Workplace Solutions

Washington – Automobile dealerships should remain exempt from OSHA’s injury and illness recordkeeping requirements, the National Automobile Dealers Association stated during a March 26 meeting officials from OSHA and the Office of Management and Budget.

Washington – The Mine Safety and Health Administration needs to take additional steps to deter the underreporting of workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses, according to a new audit report from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Sacramento, CA – Federal agency statistics vastly undercount the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the agricultural industry, according to a new study from the University of California Davis School of Medicine.

Sydney – Low back pain is the leading cause of ergonomics-related worker disability, according to a new study from the University of Sydney.

Washington – OSHA on April 1 released its final rule on electric power generation, transmission and distribution; and electrical protective equipment.

OSHA requires employers to have a hearing conservation program for construction workers whose noise exposure exceeds 90 dBA – but does not provide specifics. Taking into account challenges such as a transient workforce and outdoor environments, what are the most important elements of a hearing conservation program for construction workers?

Fresno, CA – To help educate employers and workers about heat exposure at outdoor worksites, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched its annual Heat Illness Prevention Program.

Washington – OSHA’s nearly three-week-long series of hearings on its proposed rule on crystalline silica continued this week, with both opponents and supporters voicing their opinions.

San Francisco – First responders who were exposed to particulate matter at Ground Zero during and after 9/11 may be at higher risk for sleep apnea and post-traumatic stress disorder, suggest two new studies presented March 20 at the American Heart Association's EPI/NPAM 2014 Scientific Sessions.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez went before lawmakers March 26 and defended recent regulatory actions taken by OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.