Labor

Washington – Witnesses at a Feb. 26 House subcommittee hearing criticized last year’s Executive Order that aimed to ensure federal contracts are not awarded to companies that habitually violate labor laws.

Washington – Workers at some dry-cleaning businesses do not wear proper personal protective equipment and as a result are exposed to cleaning solvents, according to a NIOSH report.

Washington – Firefighting exposures “modestly” increase the risk of death from cancer, according to a NIOSH study.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has extended to April 30 the deadline for public comment on its proposed rule on using the chemical compound toluene diisocyanate.

New Orleans – NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association have honored two companies for their efforts to prevent work-related noise-induced hearing loss.

Washington – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has extended its compliance date for a final rule regarding the transportation of lithium cells and batteries.

OSHA’s Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health is scheduled to meet Feb. 24-25 in Washington.

The potential for faulty electronic alertness devices on trains has prompted the National Transportation Safety Board to issue urgent safety recommendations.

As part of its efforts to improve miner safety, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has released an electrical safety alert to remind miners of best practices.

Nashville, TN – Newly proposed legislation would allow Tennessee employers to opt out of the state-mandated workers’ compensation program in exchange for setting up their own benefit plans.