OSH Resources and Fast Facts

Fast Facts publications provide guidance and information about safety and health matters affecting legislative branch employees.

For more information about occupational safety and health (OSH) in the legislative branch, please e-mail the OCWR at OSH@ocwr.gov. For information about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the legislative branch, please e-mail the OCWR at ADAaccess@ocwr.gov, or call the office at (202) 724-9250.


Office Safety and Accessibility

Safety Quiz

This Safety Quiz self-assessment will educate on occupational safety and health-related dos and don’ts. An answer key is provided.

Updated OSH Guidance

This guidance is meant to assist employers and employees in most workplace settings in identifying risks of being exposed to and contracting COVID-19 at work and to help them determine appropriate control measures to implement.

Office Ergonomic Guidance

This guidance describes the basic elements for establishing an ergonomically sound office environment.

Compressed Gas Cylinder Storage

This self-inspection checklist explores safety measures for handling, storing, and labeling of compressed gas cylinders.

Pest Prevention

This guidance informs how to prevent pests from infiltrating the workplace, and who to contact if a pest problem persists.


Emergency Preparedness

Fire Doors

What is a fire door? Fire-resistant materials are used in the construction of buildings to slow and control flames and smoke in the event of a fire. Fire doors are…

Natural Disasters

This document details the emergency management cycle, and how offices can prepare for natural disasters.

Hosting a Safety Meeting

This document provides guidance on hosting a safety meeting, and how to engage employees to participate in workplace safety and health conversations.

Emergency Preparedness

This slide deck was designed to educate on the basics of emergency management and stress the importance of preparedness.

Exit and Related Signs

This document details the importance of exist signs with relation to evacuation, and the characteristics of a compliant exit sign.


Worker Protection

Holiday Office Decorations

This holiday-specific guidance can help to create a safe and fun atmosphere for your next workplace celebration.

Better Handwashing

This guidance provides an overview of ways to encourage handwashing in the workplace.

Flu Prevention

This document identifies flu symptoms, and flu prevention steps and office tips.

Heat Stress

This slide deck was designed to inform how to spot the signs of heat stress, address them, and prevent it in the workplace.


Electrical Hazards

Portable Space Heaters

This document explains the potential hazards posed by portable space heaters and how to use them safely in the workplace.

Electrical Panel Safety

This document provides an overview of OSHA standards to help ensure that electrical panels can be safely used and prevent serious injury.

Electrical Impedance Hazards

This publication focuses on the grounding conductor, located inside an electrical outlet, and
the portion of the circuit between the outlet and the panel board or circuit breaker box.

Power Strips

This document describes the dilemma with power strips, and solutions for supplying power to areas where there aren’t adequate outlets available.

Permanent Wiring

This document examines the use of easily overloaded extension cords, and the fire hazards improper use poses in the workplace.


Exposure to Hazardous Elements

Indoor Air Quality: Mold

This document provides detail on mold growth, the health impacts of exposure to mold, and how to control indoor growth.

Indoor Air Quality: Radon

This document details how radon could enter homes and buildings, an explanation of measurement, and related regulations.

Methylene Chloride

This document describes products that contain methylene chloride, and the impact of the chemical on the human body when exposed.

Lead – Be Aware and Beware

This document describes how one might be exposed to lead in the workplace, the health hazards of lead exposure, and example situations that might involve lead.

Asbestos: Do Not Disturb

This document provides an overview of asbestos, and the associated health hazards and protective regulations.