Occupational Safety & Health

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the safety, health, and welfare of people at work.  The goals of OSH programs include: to foster a safe and healthy work environment and to protect co-workers, family members, employers, customers, and others who might be affected by the workplace environment.  In common-law jurisdictions, employers have a common law duty to take reasonable care of the safety of their employees.  All organizations have the duty to ensure that employees and any other person who may be affected by the organization's activities remain safe at all times.

OSH Programs
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 Back Safety
Back injuries can be extremely painful and long-lasting. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the back injuries of more than 1 million workers account for nearly 20 percent of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. Only the common cold accounts for more lost days of work.

Back Safety and Lifting
Proper Lifting Techniques
Back Safety in the Workplace



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 Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

29 CFR 1910.1030 Bloodborne Pathogens
Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention
Training Module



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 Child Development Centers

Many CDC´s throughout the Marine Corps face many tough challenges. One such challenge is the high level of workplace musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD´s) sustained from working with the children in this environment.  Recent implementation of simple interventions have been effective in preventing injuries and improving staff retention. Each individual intervention may not be effective by itself, but the combination of interventions has been successful.  The following resources can be used to address some of the challenges.

The Physical Toll of Carrying Toddlers
Ergonomic Solutions in CDCs
Proper Lifting Techniques

 Cold Weather
 Confined Space Entry

Confined Spaces are enclosures that:
(1) Are large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

Permit-Required Confined Spaces are confined spaces that have one or more of the following characteristics:
(1) Contains or has a potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere;
(2) Contains a material that has the potential for engulfing an entrant;
(3) Has an internal configuration such that an entrant could be trapped or asphyxiated by inwardly converging walls or by a floor which slopes downward and tapers to a smaller cross-section; or
(4) Contains any other recognized serious safety or health hazard

29 CFR 1910.146 Permit-Required Confined Spaces
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 Marine Corps OSH Program Manual (See Chapt 14)
UFC 3-430 Inspection and Certification of Boilers and Vessels
Blank Roster of Qualified Confined Space Entry Personnel
Blank Confined Space Entry Permit (Fillable .PDF)
Sample Completed Confined Space Entry Permit
Sample Asst CSPM Appointment Letter
Permit Required Confined Space Awareness

Permit Required Confined Space Awareness Video

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 Electrical Safety
 Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the working population. Effective and successful "fits" assure high productivity, avoidance of illness and injury risks, and increased satisfaction among the workforce. 

MCO 5100.1A Ergonomics
Graphic Poster of Optimized Computer Workstation
Physical Risk Factor Ergonomics Checklists
NIOSH Ergonomic Guide for Manual Material Handling
Anthropometry Data Tables
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
Proper Lifting Techniques
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 Chapter 19 - Ergonomics
Training Module


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 Fall Protection (Walking/Working Surfaces)

Falls are among the most common causes of serious work related injuries and deaths. Employers must set up the work place to prevent employees from falling off of overhead platforms, elevated work stations or into holes in the floor and walls.


29 CFR 1910 (See Subpart D, Walking/Working Surfaces)
USN/USMC Fall Protection Guide - July 2017
Fast Facts - Working From Heights
Improper Fall Protection
Technical Bulletin - Web Markings
Training Module


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 Hazard Communication (HAZCOM)

The HAZCOM Program, also known as the 'Right-to-Know' Standard, is designed to maintain a healthy work environment by increasing employee awareness about the hazards of the chemicals with which they work.  A written HAZCOM Plan must be developed and implemented after making determinations of identifiable chemical hazards in workcenters. Health, flammability and reactivity hazards must be included.

29 CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
DoDI 6050.5 DoD Hazard Communication
OSHA 3111 Hazard Communication
HAZCOM Fast Facts 
New  Training Module Part I - The Basics of HAZCOM 
New  Training Module Part II - HAZCOM and GHS



 Hearing Conservation

Exposure to high levels of noise can cause permanent hearing loss. Neither surgery nor a hearing aid can help correct this type of hearing loss. Short term exposure to loud noise can also cause a temporary change in hearing (your ears may feel stuffed up) or a ringing in your ears (tinnitus). These short-term problems may go away within a few minutes or hours after leaving the noisy area. However, repeated exposures to loud noise can lead to permanent tinnitus and/or hearing loss.  Loud noise can also create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication and concentration, and contribute to workplace accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals.

Decibel Chart
Anatomy of Ear
OSHA Occupational Noise Exposure
National Hearing Conservation Association
OSHA Publication 3074 Hearing Conservation
DoDI 6055.12 DoD Hearing Conservation Program
MCO 6260.3A Marine Corps Hearing Conservation Program
"Semper Safe" 09-11 Hearing Conservation
Wounded Warrior Silent Wound Poster
Training Module
"Hearing Conservation, Sound Advice" Video
Passive Hearing Devices Poster

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 Heat Stress

Heat Stress is influenced by several risk factors: climatic conditions, the work environment, demands of the work, clothing and personal characteristics.  Working in an environment with heat stress not only increases the risk for specific heat related conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, but also increases the risk for other adverse events.

MCO 6200.1F Marine Corps Heat Injury Prevention Program (under revision)
Heat Stress - OSHA Technical Manual, Section II, Chapter 4
Heat Stress - OSHA Technical Links Web Page
Heat Stress - An Article By Richard Dresser, CSP, CET
Heat Stress Information
Commanders Guide for Heat Stress Prevention
Heat Stress Hip-Pocket Card
Training Module




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 Inspection Program

Safety inspections provide commanders and managers with a tool to measure mission readiness and ensure safety concerns for personnel and equipment are identified and corrective action taken.  Work center safety inspections are the most effective way of identifying problem areas before they result in mishaps.
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 (See Chapter 7)
"Semper Safe" Safety Inspections
Workplace Inspection Reference List
ESAMS Help Desk 866-249-7314

Click on the icon to go to ESAMS!
      
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 Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A JHA is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Supervisors can use the findings of a JHA to eliminate and prevent hazards in the workplaces. This is likely to result in fewer worker injuries and illnesses; safer, more effective work methods; reduced workers' compensation costs; and increased worker productivity. The analysis also can be a valuable tool for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely.
CG Policy Letter 004-16 Job Hazard Analysis
JHA Defined and "How-to" Guide
JHA At-a-Glance
JHA vs ORM
Techniques on how to conduct a JHA
JHA Step-by-Step Guide
JHA Worksheet (Blank)
JHA Training PowerPoint
JHA Template

 

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 Lock Out / Tag Out

Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that is used in industry and research settings to ensure that dangerous machines are properly shut off and not started up again prior to the completion of maintenance or servicing work. It requires that hazardous power sources be "isolated and rendered inoperative" before any repair procedure is started.

29 CFR 1910.147 Control of Hazardous Energy
NAVMC 5100.8 Marine Corps Occupational and Health Manual (See Chapter 12)
Typical Minimal Lockout Procedures
LOTO Precedure Inspection Interpretation
OSHA Fact Sheet - LO/TO
Sample LO/TO Example
Training Module



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 Material & Weight Handling

(See also Warehouse / Shop Safety)
Material handling equipment is equipment that relate to the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. Material handling equipment is the mechanical equipment involved in the complete system.

29 CFR 1910 Subpart N
OSHA 2235 Materials Handling and Storage
UFC 3-320 Weight Handling Equipment
Warehouse Safety
Training Module


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 Office Safety

Accidents do happen in the office. Few office workers realize that they are twice as likely to be injured in a fall as a non-office worker. Nationally, only automobile accidents out number falls as the leading cause of all accidents. In the office slips, trips and falls are the number one cause of disabling injuries.  Thinking and working safely can prevent most accidents. You can become aware of the most common hazards in the office environment.

Introduction to Office Safety
Some Office Do's and Don'ts
Can you spot the hazards in this office setting?
Office Safety Topics
Office Safety Checklist 1
Office Safety Checklist 2
Training Module



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 Operational Risk Management (ORM)

The ORM process is a decision making tool used by personnel at all levels to increase operational effectiveness by identifying, assessing, and managing risks.  It increases our ability to make informed decisions by providing a formal risk management process and minimizes risk to acceptable levels commensurate with mission accomplishment. The amount of risk we will accept in war is much greater than that we should accept in peace, but the process is the same.

MCO 3500.27B  Operational Risk Management (ORM)
ORM Matrix
ORM Worksheet
Training Module


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 OSHA Annual Training Requirements

Many standards promulgated by OSHA explicitly require the employer to train employees in the safety and health aspects of their jobs. Other OSHA standards make it the employer's responsibility to limit certain job assignments to employees who are "certified," "competent," or "qualified" - meaning that they have had special previous training, in or out of the workplace. The term "designated" personnel means selected or assigned by the employer or the employer's representative as being qualified to perform specific duties. These requirements reflect OSHA's belief that training is an essential part of every employer's safety and health program for protecting workers from injuries and illnesses. Many researchers conclude that those who are new on the job have a higher rate of accidents and injuries than more experienced workers.

OSHA 29 CFR 1910 Annual Training Requirements



 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

When engineering, work practice and administrative controls are not feasible or do not provide sufficient protection, employers must provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their employees to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Examples include gloves, foot and eye protection, protective hearing devices (earplugs, muffs) hard hats, respirators and full body suits.  OSHA requires that many categories of PPE meet standards developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

29 CFR 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
OSHA Publication 3151 - PPE
NAVMC DIR 5100.8 (See Chapter 13)
Example of PPE Hazard Assessment Checklist

Eye and Face Protection (See also Sight Conservation)
Head Protection
Foot and Leg Protection
Hand and Arm Protection
Body Protection

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 Respiratory Protection

Respirators protect workers against insufficient oxygen environments, harmful dusts, fogs, smokes, mists, gases, vapors, and sprays. These hazards may cause cancer, lung impairment, diseases, or death.

29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
OSHA 3384 - Small Entity Guide to the Respiratory Protection Program
OSHA Inspection Procedures - Respiratory Protection Program
Safety & Health Topics:  Respiratory Protection
Respirator Cleaning Procedures
Training Module


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 Sight Conservation

Protecting the eyes and face from hazards is extremely important considering all of the organs and soft tissue in the area. For example, a projectile to the eye not only damages the eye, but potentially the ligaments and muscles that move it, and in some cases the brain. Furthermore, lacerations to the face can damage muscle tissue and leave life-long scars. Serious injuries can occur very quickly and it is important to choose the proper PPE for the task and is properly rated for the job, fits properly, and doesn’t obstruct view.

29 CFR 1910.133 Eye and Face Protection
Home Eye Safety Checklist
UV and its effects on the eyes
"Semper Safe" 08-11 Eye Safety
Training Module #1
Training Module #2
Prescriptive Safety Eyewear

For more information, call 451-5725

  

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 Trenching and Shoring
 Warehouse / Shop Safety