Business & Industry

Washington – The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee has approved Heather MacDougall as the third and final member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Washington – Funding for OSHA’s whistleblower protection programs would receive a $4 million increase under President Barack Obama’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal for the Department of Labor.

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is scheduled to host its 10th annual Take a Stand Day on Aug. 13.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board on Feb. 26 issued an open letter expressing disappointment with Tesoro Corp. for allegedly hindering the agency’s investigation of a Feb. 12 sulfuric acid release at a Tesoro refinery in Martinez, CA.

San Diego – Describing a recent increase of worker deaths in the communications industry as “unacceptable,” OSHA administrator David Michaels stressed the need for proper safety precautions.

Washington – OSHA has released its annual inspection plan targeting workplaces with high rates of injuries and illnesses.

Los Angeles – California state Sen. Ron Calderon (D) has been indicted for taking bribes in connection with a workers’ compensation fraud scheme.

Washington – A final OSHA rule that would update the agency’s industry classification system and amend employer reporting requirements was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for review on Feb. 19.

Washington – OSHA administrator David Michaels has written a letter to employers regarding legal requirements and best practice recommendations for the safe storage and handling of ammonium nitrate.

Columbia, SC – Shift workers are more likely to have a diet promoting chronic inflammation, which could partly explain the association between shift work and a variety of diseases, a recent study from the University of South Carolina suggests.