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Washington – An OSHA forum featuring outside experts addressing combustible dust hazards is slated for May 13 in Washington.

Bethesda, MD – Exposure to secondhand smoke impacts the brain in much the same way smoking does, according to a study released May 2 by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health.

Washington – After a long period of decline, “black lung” disease is becoming more prevalent among coal miners, especially those younger than 50, according to a new Current Intelligence Bulletin from NIOSH.

Atlanta – OSHA on April 25 announced a new Regional Emphasis Program to reduce the number of needlestick and sharps injuries in four Southern states.

Arlington, VA – After receiving an “overwhelming” response to its proposed rule on lowering coal mine dust exposure, the Mine Safety and Health Administration announced it has extended the comment period from May 2 to May 31.

Washington – In honor of its 40th anniversary, OSHA is hosting a photo contest to promote worker safety.

Washington – Commercial motor vehicle carriers that transport hazardous materials would be prohibited from requiring or allowing drivers to use handheld cell phones behind the wheel, according to a notice of proposed rulemaking issued April 29 by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Washington – Safety belt use among commercial truck and bus drivers increased in 2010, according to a report released May 2 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Combustible dust, diacetyl and – more recently – gas blows all are recognized industry hazards, yet federal OSHA does not have standards regulating them. However, the agency does have a way to protect workers from unregulated hazards, and employers could be seeing it more often: the General Duty Clause.

The next action for OSHA’s hazard communication standard will be a final rule, projected to be released in August. What exactly will happen on this date?