Labor

Auckland, New Zealand – Many New Zealand workers lack adequate literacy skills to fully understand their employer’s safety and health policies and correctly complete hazard reports, according to a new study from Workbase, an organization focused on literacy development.

Atlanta – Older workers die in highway transportation incidents more often than younger workers, according to a new analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission intends to reduce the average length of time it takes to resolve cases as part of its new five-year strategic plan.

Washington – OSHA has announced it will issue a proposed rule to revise the agency’s standards on occupational exposure to crystalline silica.

Washington – The number of fatal workplace injuries decreased in 2012 from the previous year, according to a preliminary report released Aug. 22 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – An association representing ready-mixed concrete truck drivers has requested an exemption from the 30-minute rest-break requirement included in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours-of-service regulations.

Washington – Chemical Safety Board Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso has issued a video message urging OSHA to better regulate reactive chemicals.

Arlington – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on Aug. 14 issued a new online tool to help mine operators track their record of correcting violations.

Arlington, VA – Employers in the mining industry that follow OSHA’s newly revised Hazard Communication Standard will be in compliance with the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s hazcom standard, MSHA clarified in an Aug. 13 policy letter.

Washington – A proposed rule that would have revised the circumstances in which OSHA can conduct an enforcement inspection of worksites enrolled in the agency’s On-site Consultation Program was withdrawn Aug. 7.