S+H Staff

Washington — In an effort to better protect workers in the health care and public safety sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, NIOSH is approving a new class of powered air-purifying respirators, under an interim final rule published by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Washington — OSHA recently released a poster and video that detail seven steps to properly put on and remove a respirator at work.

Washington — NIOSH’s Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet June 2 via Zoom web conference.

Salt Lake City — Results of a recent survey show that 2 out of 3 people aren’t comfortable about going back to their workplace as the COVID-19 pandemic lingers – a finding that spans all generations of workers.

Washington — More than two dozen lawmakers are calling on OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease, among other steps, before reopening the economy, in an April 29 letter sent to Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia.

Arlington, VA — Aiming to promote electrical safety among people who are working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Electrical Safety Foundation International has published an infographic.

Cranfield, England — Understanding how safety can be managed effectively and enhanced via business relationships is key when outsourcing work among various industries and job sectors, concludes a recent study funded and published by the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health.

Washington — Calling for a uniform approach to identify essential workers and functions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created two resources intended to help employers and workers navigate challenges presented by what it calls a “patchwork of guidance” and “lack of clarity” from domestic and international governments.

Washington — Still without a quorum after the resignation of one of two remaining members, the Chemical Safety Board also is contending with an investigative staffing shortage that has prompted the agency to temporarily halt two investigations.

Itasca, IL — Concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic are creating distractions for many commercial drivers, putting the safety of these essential employees – and others – at risk, Brian Fielkow, CEO of Houston-based Jetco Delivery, said during an April 17 webinar hosted by the National Safety Council.