With the onset of cold weather, OSHA is reminding employers and workers to take necessary precautions, such as those listed on OSHA's Cold Stress Card, to prevent and treat cold-related health problems. OSHA has produced a Cold Stress Card that is helpful in educating workers about cold weather safety, available in English and Spanish.

OSHA has just developed a web-based training tool for the Incident Command System (ICS). ICS is a flexible structure that helps organize and coordinate local, state, and federal responses to incidents that may involve various jurisdictions and agencies. The new e-tool provides an overview what is needed to plan, prepare and implement an ICS system. The tool includes references to safety considerations and OSHA standards that affect ICS workers, and provides additional information applicable to emergency response safety and health.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) recently announced a new web site dedicated to preventing the significant problem of drowsy driving. The web site www.drowsydriving.org provides current information and resources to help raise awareness about the problem of drowsy drivers that injures and kills thousands of people every year.

An important resource to help organizations reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities involving chemical operations is now online at OSHA's newest safety and health information webpage on "Chemical Reactivity Safety".

A new homeland security matrix tool is now available on OSHA's website to help employers with the planning and preparation for possible workplace emergencies caused by a terrorist's explosive device or act of arson. The Fire and Explosion Planning Matrix covers general aspects of fire prevention planning and suggests preparedness measures appropriate for workplaces in each of three risk zones. On-line resources are also included in the matrix.

A new Safety and Health Information Bulletin (SHIB) issued by OSHA explains the Agency's policy on the disposal of contaminated needles and blood tube holders following blood drawing procedures.

The revised OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses is now available on OSHA's website here. The forms, which are required for employers to use in recording injuries and illnesses, have changed in several important ways for 2004.

Preventing Deaths and Injuries While Compacting or Bailing Refuse Material

A new topic page on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's (NIOSH) web site provides a focused, organized guide to resources that will help employers, employees, building managers, and others to address concerns about work-related indoor environmental quality (IEQ).

A bi-weekly e-news memo with information, updates, and results from OSHA about safety and health in America's workplaces

Tuberculosis, Isocyanates, Legionnaires' Disease Asbestos Self-Inspection Checklist

A comprehensive plan for dealing with terrorism-related events should include specific instructions to building occupants, actions to be taken by facility management, and first responder notification procedures. The links at this website should assist in the development of these plans.

Carbon Monoxide Hazards from Small Gasoline Powered Engines

An e-newsletter with information and updates from the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry for the Commonwealth's workplaces.

Employers and workers have access to important information on emergency preparedness in the workplace, and small business assistance, courtesy of OSHA's website. The emergency preparedness page provides links for responders and general worksites on worker safety and health issues related to emergency response efforts. The small business page was redesigned to provide access to the most popular materials for small businesses, such as interactive computer software, and easy-to-follow guides for specific OSHA standards.

OSHA recently made available on its website several new or revised information products to aid workers and employers on various safety and health issues. The Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention site provides a roadmap to numerous resources on the topic. Workers involved in all facets of electricity can benefit from valuable information provided by a new page on electrical safety and a new ergonomics eTool for electrical contractors.