Construction & Utilities

Bootle, England — Monitoring workers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the subject of a new fact sheet from Britain’s Health and Safety Executive.

Washington — In an effort to prevent backover incidents on construction sites, OSHA has launched an initiative aimed at raising awareness of safe practices.

Oakland, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has clarified its guidance on preventing lead exposure among workers who perform dry abrasive blasting.

Washington — OSHA has updated the criteria it uses to direct agency enforcement resources to workplaces via its Site-Specific Targeting inspection program.

Washington — In the eyes of Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing on May 15 was for employers who are “seeking clarity and flexibility in OSHA standards.”

Albuquerque, NM — A proposed rule from the New Mexico Environment Department would require employers to establish, implement and maintain an “effective heat illness prevention plan” for indoor and outdoor workers.

Washington — The National Safety Council recently awarded more than $140,000 in grants to seven organizations to help employers mitigate the risks of heat stress on the job.

Washington — A coalition made up of 13 labor unions and a manufacturer of personal protective equipment is suing the Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what it calls an “unlawful shutdown” of NIOSH operations.

Washington — A group of House Democrats say they’re alarmed about potential office closures at OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington — The Department of Health and Human Services has reinstated 328 NIOSH employees, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified May 14 during a House Appropriations Committee hearing.