Malware Installed on Traveler’s Laptops Via “Software Updates” on Hotel Internet Connections

Recent analysis from the FBI and other government agencies demonstrates that malicious actors are targeting travelers abroad through pop-up windows while establishing an Internet connection in their hotel rooms.

Recently, there have been instances of travelers’ laptops being infected with malicious software while using hotel Internet connections. In these instances, the traveler was attempting to setup the hotel room Internet connection and was presented with a pop-up window notifying the user to update a widely-used software product. If the user clicked to accept and install the update, malicious software was installed on the laptop. The pop-up window appeared to be offering a routine update to a legitimate software product for which updates are frequently available.

Vintage Office Safety

Must All Safety Training Be Documented?

Do you really need to document every bit of your safety training?  The short answer is, yes, you do, even if OSHA doesn’t require it.

More than 100 separate OSHA rules feature training requirements. Some of those standards also require you to certify that training has been successfully completed and that employees have learned the skills and information they need to work safely.

For example, OSHA’s process safety management standard (29 CFR 1910.119) requires documentation of training, as does the powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178). And DOT’s hazardous materials transportation regulations (49 CFR Parts 171-180) require you to keep records of training conducted in the preceding 3 years.

Securing a Workplace.. Legally

With terrorism and workplace violence in the news, workers are understandably concerned about their security. While there is no way to guard against every possibility, there are policies and relatively simple measures that employers can take to help secure a facility and protect personnel and property. Lack of adequate security can result in injury to employees and long-term economic disruption for companies. Employers need to address security concerns at the very highest level of the organization, integrate it into business operations and employment policies, and create awareness in every employee.

MSDS Usage: Read It, or WAG It?

MSDSs provide essential safety and health information about the chemicals in your workplace. But they can only do their job and help protect against chemical hazards if employees actually use them. The MSDS should be the main resource employees rely on when they have questions about chemical hazards and precautions. But do they actually consult the MSDS or do they guess?

One effective way to instill the essential safety habit of actively using MSDSs is to hold refresher training on the different hazardous chemicals employees work with. Make the MSDS for each chemical the centerpiece of the training session. During the session, take employees section by section through the MSDS and show them exactly where to find the information they need and how to interpret that into action. This training can be combined with the required annual Right to Know training, or be conducted separately.

Disaster Training or Training Disaster?

Emergency training is not “one size fits all.”

The proper emergency response to a fire might be quite different than to a hurricane, a release of toxic chemicals, or a terrorist attack. Not knowing the difference could make a bad situation a lot worse—and you don’t want to wait until a disaster happens to find out that your emergency training is … well, a disaster. So the first step in an effective training program is to identify what types of emergencies might actually occur and determine the appropriate response for each. This may mean that you need to have more than one type of training for different possible emergencies.

Are Employees Prepared for Emergencies?

Who needs to have an Emergency Action Plan?

There are two different, but equally correct, answers to this question. The first answer is that OSHA requires an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) only for employers who are covered by certain standards, such as “Fixed Extinguishing Systems” and “Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals” (other standards also require EAPs). The second answer is that every company really should have an EAP. Not only does OSHA highly recommend it, but it simply makes sense to have a plan for a safe, orderly response to emergencies such as fires, weather events, releases of hazardous substances, etc. And note that even relatively minor incidents, such as small fires or spills, constitute an “emergency” if they trigger an alarm and require employees to stop what they’re doing and evacuate their work areas.

Mandatory Training for Employees in accordance with OSHA

When it comes to workplace safety, there are many different things that need to be considered. Depending on the type of job that is being done, as well as the conditions of the work environment, certain types of training are required for employees in accordance with OSHA regulations. Too many people don’t take this training seriously enough, which is causing OSHA to publish what they are calling an ‘Outreach Trainer Watch List’. This will be a list of any trainers who have had their authorization revoked or suspended, allowing employers and employees to get the proper training without having to worry about getting it from an unreliable or unverifiable source.

OSHA Continuing Education- Getting the Training You Need Now

Many jobs require special training and education that carries on throughout the life of the career. However, none are as important as the training requirements of OSHA jobs and any position that relates to OSHA. When it comes to OSHA continuing education requirements, failing to get updated training and education doesn’t just threaten your license, it threatens your business and comes with hefty fines, which are much worse than any that the state licensing board could lay on you for letting your license expire without get CE credits.

5 Reasons to Take Continuing Education and Training Online

When it comes to regulating and maintaining OSHA certification, you cannot afford to fall behind. Getting and staying certified should be your first and foremost priority, which is why you need to take the time to find the best methods for continuing education and initial training so that you can stay on top of things now and throughout your career. Online courses are a great way to get the OSHA certification that you need, and here are 5 reasons why.