Labor

Washington – OSHA’s notice of proposed rulemaking for crystalline silica was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 12, officially opening the rule’s public comment period.

Los Angeles – Safety laws need strengthening, more regulations need to be issued, and workers should be better educated on job hazards and rights, a new resolution from the AFL-CIO declares.

Oakland, CA – California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has a new acting chief in the wake of Ellen Widess’ resignation.

Bluefield, WV – Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) met with miners, stakeholders, and miner safety and health advocates on Sept. 5 to discuss ending “black lung” – a deadly but preventable lung disease also known as coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has launched a tool that aims to provide easier access to chemical safety and health data.

Washington – The Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service failed to thoroughly evaluate pilot programs used as the basis for a proposed rule to increase line speeds in poultry-processing facilities, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.

Washington – OSHA is accepting nominations for membership with the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, the agency announced Sept. 6.

South Bend, IN – A newly identified protein could lead to the development of drugs to help people better cope with rotational shift work and jet lag, a University of Notre Dame study suggests.

Washington – A chemical advisory issued Aug. 30 by OSHA; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offers steps fertilizer facilities and others can take to help reduce ammonium nitrate hazards.

Washington – As the Department of Agriculture continues to consider increasing line speeds at poultry-processing plants, a coalition of civil rights groups has petitioned USDA and OSHA to issue a rule setting a reduced line speed.