OSHA Schedules Special Meeting for Advisory Committee on Construction Safety & Health

A special meeting for the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) has been scheduled for March 18, 2013. OSHA reports, "ACCSH will consider a proposed rule to update OSHA's standard on accident prevention signs and tags in construction." In addition, the committee will consider proposed amendments to OSHA's cranes and derricks standards. The meeting will be open to the public, and comments and requests to speak should be submitted by March 8.

GHSA Reports Increase in Deaths Among 16- and 17-year-old Drivers

A report from Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) shows a dramatic increase in deaths of teen drivers for the first half of 2012, based on preliminary data. During that period, deaths of 16- and 17-year-old drivers increased by 19% from 202 to 240.

According to the report, deaths of 16-year-old drivers increased from 86 to 107 (24%), while the number for 17-year-old drivers went from 116 to 133 (15%). Twenty-five states reported increases, 17 had decreases, and 8 states and the District of Columbia reported no change in the number of 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths.

“Any increase in highway deaths is unacceptable, particularly among our teens,” says GHSA Chair Kendell Poole. “We know from research and experience that teen drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but also a danger to others on the roadways. So these numbers are a cause for concern.”

Web Series Promotes Learning, Remembering, and Healing

Midway Pictures, in Partnership with Tyco, have released the first episode in a new seven-part documentary web series, "The Station." The first episode premiered Wednesday on the 10^th anniversary of the 2003 Station nightclub fire, the fourth deadliest fire in the nation's history. 

"The Station" tells the stories of individuals directly affected by the tragedy, including survivors, family members of individuals who perished in the fire, first responders and hospital specialists who treated burn victims.

According to "The Station" director David Bettencourt, the purpose of the project is captured by its straightforward tagline: "Learn. Remember. Heal."

The episode is available for free on the project's website, www.thestationmovie.com, and YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/TheStationWebSeries. Subsequent episodes will be posted every Wednesday through April 3rd. 

EPA Issues 2012 Chemical Data Reporting Information

EPA has released its 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information. The agency reports that the CDR information covers more than 7,600 chemicals. In addition to evaluating chemical exposure information, "The CDR data also highlight the clear need for Toxic Substances Control Act reform," says former EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson. "Updating this critical law will ensure that EPA has access to the tools and resources it needs to quickly and effectively assess potentially harmful chemicals, and safeguard the health of families across the country."

Prevention Through Design Virtual Symposium Starts Tomorrow

ASSE's Prevention Through Design (PTD) Virtual Symposium is scheduled for Feb. 20-21, 2013. The virtual event has many learning objectives, all which aim to provide the knowledge for participants to start using PTD within their own organization. Learning objectives include identifying methods for aligning a risk assessment process to a PTD process; how to avoid common mistakes within a PTD process; how serious injury prevention fits into a PTD process; and much more.

Registered attendees will receive one free electronic copy of ANSI/ASSE Z590.3-2011, and have access to session slides, bonus video content and additional resources.