S+H Staff

Lansing, MI — Michigan OSHA has launched a state emphasis program focused on protecting workers in office settings, where community spread of COVID-19 is a risk.

Itasca, IL — The National Safety Council values diversity and cultivates an inclusive environment as we dedicate ourselves to our mission of saving lives – from the workplace to anyplace. We’re seeking a diverse group of individuals to serve on our board of directors and Delegates Committee.

Itasca, IL — Employers play a crucial role in explaining the benefits COVID-19 vaccination brings to the workplace. To help, SAFER: Safe Actions for Employee Returns – a National Safety Council initiative – has created a vaccines webpage that features updated resources, tools and articles to inform your organization’s strategy.

Richmond, VA — Virginia has become the first state/commonwealth to establish a long-term COVID-19 workplace standard.

University Park, PA — Planning a do-it-yourself project with shipping pallets, or headed to your local “big box” retailer? Be careful: Non-work-related injuries involving pallets resulted in more than 30,000 emergency room visits over a recent five-year period, according to researchers from Penn State University and the University of Florida.

Tilburg, Netherlands — Employers who take a more tailored approach to supporting workers who return to work after a mental health-related absence “could not only prevent mental health problems from becoming more severe but also help employees achieve a more sustainable return,” according to a new research report from the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

New York — Nearly half of remote employees have signed off early to have an alcoholic drink or have had a drink during the workday amid the COVID-19 pandemic, results of a recent survey indicate.

Washington — Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA on Jan. 8 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally coordinate efforts amid EPA’s ongoing review of new chemicals under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Washington — The White House Office of Management and Budget has issued a guidance memo to support federal agencies in their effort to “develop tailored COVID-19 workplace safety plans,” as required under an Executive Order signed Jan. 20 by President Joe Biden.

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration wants to revise its regulations governing Positive Train Control systems – emergency slowing and stopping systems designed to help prevent train crashes and derailments caused by human error – and reporting on their function.