U.S. Department of Labor Seeks to Prevent Amputation Injuries To Nebraska Employees and Remind Employers of Reporting Requirement

OMAHA, NE ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking to stop a recent increase in amputation injuries suffered by Nebraska employees, and remind employers of the requirement to report such injuries to OSHA. A review of Nebraska workers' compensation claims found 42 employees suffered amputation injuries in 2018, and employers failed to report more than 65 percent of those injuries to OSHA within 24 hours, as required.

OSHA's National Emphasis Program for Amputations targets inspections at workplaces with machinery and equipment that cause, or are capable of causing, amputations. Information and resources are available to help employers identify and eliminate workplace hazards, including:

• Compliance assistance for small- and medium-sized businesses.
• On-Site Consultation Program, a no-cost, confidential program to help employers learn about potential hazards at their workplace, and improve safety and health programs.
• OSHA's Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) recognizes small business employers who have used the agency's On-Site Consultation Program services, and operate an exemplary safety and health program. Acceptance of a site into SHARP is an achievement, and serves as a model for worksite safety and health.
• Safe + Sound Campaign urges employers to develop and implement a safety and health program that includes management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards.
• OSHA's "Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs" offers practical advice on how an organization can create and integrate safety and health programs.
• To report a fatality or severe injury, visit https://www.osha.gov/report.html.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.