Labor

Washington – The number and rate of workers killed on the job in 2013 declined from 2012, according to preliminary data released Sept. 11 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – Watchdog group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility has filed a lawsuit intended to prompt the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen its corrosive dust standard to better protect first responders.

Washington – OSHA is seeking nominations for membership on its Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health.

Washington – Placing limits on antibacterial ingredients in certain hygiene products could endanger health care workers as well as patients, according to a trade association representing cleaning product producers and suppliers.

Santa Fe, NM – The New Mexico Occupational Health & Safety Bureau has teamed up with the Consulate of Mexico to provide the state’s Spanish-speaking employees with workplace safety training.

Portland, OR – The Oregon Occupational Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation has issued a hazard alert on the dangers of crab fishing.

Geneva – As the largest Ebola outbreak in history spreads across West Africa, the International Labour Organization and the World Health Organization have issued guidelines to help keep workers safe.

Washington – NIOSH is seeking to raise workplace respirator awareness during N95 Day on Sept. 5.

Washington – The White House has delayed important safety proposals, and new investigations highlight the damaging effects of budget cuts for safety and health agencies, concludes an annual review conducted by two prominent public health bloggers.

Sacramento, CA – Millions of California workers may soon receive paid sick days, following the state legislature’s Aug. 30 passage of a bill (A.B. 1522) requiring employers to provide sick leave.