News

Washington – Is OSHA overstepping its authority and ignoring congressional mandates? This question was debated at a Feb. 4 House Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing, during which subcommittee chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) suggested the agency has circumvented the public rulemaking process through several actions that “dramatically” changed existing policies.

Arlington, VA – Mine safety has been on an upward trend since 2010 thanks to a number of initiatives from the Mine Safety and Health Administration, agency head Joseph A. Main said Jan. 30.

Montreal – Most construction workers exposed to crystalline silica dust are at risk of developing occupational diseases over the long term, a new report from scientific research organization IRSST suggests.

Seattle – The fatal explosion at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Anacortes, WA, in 2010 could have been prevented if the company had replaced steel tubing with inherently safer alloys, according to a new report from the Chemical Safety Board.

Washington – Dorothy Dougherty has been appointed as OSHA’s new assistant administrator, the agency announced Jan. 30.

London – Guidance documents released Jan. 29 from the Energy Institute aim to help employers meet four particular focus areas of a process safety management program.

New York – Employee attitudes can present an obstacle to advancing safety and health – even in organizations with upper-management support, according to results of a survey from MySafetySign, an online retailer.

Winston-Salem, NC – Baserunning injuries in professional baseball occur most frequently during tag plays at home plate, concludes a new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Washington – For the second time, OSHA has extended the public comment period on proposed updates to its crystalline silica rule, the agency announced Jan. 24.

Washington – OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee is scheduled to meet March 11 in Washington.