Labor

Washington – OSHA has changed its policy on allowing employees at non-union workplaces to choose a union-affiliated representative for “walkaround” inspections, according to an April 25 memo sent to regional administrators.

Washington – OSHA has announced that it will be extending the deadline for certain employers to submit injury and illness data as part of its "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" final rule published in May 2016.

Washington – Days after his May 10 release from federal prison after serving a one-year sentence for violating mine safety laws, former Massey Energy Co. CEO Don Blankenship sent a letter to President Donald Trump asking him not to consider legislation that would strengthen punishments for mine supervisors who knowingly flout safety rules.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed until May 22, 2018, the effective date for its revised Certification and Training of Pesticide Applicators final rule.

Arlington, VA – In response to new regulations and standards, the International Safety Equipment Association has updated its Personal Fall Protection Equipment Use and Selection Guide.

Washington – Five members of Congress on May 15 introduced a bill that would reinstate OSHA’s so-called “Volks” rule, a previously overturned law that addressed employers’ “ongoing obligation” to make and maintain accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Alphen aan den Rijn, The Netherlands – A new policy paper from the Emergency Nurses Association and the International Nurses Society on Addictions emphasizes “alternative-to-discipline” methods for nurses and nursing students who may be struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.

Silver Spring, MD – Intended to promote better health habits among the nation’s 3.6 million registered nurses, as well as the patients they serve, the American Nurses Association has launched the Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation Grand Challenge.

Park Ridge, IL – The American Society of Safety Engineers has issued a set of recommendations to OSHA to “emphasize the management of risk, sharpen the agency’s focus on productive policies, and fill legislative and regulatory gaps that limit OSHA’s ability to better protect workers.”

Washington – OSHA’s funding will remain unchanged for the remainder of fiscal year 2017 under a spending bill passed by Congress on May 4, although future funding remains unclear.