Labor

Darien, IL — In an effort to balance “the need to meet operational demands with the need to manage fatigue-related risks” related to shift work, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society have issued guidance on designing optimal work shift durations.

Washington — Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) has sponsored legislation that would reduce the standard 40-hour workweek to 32 hours.

Durham, NC — Health care organization leaders can help limit worker burnout by conducting “positive leadership walkarounds,” results of a recent study suggest.

Tumwater, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued an emergency rule that increases protections for workers exposed to unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke.

Washington — OSHA’s recent citation of a Boston contractor includes the first egregious violation issued under the Biden administration, acting agency administrator Jim Frederick confirmed Aug. 18.

Washington — NIOSH has extended until Oct. 15 the comment period on a Request for Information on personal protective equipment use, availability, accessibility, acceptability and knowledge for “underserved” workers, according to a notice published in the Aug. 16 Federal Register.

Geneva — Five million deaths could be prevented each year worldwide if people were less sedentary, according to the World Health Organization, which on Nov. 26 released updated physical activity guidelines.

Washington — With a new Democratic majority, a House subcommittee is proposing sizable funding boosts for OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, according to a draft bill released April 29.

Washington — AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka cautioned the public not to become “numb” to workplace fatalities and illnesses, as the labor federation released its annual report detailing the hazards workers face every day.

Carlsbad, CA — Nearly 4 out of 5 workers from a wide range of industries say they experience elevated stress levels because of their job, results of a recent online poll show.