Construction & Utilities

Secaucus, NJ — The percentage of U.S. workers who tested positive for fentanyl in random on-the-job drug tests was seven times greater than the percentage of people whose preemployment tests came back positive, according to Quest Diagnostics’ annual Drug Testing Index for 2024.

Toronto — A free guide from the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association highlights best practices for safely using mast climbing work platforms.

Never underestimate the importance of planning ahead.

Washington — People and groups that participated in public hearings on OSHA’s proposed heat rule now have until Oct. 30 to submit post-hearing comments.

For millions of workers in the construction, maintenance, mining, forestry, transportation, agriculture and automotive industries, the effects of sustained on-the-job exposure to vibration – whether hand-arm or whole-body – may lead to various health problems.

Washington — The House Education and Workforce Committee has approved legislation that would allow up to 5% of OSHA’s annual budget to go to the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Washington — A group of House Democrats is requesting more information about the Trump administration’s decision to cut staff at NIOSH and other moves that they claim “disregard the well-being of the people who sustain the nation’s energy infrastructure.”

Washington — NIOSH has issued a warning about counterfeit or “misrepresented” respirators that may not provide adequate protection.

Denver — OSHA will likely extend by 30 days the comment period on its proposed heat rule, the agency announced Tuesday at the 2025 NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

Denver — Acting OSHA administrator Amanda Wood Laihow recently provided details on how the agency will balance enforcement and compliance.