S+H Staff

Washington – Citing high numbers of fall-related fatalities in residential construction, OSHA rescinded a compliance directive that allowed easier use of fall protection alternatives.

Washington – A new final rule from the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission is intended to simplify the commission’s civil penalty proceedings.

Atlanta – A new NIOSH alert is aimed at workers who operate, service or work near skid-steer loaders.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration in December announced a proposed rule that would revise requirements for pre-shift, supplemental, on-shift and weekly workplace examinations.

Washington – "Significant reform" in industry practices and government policies, including the need to improve corporate and government safety rules, is necessary to prevent future oil rig explosions, a soon-to-be-released report says.

Washington – A bill to update the Occupational Safety and Health Act was introduced by longtime worker safety advocate Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) on Jan. 5, the first day of the 112th Congress.

Washington – Medical evacuations of injured divers will be discussed during a Jan. 12 public teleconference hosted by the Coast Guard's National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee.

Washington – Representative John Kline (R-MN), the House Education and the Workforce Committee chair, selected newly elected Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) to chair the committee's Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Arlington, VA – A Mine Safety and Health Administration initiative announced Dec. 16 aims to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants in metal and nonmetal mines.

Welcome to the launch of Washington Wire, a blog focusing on the politics and policies driving occupational safety and health issues.