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Washington — OSHA has launched a National Emphasis Program on COVID-19 that focuses enforcement efforts “on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus,” in response to an Executive Order from President Joe Biden.

Washington — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on preventing the transmission of COVID-19 needs updating, health and safety experts and Democratic lawmakers said during a March 11 virtual hearing convened by the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has updated its guidance on preventing COVID-19 exposure among workers at coal, metal and nonmetal mines.

Washington — OSHA, NIOSH and a coalition of safety organizations – including the National Safety Council – are joining forces for the fifth annual Safe + Sound Week, scheduled for Aug. 9-15.

Itasca, IL — Safety leaders shouldn’t focus in on the holes in their “Swiss cheese” (safety systems) but rather the whole cheese before the holes begin to form.

Itasca, IL — Matthew Hallowell appreciates clear explanations in safety. The construction engineering professor at the University of Colorado Boulder has a good reason.

Itasca, IL — The future of work may include safety professionals contending with COVID-19 on some level for a long time, even with the recent rollout and widespread availability of vaccines. That was the warning from NIOSH Director John Howard during the Opening Session of the virtual National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo on March 3.

Itasca, IL — A next step for OSHA – after possibly issuing an emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19, which could come in a matter of weeks or days – may be initiating rulemaking on an infectious diseases standard.

Washington — A pair of House Republicans are urging the Department of Labor to solicit feedback from business owners and workers before OSHA moves forward with a potential emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19.

Washington — OSHA, NIOSH, the National Occupational Research Agenda, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Training and Research are providing free online resources to help employers prepare for the eighth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, set to take place May 3-7.