OSHA administers $11.7m in grants for workplace safety By Security Staff

Why aren't the security teams that I know aren't seeing any of this money? Read this thing...

 

 

The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of $11,746,992, in grants to support worker and employer education to make workplaces around the nation safer and healthier.

Administered by the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program is making grants to 90 nonprofit organizations in fiscal year 2022 for education and training on hazard recognition and injury prevention, workers' rights, and employers' legal responsibilities to provide safe and healthful workplaces.

 

Named for late Susan Harwood, former director of OSHA's Office of Risk Assessment, the grants are awarded in the Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building categories. During her 17 years with OSHA, Dr. Harwood helped develop federal standards to protect workers from bloodborne pathogens, cotton dust, benzene, formaldehyde, asbestos and lead in construction.

OSHA grants are awarded to non-profit organizations, including community and faith-based groups, employer associations, labor unions, joint labor-management associations, Native American tribes, and local and state-sponsored colleges and universities. Target trainees include small-business employers and underserved vulnerable workers in high-hazard industries.

Access control considerations for healthcare settings.

 Here is a situation with all hospitals since the pandemic started. The good and bad of it all involving Security. Remember, "Security doesn't make money for companies. They spend money." Check this article out.

92% of U.S. hospitals use electronic access control to some extent, representing a 13% increase since 2016. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of security technologies and touchless solutions, according to the 2022 Health Care Trends Report from Allegion. The report surveyed 100 decision makers from across leading U.S. health systems. 

COVID-19's effect on hospital security

Beyond PPE and touchless access control, the study unveiled how COVID-19 accelerated the adoption of new security and safety measures aimed at protecting people and physical assets. Many strategic initiatives around door hardware and access control have been adopted since the pandemic, according to the report.

• 73% added extra layers of security to limit the spread of infection while protecting people and property.
• 59% added touchless technology at openings and 62% electrified openings with access control.
• 61% are using hands-free or touchless access products more than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Electronic access control adoption

Adoption escalated throughout the healthcare market over the last five years, especially among larger facilities located in urban and suburban markets, according to the report. Common areas with electronic door hardware in place include surgical suites, nurseries, behavioral health units and equipment rooms.

• Of those using connected systems in their facilities, 82% are using hardwired electronic access control products, and 71% are using wireless technologies.
• Healthcare professionals cite cost (34%) and lack of budgets (28%) as primary barriers to widespread electronic access control adoption.

Patient accommodations in access control

Facilities have become more accommodating for patients of all abilities and needs. The pandemic and an increased focus on mental health are cited as key drivers for these shifts.

• Over 80% of hospitals updated doors to meet ADA compliance over the last year.
• Changing door knobs to levers (45%) and adding automatic door operators (44%) were the most common changes made in areas like patient rooms, common areas and restrooms.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      By Security Staff