NATEC International

OSHA Cites Wisconsin Animal Feed Plant for Serious Violations In February 2024, OSHA inspectors visited Strauss Feeds LLC in Watertown, Wisconsin,?and discovered serious safety violations, exposing workers to life-threatening hazards from airborne dust. Among these were the risks of explosions, fires, and long-term respiratory illnesses caused by excessive airborne dust, as well as a variety of other health and safety concerns. Strauss Feeds, a producer of milk replacer for calves and other young animals, was cited for 24 violations—19 of them classified as serious. OSHA’s findings highlight critical areas where companies need to improve workplace safety. Dust Hazards and Workplace Safety OSHA’s inspection found that Strauss Feeds failed to implement crucial safety measures, such as proper housekeeping and evaluating dust hazards, which are vital in preventing the accumulation of combustible dust. Without these precautions, employees are at risk of catastrophic explosions and fires that could endanger lives. Furthermore, excessive dust exposure can lead to long-term respiratory problems if proper protections are not in place. To address these dangers, OSHA Area Director Chad Greenwood explained, “Unsafe levels of airborne dust can ignite suddenly, causing explosions and fires that jeopardize the safety of workers. Left unchecked, these same dust hazards can cause workers long-term health issues.” For industries generating significant dust, it is essential to implement robust engineering controls and respiratory protection programs to safeguard employee health. Additional Hazards Discovered Along with dust-related risks, OSHA found that Strauss Feeds did not have an adequate written respiratory protection program. The absence of medical evaluations, fit testing, and training left workers vulnerable to airborne contaminants. Further compounding the dangers, workers were exposed to risks associated with confined spaces, industrial trucks, and forklifts, which further increased the likelihood of explosions and fire hazards. OSHA’s inspection led to citations totaling $161,332 in proposed penalties, urging businesses to prioritize worker safety before preventable incidents occur. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gNHGrUTT

FREE CAC/CSST Refresher Training for September & October in Oakland! As a courtesy to our industry, NATEC is offering free CAC/CSST refresher training at our Oakland branch for our CAC/CSST industry professionals whose certifications are expiring in September or October 2024 and who haven't attended NATEC for their last training. This offer is available for any CAC/CSST refresher courses scheduled in September or October at our Oakland location only and only for new students*. To claim your spot, review our schedule and email [email protected] with your name, email, phone number, preferred course dates, training course name, and proof of your most recent certification from a different provider. Additionally, for those needing asbestos refresher training, due to certifications expiring within September or October 2024, who aren’t CAC/CSST certified or are current NATEC students, we’re offering a 20% discount on all asbestos refresher courses in September and October 2024. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to support our industry. Offer available for a limited time only to new students. Select number of spaces per class available.

Unprotected Trenches during OSHA Investigation with Construction Company Due to Incidents Recent?OSHA investigations into Boston Waterproofing & Construction Corp.?have highlighted the critical need for proper trenching and shoring safety measures. A supervisor at Boston Waterproofing & Construction Corp. hired untrained day laborers and directed them to work in unprotected excavations, ignoring their safety concerns and requests for cave-in protection. As a result, the trenches collapsed at both sites, leading to injuries and entrapment of workers in each incident. Multiple incidents resulted in severe injuries and trapped workers, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive training. At NATEC International, Inc., we understand the critical nature of trench safety and offer specialized Trenching and Excavation training designed to meet OSHA standards. Our programs equip your team with essential knowledge to identify and mitigate hazards, implement effective protective systems, and maintain safe working conditions. https://lnkd.in/gFW-CTdr

The CDPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Examinations will take place on?08/17/2024 – 08/25/2024?for: Inspector / Assessor, Supervisor, and Project Monitor. NATEC offers Lead Risk Assessor/Inspector and Supervisor/Project Monitor Exam Prep courses, providing a thorough review of HUD Guidelines, California Codes or Regulations and Federal Regulations that will help you successfully pass your exam. https://lnkd.in/gYBKhtAg

Falls are a leading cause of serious work-related injuries and deaths. Ensuring proper fall protection is not only a regulatory requirement but also a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe working environment. Learn more by clicking the link to our blogpost: https://lnkd.in/gURsxu_F

Cal/OSHA Implements Emergency Temporary Standard for Respirable Crystalline Silica On December 2023, Cal/OSHA established an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for respirable crystalline silica, marking a significant regulatory development aimed at enhancing worker safety in California. This ETS is not just a temporary measure; it lays the groundwork for a permanent standard slated for adoption by the end of 2024, potentially with modifications to the current provisions based on stakeholder feedback and operational insights gathered during the temporary phase. The ETS went into effect on December 29, 2023 and makes changes to California Code of Regulations, Title 8, section 5204 that applies to California workers occupationally exposed to RCS,?except: ? Construction work covered under section 1532.3. ? Agricultural operations covered under section 3436. ? Exposures that result from the processing of sorptive clays. Learn more by clicking the link below.

MSHA’s New Silica Regulations for 2024 The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced its long-awaited silica rule on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, a strategic move to curb miners’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, commonly referred to as silica or quartz dust. Set to be officially published in the Federal Register on April 18, 2024, and effective two months thereafter, this rule aligns with the proposals made last year but with critical modifications to exposure limits and expanded protections against airborne particulates at mine sites. https://lnkd.in/g37p-Nrh

California is on the brink of implementing significant updates to its Title 8 lead standards, impacting construction and general industry standards. While these changes are not yet active, they are clearly visible on the horizon. Training and educating our industry is important to prepare for these changes at NATEC International, Inc. The process leading up to these changes has been thorough, beginning with a public hearing held on April 20, 2023. Stakeholders had the opportunity to comment during a 45-day period starting March 3, 2023, followed by two subsequent 15-day notice periods to refine the proposals further based on public and expert feedback.?For more, please check out our vlog post below: https://lnkd.in/gcSfcaaj

NATEC International, Inc. offers specialized training for NCCCO Mobile Crane Operator Certification, including comprehensive exam prep. This program is meticulously designed to ensure participants are well-prepared, not only to pass the NCCCO certification exams but also to operate mobile cranes safely and effectively in the field. Read more below:

Obtaining certification in Asbestos, Lead, HAZWOPER and OSHA training in 2024 is a critical for professionals in industries where these hazardous materials are prevalent. As regulations evolve and the emphasis on workplace safety heightens, having this certification not only enhances personal qualifications but also ensures compliance with legal and safety standards. OSHA sets strict guidelines for handling asbestos and lead, known for their health risks. Professionals in construction, renovation, and certain manufacturing sectors must be well-versed in these guidelines to prevent health hazards and legal complications. It is incredibly important to certify or maintain professionals on the jobsite. For more, please check out our blog on our website at: https://lnkd.in/geU9hN4d