Propane is a versatile and efficient fuel source used for various home and outdoor applications, from grilling to heating. However, it’s essential to handle propane bottles safely during transportation and storage to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of your home and family. Here are some key tips and best practices for safely transporting and storing propane bottles at home. Transportation Safety Tips Securing Propane Bottles Upright Position : Always transport propane bottles in an upright position. This helps prevent leaks and ensures the pressure relief valve functions correctly. Secure Placement : Secure the propane bottles to prevent them from tipping over during transit. Use a sturdy box or a special propane tank holder in your vehicle. Avoid Heat : Never leave propane bottles in a hot vehicle. High temperatures can increase pressure inside the bottle, potentially causing leaks or activating the pressure relief valve. Safe Handling Valve Protection : Ensure the valve is closed tightly and the protective cap is in place before transporting. Ventilation : Transport propane bottles in a well-ventilated vehicle, preferably in the bed of a truck or an open trailer. Avoid placing them inside the passenger compartment. Avoid Sharp Turns : Drive carefully, avoiding sharp turns and sudden stops that could cause the propane bottle to shift or fall. Storage Safety Tips Outdoor Storage Well-Ventilated Area : Store propane bottles in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from living spaces, open flames, and sources of ignition. Upright Position : Keep the bottles in an upright position to ensure the safety valve operates correctly. Shade and Shelter : Store propane bottles in a shaded area, protected from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use a storage shed or a covered, open-sided structure to provide shelter while allowing ventilation. Indoor Storage Precautions Avoid Indoor Storage : Do not store propane bottles inside your home, garage, or any enclosed spaces. This can create a dangerous buildup of gas if a leak occurs. Basements and Attics : Avoid storing propane bottles in basements or attics, as these areas lack proper ventilation. Inspection and Maintenance Regular Checks Inspect for Damage : Regularly inspect propane bottles for signs of rust, dents, or damage. Do not use bottles that show any signs of wear and tear. Leak Detection : Periodically check for leaks by applying a soap and water solution to the valve and connections. Bubbles indicate a leak, and the bottle should not be used until it is repaired or replaced. Professional Maintenance Tank Certification : Ensure your propane bottles are certified and within their service date. Tanks should be recertified or replaced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines and local regulations. Professional Inspections : Have a qualified professional inspect your propane system, including bottles, connections, and appliances, at regular intervals to ensure safe operation. Emergency Preparedness Leak Response Immediate Action : If you suspect a propane leak, immediately move the bottle to a well-ventilated area, away from any sources of ignition. Do Not Use Electronics : Avoid using electronic devices, including phones and lights, which could create sparks. Contact Professionals : Call your propane supplier or emergency services for assistance if a leak is detected. Fire Safety Fire Extinguishers : Keep a fire extinguisher rated for flammable liquids near your propane storage area. Emergency Contacts : Keep emergency contact numbers for your propane supplier and local fire department easily accessible. Proper transportation and storage of propane bottles are crucial for maintaining a safe home environment. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safe use of propane for all your household needs. Stay vigilant, regularly inspect your propane equipment, and always prioritize safety.

As summer approaches, Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota’s outdoor work environment presents unique challenges that require vigilance and preparation. With rising temperatures, increased insect activity, and the presence of poisonous plants, it’s crucial for workers and employers to take proactive measures to ensure safety. This article covers essential safety tips on dealing with heat stress, stinging insects, and poisonous plants. Heat Stress: Stay Cool, Stay Hydrated Recognizing Heat Stress Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Symptoms include heavy sweating, fatigue, muscle cramps, headache, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Prevention Tips Hydrate Regularly : Drink water frequently, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you. Wear Appropriate Clothing : Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing helps keep your body cool. A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade and reduce direct sun exposure. Take Breaks : Schedule regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Use these times to cool down and rehydrate. Adjust Work Schedules : When possible, plan strenuous activities for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Acclimatization : Gradually increase exposure to hot conditions over 1-2 weeks, especially for new workers or those returning after a break. Emergency Response Move the affected person to a cooler place. Remove excess clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or ice packs. Provide water for drinking if the person is conscious. Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or if the person shows signs of heatstroke. Stinging Insects: Be Alert, Be Prepared Identifying the Risk Eastern Montana/ Western North Dakota is home to various stinging insects, including bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Their stings can cause pain, allergic reactions, and in rare cases, severe anaphylaxis. Prevention Tips Avoid Strong Scents : Perfumes and scented lotions can attract insects. Wear Protective Clothing : Long sleeves, pants, and gloves can minimize exposed skin. Keep Work Areas Clean : Properly dispose of food waste and cover trash bins to reduce attractants. Stay Calm : If you encounter stinging insects, move away slowly without swatting at them. Emergency Response For Minor Reactions : Remove the stinger if present, clean the area with soap and water, and apply ice to reduce swelling. For Severe Reactions : Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and dizziness require immediate medical attention. Use an epinephrine auto-injector if available and call 911. Poisonous Plants: Recognize, Avoid, and Treat Common Plants in Eastern Montana Workers may encounter poisonous plants such as poison ivy. Contact with these plants can cause skin irritation, rashes, and blisters. Prevention Tips Learn to Identify : Familiarize yourself with the appearance of poisonous plants in your area. Wear Protective Gear : Long sleeves, pants, and gloves can prevent skin contact. Avoid Touching : Do not touch your face or other exposed skin after contact with plants. Emergency Response Wash Immediately : If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, wash the affected area with soap and water as soon as possible. Apply Treatments : Over-the-counter creams and antihistamines can help alleviate itching and discomfort. Seek Medical Help : If the rash is severe or spreads over large areas of the body, seek medical advice. Summertime in Eastern Montana/ Western North Dakota brings unique challenges for outdoor workers. By understanding the risks associated with heat stress, stinging insects, and poisonous plants, and by implementing preventative measures, we can create a safer work environment. Stay cool, stay alert, and stay safe this summer.

A new era of workplace fairness has dawned! Montana and North Dakota employers, get ready to roll out the red carpet for your pregnant employees because the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) officially goes into effect June 18, 2024. Let’s ensure your workplace is ready to support expectant mothers with the fairness and respect they deserve! What’s the Buzz About? The PWFA is a game-changing piece of legislation designed to protect the rights of pregnant workers and guarantee they receive reasonable accommodations. Think of it as the superhero cape every pregnant employee needs, swooping in to create a fair and supportive work environment. Why It Matters Pregnant workers often face unnecessary challenges and discrimination, from being denied simple accommodations to being forced to take unpaid leave. The PWFA is here to change that by requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations such as more frequent breaks, flexible schedules, and temporary modifications to job duties. No one should have to choose between their health and their job! The Nitty-Gritty So, what does the PWFA cover? Here’s a quick rundown: Reasonable Accommodations: Employers must provide accommodations unless it causes undue hardship. This includes modifications like seating, access to water, and temporary reassignment of non-essential duties. Interactive Process: Employers and employees will engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodations. It’s all about communication and collaboration! Protection Against Retaliation: Employers cannot retaliate against workers for requesting accommodations or exercising their rights under the PWFA. Coverage: The act applies to all employers with 15 or more employees, ensuring broad protection across various workplaces. A Win for Everyone The PWFA isn't just a victory for pregnant workers—it's a win for everyone. Employers benefit from a happier, healthier workforce, which can lead to increased productivity and morale. Plus, it promotes a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. Real-Life Heroes Meet Jane, a marketing manager who’s been with her company for five years. When she found out she was expecting, she worried about how her job would be affected. Thanks to the PWFA, Jane was able to work out a plan with her employer that included a more flexible schedule and occasional work-from-home days. Now, she’s crushing her campaigns and prepping for motherhood without missing a beat. Get Ready to Celebrate! As the PWFA takes effect, let’s celebrate this milestone in workplace equality. It’s a time to acknowledge the importance of supporting pregnant workers and creating environments where everyone can thrive. So, here’s to fairness, inclusivity, and a future where pregnancy and work can harmoniously coexist! For more detailed information about the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, check out this helpful guide from the EEOC. Stay tuned for more updates and success stories as we witness the positive impact of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act in action. Cheers to a fairer, brighter future for all in Montana and North Dakota!

OSHA Regulations: OSHA regulation 1910.157 mandates that employers provide portable fire extinguishers that are easily accessible and properly maintained. Employers are required to ensure these extinguishers are suitable for the types of fires expected in their specific workplace environments (e.g., Class A, B, C, or D fires). They must also ensure that the placement of these extinguishers allows for employees to reach them within a specified distance without obstacles: 75 feet for Class A fires and 50 feet for Class B fires. Additionally, employers are obligated to conduct monthly visual inspections and annual maintenance checks to ensure the operational efficiency of these extinguishers​ (osha)​​ (LII / Legal Information Institute)​. NFPA Standards: The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends that portable fire extinguishers be installed according to specific guidelines that consider the potential size and type of fire. For example, for Class A hazards in general office environments, a 2-A rated extinguisher should be available for every 3,000 square feet. This is designed to ensure adequate coverage and accessibility in case of a fire​ (osha)​. Training and Compliance: Both OSHA and NFPA emphasize the importance of training employees on the use of fire extinguishers. OSHA specifically requires that training be provided annually, ensuring that all employees are familiar with the operational aspects of extinguishers and the types of fires they are designed to combat. This is critical for ensuring safety and compliance in the workplace​ (osha)​​ (osha)​. Installation and Maintenance: Fire extinguishers must be mounted, located, and identified so they are readily accessible in the event of a fire, without causing injury to employees during access. OSHA stipulates specific requirements for the hydrostatic testing of fire extinguishers and outlines the intervals at which these tests need to be performed, depending on the type of extinguisher (e.g., every 12 years for dry chemical extinguishers, less frequently for others depending on their construction and the materials they contain)​ (osha)​​ (LII / Legal Information Institute)​. Extinguisher Types and Placement: Different types of fire extinguishers are required depending on the workplace setting and the nature of the materials present that could ignite. For example, workplaces with flammable liquids might need Class B extinguishers placed no more than 50 feet apart, whereas environments with ordinary combustibles like paper and wood require Class A extinguishers​ (Vector Solutions)​. Fire Safety for Outdoor Work and Remote Sites Awareness and Preparedness: Employees working outdoors or at remote sites should be equipped with basic fire safety knowledge and the tools necessary to prevent or respond to fires. This includes understanding the environmental conditions that could increase fire risks, such as dry weather or flammable vegetation. Portable Fire Extinguishers: For remote operations, portable fire extinguishers should be readily accessible. Workers should be trained on how to use these extinguishers effectively, which involves understanding the types of fires that are likely to occur in their specific work environment. For instance, a forestry operation might require extinguishers rated for Class A (common combustibles) and Class B (flammable liquids) fires. Vehicle-Based Fire Safety: Vehicles used in remote areas should be equipped with appropriate fire extinguishers and employees must know how to use them. Regular maintenance checks should include inspection of vehicle fire suppression systems, especially in industries like construction or mining where vehicle fires are a higher risk. Emergency Response Plans: Tailored emergency response plans are crucial for ensuring employee safety, particularly in areas where access to professional emergency services may be delayed. These plans should include clear instructions on how to report fires, evacuation procedures, and emergency contact information. Fire Breaks and Clearing: In agricultural or forestry operations, maintaining fire breaks—gaps in vegetation that can help stop the spread of wildfires—is essential. Regular clearing of debris and other flammable materials should be conducted to reduce the fuel for fires. Communication Tools: Effective communication tools are vital for safety in remote areas. Ensure that all team members have means to communicate, such as radios or satellite phones, especially in areas where cell service is unreliable. Regular Training: Conduct regular fire safety training sessions that include practical demonstrations on using fire extinguishers, understanding fire behavior, and executing emergency response strategies tailored to the specific environment of the work site. Thought Provoking Questions for employees What are the first three actions you would take if a fire broke out at your workstation? How do you assess the fire risks in your daily work environment? What do you think could be improved in our current fire safety training sessions? Have you ever encountered a fire hazard at work? How did you handle it? What steps would you take if you discovered a malfunctioning fire extinguisher? Can you walk through the emergency evacuation route from different locations within the workplace? How comfortable do you feel using a fire extinguisher? What additional training would you need to improve your confidence? What are the specific hazards in your work area that could potentially lead to a fire? How does the concept of ‘fire safety’ change when you are working remotely or off-site? In what ways can we improve communication during an emergency in our work environment? Do you know where all the fire extinguishers are located on our premises? Is there adequate signage? What would you do if you were the first to spot a fire at a remote work site? How regularly do you think fire safety equipment should be checked? Who should be responsible for this? What role does individual responsibility play in maintaining a safe workplace? How could our workplace benefit from a review or update of our current fire emergency plan? If there was a fire in your immediate work area, what would be the biggest obstacle to your safe evacuation? What’s your understanding of the different classes of fires and the types of fire extinguishers used for each? How can non-fire trained staff contribute to fire safety in the workplace? What innovative methods can we employ to enhance fire safety awareness at work? Have you ever been in a fire drill that didn't go as planned? What lessons were learned?

Heat stress can result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially when combined with high humidity and physical labor. It can lead to severe health issues like heat stroke, exhaustion, cramps, and rashes. Notably, heat stroke is a serious medical emergency that can be fatal if not promptly treated. It’s characterized by symptoms such as high body temperature, confusion, and lack of sweating​ (osha)​​ (osha)​. Example Scenario: A construction worker, new on the job, begins to feel dizzy and nauseous after a few hours under the sun without proper hydration. This scenario can quickly escalate to more severe symptoms, such as heat stroke. Historical Data: Highlight statistics such as a report from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which notes that most fatalities occur in the first few days of exposure because the body hasn't had a chance to acclimatize to the heat. Occupational Heat Exposure Data: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, heat exposure caused an average of 38 work-related deaths per year from 2011 to 2019, and thousands more workers suffered serious illnesses each year. The risk is especially high in industries like agriculture, construction, and transportation. Case Studies and Enforcement Data: A review by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) covering the years 2012-2013 found that heat exposure led to 31 work-related deaths and 4,120 heat-related illnesses that required days away from work. This data underlines the need for stringent heat safety protocols, particularly during the summer months. Rising Temperatures and Increasing Risk: Studies have shown that with global temperatures on the rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are increasing, thereby elevating the risk of heat-related illnesses. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded a steady increase in high heat index days, which are critical data points for anticipating the impact on occupational health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase significantly across all U.S. regions by 2050. This poses a growing challenge to outdoor workers and industries sensitive to temperature increases. Preventive Measures and Recognizing Symptoms To prevent heat stress, it's important to recognize the symptoms early. These include headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating for heat exhaustion. For heat stroke, watch for confusion, irrational behavior, and an unusually high body temperature. Prompt action and treatment are crucial once these signs are identified​ (osha)​. Preventive Actions: A road construction company implements mandatory water breaks every 30 minutes and provides cooling vests to its workers during the summer months. Symptoms to Watch For: List of symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be posted in workplace common areas for easy reference. Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating Weakness and fatigue Dizziness and headache Nausea or vomiting Pale, clammy skin Muscle cramps Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103°F) Hot, red, dry, or damp skin Rapid and strong pulse Possible unconsciousness Confusion or irritability Lack of sweating despite hot temperatures Implementing Safety Practices in Work Environments Employers should ensure that workers are acclimatized to heat by gradually increasing exposure over several days. Providing adequate hydration, scheduling regular rest breaks in cool areas, and monitoring the weather are essential practices to protect workers. Employers should also consider modifying workloads and schedules to reduce the risk during the hottest parts of the day​ (cdc)​. Acclimatization Protocol: A step-by-step plan where new workers start by working only 20% of the usual time in hot conditions on their first day, gradually increasing their exposure can look like this. For New Workers: Day 1: Limit time in the heat to 20% of the normal duration with frequent rest breaks in the shade or a cool area. Day 2-14: Gradually increase exposure by 20% each subsequent day, monitoring the worker for signs of heat-related illness. For Experienced Workers: Day 1: 50% of the normal duration in the heat with frequent breaks. Day 2: Increase to 60% with continued monitoring and breaks. Day 3: 80% work time as the worker’s tolerance improves. Day 4: Resume normal duration but continue to provide regular breaks and monitor conditions. Engineering Controls: Installing shade covers and mist cooling stations at outdoor work sites like farms or construction zones to reduce heat exposure. Provide Access to Water: Ensure that cool drinking water is available and encourage workers to drink at least 1 cup every 15-20 minutes, regardless of thirst. Rest Breaks: Encourage frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Work Schedules: Adjust work schedules to cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Training: Regularly train all workers and supervisors on recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses and the proper responses to them. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide or require appropriate PPE that minimizes heat retention and allows for adequate ventilation. Emergency Response and First Aid In case of heat-related illnesses, it’s critical to move the affected person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and apply cool water to reduce body temperature. Drinking water or sports drinks to rehydrate is also vital. For severe cases, especially heat stroke, immediate medical attention is necessary​ (osha)​. By adopting comprehensive heat safety guidelines, employers can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses in their workforce. Training supervisors and workers on recognizing early symptoms and responding effectively is key to ensuring workplace safety during hot conditions​ (osha)​​ (cdc)​. First Aid Steps: A list of first aid steps to take if someone is exhibiting signs of heat-related illness, such as moving them to a shaded area, using cool water to dampen their skin, and if necessary, contacting emergency services. Heat Exhaustion: Move the person to a cool, shaded area. Have them lie down and elevate their legs to improve circulation. Loosen or remove heavy clothing. Provide cool, non-alcoholic beverages (as long as the person is conscious). Apply cool, wet cloths or have them take a cool bath. Monitor the person carefully and seek medical attention if conditions do not improve or if the person’s health declines. Heat Stroke: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment. Reduce the person’s body temperature with any means available (e.g., soaking their clothes in water, spraying with a hose, applying ice packs or cool wet cloths to the head, neck, armpits, and groin). Do not give the person fluids to drink if they are unconscious, semi-conscious, or behaving irrationally. Real-Life Example - Case Study: Construction Workers in Phoenix, Arizona Background: Phoenix, Arizona, is known for its extreme summer temperatures, often exceeding 110°F (43°C). As global temperatures rise, the city has experienced an increase in the number of extreme heat days. This has significant implications for industries like construction, where workers are often exposed to direct sunlight and high temperatures for prolonged periods. Incident Overview: In July 2020, during a particularly brutal heatwave where temperatures soared to 118°F (47.8°C), a construction company was working on a large new housing development. Despite standard heat safety protocols, the intense and sustained heat led to multiple cases of heat-related illnesses among the workers. Specific Cases: A 45-year-old worker experienced severe heat stroke after working six hours straight without adequate shade breaks. His symptoms included confusion, disorientation, and a body temperature of 104°F (40°C). Emergency services were called, and he was hospitalized. Two other workers showed signs of heat exhaustion, characterized by excessive sweating, weakness, and dizziness. They were treated onsite with hydration and rest in a cooled mobile facility. Response and Outcome: The incident prompted the construction company to reevaluate their heat safety measures. They implemented stricter guidelines, including: Mandatory hydration breaks every hour. Portable shade structures at all work sites. Training for all supervisors on recognizing early signs of heat stress and how to respond effectively. A shift to earlier start times to avoid the peak afternoon heat. Analysis: This case highlights the critical need for adaptive measures in response to climate change. It also underscores the importance of dynamic and responsive heat safety protocols that take into account the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves. Impact: Following these changes, the company reported a significant decrease in heat-related incidents. The case has since been used in safety training modules to educate other companies about the risks of heat exposure and the importance of proactive safety management in hot climates.

Attention all commercial drivers! Mark your calendars because some important changes are headed your way. Starting November 18, 2024, new Federal regulations will impact drivers with a "prohibited" status in the FMCSA's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. Here's the scoop on what you need to know to keep your commercial driving privileges intact and get back on the road safely. What’s Changing? As of today, drivers with a “prohibited” status in the FMCSA Clearinghouse will lose or be denied their State-issued commercial driving privileges. This is a big deal, so it's crucial to stay informed and proactive about your status in the Clearinghouse. Why This Matters The FMCSA Clearinghouse is a critical tool in ensuring road safety by tracking drivers who violate drug and alcohol regulations. These new changes are designed to enhance safety even further by ensuring that drivers with unresolved violations aren't operating commercial vehicles. How Drivers Get a Prohibited Status A driver receives a “prohibited” status in the Clearinghouse if they have: Tested positive for drugs or alcohol. Refused to take a required drug or alcohol test. Violated other drug and alcohol program regulations. These violations are serious, but the good news is there’s a clear path to get your status back to “not prohibited.” Checking Your Status It's essential to regularly check your status in the Clearinghouse to avoid any surprises. Here’s how you can do it: Visit the FMCSA Clearinghouse Website: Go to clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov. Log In to Your Account: Use your login credentials to access your driver profile. Review Your Status: Check for any updates or changes to your status, including any “prohibited” designations. By staying on top of your status, you can quickly address any issues and avoid disruptions to your driving privileges. Got a Prohibited Status? Here’s What to Do! If you find yourself with a “prohibited” status, don’t panic. The FMCSA has recently added a fantastic new resource to the Clearinghouse Learning Center, which outlines the return-to-duty process you need to complete to get back to a “not prohibited” status. Here’s a quick rundown: Initiate the Return-to-Duty Process: Start by enrolling in a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) program. This is your first step toward clearing your status. Complete the SAP Program: Follow the SAP's recommendations and complete any required treatment or education programs. Pass Follow-Up Testing: After completing the SAP program, you'll need to pass a follow-up drug and/or alcohol test to demonstrate your compliance. Maintain Compliance: Stay compliant with any additional follow-up testing requirements to ensure your status remains "not prohibited." For more detailed information, check out this handout and visit the Clearinghouse Learning Center or the frequently asked questions section. It’s packed with valuable resources to guide you through the process. Keep on Trucking! These new regulations are a step toward making our roads safer for everyone. By staying informed and taking the necessary steps to maintain or regain your “not prohibited” status, you’re not only protecting your career but also contributing to a safer driving environment for all. Stay Ahead of the Curve To ensure you're always in the know, keep an eye on updates from the FMCSA Clearinghouse and make use of the resources available. Whether you're navigating the return-to-duty process or simply staying on top of your status, the Clearinghouse Learning Center is your go-to hub for information and support. Let’s hit the road to safety and compliance together. Stay safe, stay informed, and keep on trucking! For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the Clearinghouse Learning Center or the frequently asked questions.

The Montana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released their calendar of events coming up during the month of April, which is also Distracted Driving Awareness Month and National Safe Digging Month. Here are some events to look forward to... April 15-19 - National Work Zone Awareness Week and National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-By Incidents April 22-25 - OSHA Workers Memorial Day Events (Events daily; click here to register) Mon, Apr. 22 - Awareness Conference (Virtual, 9:45 AM – 3 PM ET) Tues, Apr. 23 - Safety Pays; Injuries and Fatalities Cost (Virtual, 10 AM – 5 PM ET) Wed, Apr. 24 - Workers Memorial Expo (In-person at DOL’s Frances Perkins Building, Washington, DC, 9 AM – 4 PM ET) Thurs, Apr. 25 - Workers Memorial Day Ceremony / Wreath Laying Event (Virtual and in-person at the FPB, 1 PM – 2:15 PM ET) April 28 (Sunday) - Workers Memorial Day April 28 - May 4 - National Small Business Week

Hope you're all doing fantastic and staying safe this March! As promised, here's our latest safety newsletter focused on ladder safety. Because, let's face it, we're all about climbing to success, but safety first, right? Attached are some nifty cards and training tidbits on ladder safety that we're excited to share with you all. Whether you're a ladder pro or still learning the ropes (pun intended!), there's always room to brush up on the basics and keep ourselves and our colleagues safe. Remember, a fall from a ladder can really bring you down... and not in the motivational way! So, let's take a moment to review these tips, refresh our ladder safety knowledge, and ensure we're all reaching for success without risking our well-being. Stay safe, stay awesome, and let's make March a month of soaring to new heights—safely!

The Montana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released their calendar of events coming up during the month of March, which is both Ladder Safety Month and Women's History Month. Here are some events to look forward to... March 2 (Saturday) - Deadline for covered employers to electronically submit CY 2023 injury and illness data through the ITA March 3-9 - Women in Construction Week (NAWIC). OSHA-sponsored webinars include: Tues, March 5 - Women’s Participation in Federal Construction Contracts: Best Practices (1-2 PM ET; click here to register.) Tues, March 5 - Safety at Work: Addressing Gender-Based Violence and harassment in the Construction Industry (2-3 PM ET; click here to register.) Wed, March 6 - Celebrate Women in Construction Week (12-1:30 PM ET; click here to register.) Wed, March 6 - Empowering Women in Construction (12-1:30 PM ET; click here to register.) March 7 (Thursday) - Webinar on OSHA Temporary Worker Initiative Bulletins on Warehousing Industry Employment and Ergonomics (2-3:30 PM ET; register here) March 25-29 - Stand Up for Grain Safety Week (virtual events daily M-F—click here to register.) Mon, March 25 - Kick-Off Event (11 AM ET) Tues, March 26 - Learning Session: Safety Culture (11 AM ET) Wed, March 27- Learning Session: Strains, Sprains, MSDs (11 AM ET in English | 3 PM ET in Español) Thurs, March 28- Learning Session: Ladder Safety (11 AM ET in English | 3 PM ET in Español) Fri, March 29- Learning Session: Heat Illness (11 AM ET in English | 3 PM ET in Español)