed to protect outdoor workers…
Click here to read entire new release: http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=20331