News

Washington — Chemical facility owners and operators should assess their preventive maintenance programs routinely and seek out assistance from industry groups, the Chemical Safety Board and the Chlorine Institute advise in a joint statement released Feb. 20.

Washington — Fiscal year 2017 was “a dynamic year of growth and expansion” for the Office of Compliance, which is charged with overseeing the safety and health of federal legislative branch workers, OOC Executive Director Susan Tsui Grundmann said in the office’s annual report, released April 13.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has published a final rule on pre-shift examinations of metal and non-metal mines.

Washington — Seal checks should be conducted every time respiratory protection is used on the job, and employers and workers should ensure the equipment is worn properly so an adequate seal is achieved, NIOSH states in a recently published list of frequently asked questions about user seal checks.

Washington — A more vigorous process safety management system approach likely would have helped identify, evaluate and control the hazards that led to a hot work-related explosion that killed three workers and injured seven others last year in DeRidder, LA.

Athens, OH — Blows to the head are common among performing arts theater personnel but often go unreported by workers who may not understand how serious head injuries are, according to a recent Ohio University study.

Washington — In her second appropriations hearing in as many days, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said she has “encouraged legislation” to clarify hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Chantilly, VA — The theme of the 2018 Firefighter Safety Stand Down is “Be Aware – Get Checked,” emphasizing the importance of annual medical evaluations and physicals for firefighters and emergency service workers, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the National Volunteer Fire Council recently announced.

Rochester, MN — A consortium of medical groups has published a framework intended to minimize and manage burnout among U.S. physicians.

Washington — While President Donald Trump seeks another sizable cut to the Department of Labor’s budget, Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta is attempting to boost enforcement funding in certain agencies, including OSHA.