News

Washington – A bill intended to improve training for workers who engage in emergency response to rail incidents involving hazardous materials was approved by the House on Nov. 29.

Washington – OSHA is extending by 30 days the comment period for its proposed rule aimed at revising provisions in the agency’s recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards.

OSHA’s final rule on occupational exposure to beryllium is scheduled for publication in January, according to the Department of Labor’s fall regulatory agenda, released Nov. 17.

Washington – A Dec. 1 deadline remains in effect for OSHA’s enforcement of anti-retaliation provisions in its injury and illness tracking rule, after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas denied a motion that challenged the new provisions.

Washington – Asbestos is one of the first 10 chemicals to be evaluated for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Environmental Protection Agency announced on Nov. 29.

Helsinki, Finland – Airborne exposure to metalworking fluid mist and other gaseous pollutants puts both machinists and other machine shop workers at risk for respiratory and skin problems, according to a recent study from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Washington – A recent safety advisory from the Federal Railroad Administration reminds railroads, railroad contractors and their respective employees to remain cautious during work that falls outside the scope of the agency’s safety regulations but within the jurisdiction of OSHA.

Lahti, Finland – Being a pessimist may raise a person’s risk of death from coronary heart disease, even though optimism does not offer protection from the disease, according to a study from researchers at Päijät-Häme Central Hospital’s Department of Psychiatry.

Washington – A new hazard alert aims to prevent fatalities associated with hot work on oilfield tanks, tankers and related equipment.

Bergen, Norway – Worrying about heart disease and other serious illnesses may boost your risk of developing heart disease, according to a recent study.