Meet Jake Woolfenden, OSHA/Industrial hygiene Expert

Jake Woolfenden is the owner of Summit Safety Group, a safety consulting firm that leads the Midwest in providing onsite & online safety training solutions, workplace assessments, written programs, and OSHA consulting to a variety of industries.

Jake has been a speaker at numerous conferences & seminars around the country where he can be found speaking on anything from OSHA law, company culture, or advocating for mental health awareness within the blue collar trades.

With a graduate degree in clinical counseling, and years of social work & counseling under his belt, Jake dove into the field of safety & health in 2009 when he worked with Harris Rebar, a large rebar installation and fabrication company with more than 70 offices in North America. Jake served as a field safety manager for multiple Harris locations throughout the country until purchasing Summit Safety Group in early 2014.

Since owning Summit Safety Group, Jake & his team of consultants have continued to provide their clients with critical support regarding the federally mandated Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards they must adhere to. With offices in Springfield, Missouri, and Kansas City, Missouri, they have a unique ability to effectively serve businesses throughout Missouri, Kansas and the entire Midwest.

Am I required to train my employees on first aid and CPR?

If you have any operations that could be considered hazardous, or if you’re more than 3-4 minutes away from any emergency medical services, employees need first aid and CPR training. This includes satellite offices and any job site locations. Not only is this an OSHA requirement, but it’s also important to equip your teammates with the lifesaving knowledge they might need in an emergency. For these nationally accredited courses, contact Summit Safety Group. We’ll even come to your site.

How does having updated noise and air sampling data protect me from OSHA?

Updated noise and air sampling data ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and safeguard employees' health. Accurate data help identify both harmful air quality and harmful noise exposure, enabling corrective action safe work practices. Failure to comply may lead to fines or legal action. Maintaining this data protects employees, but also protects the organization from potential OSHA violations. Reach out to info@summitsafetygroup.com to conduct sampling in your operations.

Is OSHA really that focused on heat illness programs this summer?

Yes. OSHA unveiled a revitalized heat prevention emphasis program, prioritizing worker safety in high-heat environments. They are targeting industries with outdoor worksites like construction and agriculture, while more thorough inspections and revised heat alerts underscore their stated commitment to proactive prevention. The program requires heat-stress monitoring, such as the use of smart devices that provide real-time heat strain data for immediate action. OSHA will be actively pursuing this so reach out to info@summitsafetygroup.com for assistance in creating your required heat illness prevention program.

How can we determine whether certain areas within our facility require a hearing conservation program?

Conduct noise monitoring and assessments in all operational areas. If noise levels consistently exceed the permissible exposure limit of 85 decibels over an eight-hour workday, or if employees experience significant noise exposures, a hearing conservation program should be implemented. This includes regular noise monitoring, employee training, audiometric testing, hearing protection provision and recordkeeping. Reach out to info@summitsafetygroup.com to set up your noise survey!

Does OSHA have any new emphasis programs for 2023?

Yes. The new fall protection emphasis program will involve targeted inspections of workplaces that are most at risk for falls. OSHA will focus on enforcing compliance with fall protection standards, including proper use of personal protective equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, and implementing proper procedures for working at heights. OSHA will be actively pursuing this. Reach out to SSG at jakew@summitsafetygroup.com for assistance with your safety program.

What are the safety responsibilities for general or controlling contractors of a project?

A general or controlling contractor has a duty to exercise reasonable care to prevent and detect safety and health violations on the worksite. They are responsible for ensuring all parties, including subcontractors, follow OSHA regulations and maintain a safe work environment. If they do not, they face citations even if the subcontractor created the violation. Contact us at info@summitsafetygroup.com for any help with routine audits and accountability on your projects.

Why is a time weighted average (TWA) required for hearing conservation programs?

A TWA is required to determine employees' noise exposure levels over time. It takes into account both the level and duration of exposure, providing a more comprehensive understanding of employees' actual noise exposure during a workday. Reach out to info@summitsafetygroup.com to schedule your onsite noise assessment.

When do my employees need to be trained on a forklift?

Every forklift operator must have certification proving they are qualified to operate a forklift. OSHA requires that retraining take place every three years, if the operator starts driving in a new environment or changes companies or if the operational controls of the forklift change. Following these regulations keeps your team safe and your operations OSHA compliant. Contact info@summitsafetygroup.com for assistance with your forklift certifications.

How do I know the difference between requiring hearing protection vs implementing a Hearing Conservation Program?

Loud noises in your operations don’t necessarily mean you need a full-scale Hearing Conservation Program. It could simply mean you need hearing protection during short exposures to those loud noises. When noise levels are over an 8hr time weighted average of 85 decibels, a Hearing Conservation Program must be implemented. The only way to prove this is to have a noise assessment completed in your operations. Reach out to info@summitsafetygroup.com to get a noise study set up.

Does OSHA require that I have a noise survey?

OSHA has an emphasis program targeting private businesses through 2026. If you have loud equipment & processes, you must conduct a full shift sound study to determine if your exposed employees are above or below the personal exposure limits allowed by OSHA. When noise levels are over an 8hr time weighted average of 85 decibels, a hearing conservation program must be implemented. If OSHA shows up and you have no dosimeter testing for full shift work, you will be cited. If you have not received a sound study, please reach out to us info@summitsfetygroup.com

How do I know if my employees are required to be trained in First Aid & CPR?

If you perform operations that could be considered hazardous or you’re more than 3-4 minutes away from any emergency medical services, OSHA requires employees to be trained in First Aid & CPR. This includes satellite offices and job site locations. It’s critical that employees have the lifesaving knowledge needed in an emergency. Summit Safety Group can conduct these nationally accredited courses on site. Contact us at info@summitsafetygroup.com.

When is a good time to conduct air quality testing at my facility or job site?

As colder weather approaches, many environments change because of the cold. Bay doors are closed and fans stop running. Where the possibility of breathing hazards exist, you must ensure each exposure has documented air sampling data. This would include testing for paint and welding fumes, most chemicals and dust. OSHA will be checking to ensure you have recent sampling data. Contact Summit Safety Group if you need onsite sampling in your operations.