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OSHA OFFERS TIPS ON WORKING SAFELY IN HOT WEATHER
WASHINGTON -- Those hot, hazy days of summer are approaching. The heat can be especially harmful for those who work outdoors in direct sunlight or in hot environments, making them susceptible to heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress, heat exhaustion or the more serious heat stroke.
"Working in extreme temperatures is not only uncomfortable, it can be life-threatening," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "As we move into the summer months, it is important for workers and their employers to minimize the chances of heat-induced illnesses, and imperative that they recognize the signs of heat stress and take proper precautions to reduce the chances of illness or death."
High temperature and humidity, physical exertion and lack of sufficient water intake can lead to heat-related stress. Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness, abnormally high body temperature and hot, dry skin.
OSHA advises workers to take preventive measures such as reducing physical exertion and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. The agency advises employers to provide workers with water and regular rest periods in a cool recovery area.
"Protecting Workers from the Effects of Heat" and "Working Outdoors in Warm Climates" are OSHA fact sheets that explain heat stress and provide recommendations to protect workers from exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Employers and workers will find more practical tips for guarding against UV radiation in "Protecting Yourself in the Sun," a pocket-sized card addressing various forms of skin cancer. These publications are free and can be downloaded from OSHA's Publications page.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
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CONSTRUCTION SUBCONTRACTORS APPLAUD SECRETARY NAPOLITANO FOR WITHDRAWAL OF TROUBLED NO-MATCH RULE
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- The American Subcontractors Association Inc. applauded U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano for announcing on July 8, 2009, that the Obama administration plans to rescind the "no-match" rule.
"In light of the no-match rule's troubled history of court challenges, unanswered questions, and re-writes, the decision to rescind the no-match rule is correct," said 2009-10 ASA President Darlene East, president of Holes Incorporated in Houston, Texas. "Ultimately, the no-match rule would have shifted a large portion of the responsibility for making sure individuals are legal to work in the United States from the government to private employers and employees. Hopefully, Congress and the Obama administration will see the withdrawal of the no-match rule as an opportunity to re-focus on comprehensive reform of our national immigration policy."
Previously, DHS had denied that the no-match rule represented a shift in policy, but ASA pointed out that the rule would have replaced the current system of verifying documents and completing I-9 forms with a series of steps involving new communications and requirements for employers and employees, including:
Employers checking for clerical errors after receiving a no-match notice, and confirming any clerical corrections with the Social Security Administration or DHS within 30 calendar days.
Employers sending employees who were the subject of a no-match letter to the local SSA office and then following up with DHS or SSA to ensure a match if the problem was not caused by a clerical error. Employers would have to maintain records of such verifications.
Employees completing a new I-9 with a new SSN and a photo ID within 93 calendar days if a "no-match" was not resolved. Employers would have to terminate employees if this step did not resolve the no-match.
ASA objected to the no-match rule's new paperwork burdens and the costs of compliance in comments filed on April 25, 2008.
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