Labor

Washington — Wayne Palmer’s nomination to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration has advanced to the full Senate, after a 12-11 party-line vote by the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on May 22.

Bootle, England — Monitoring workers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the subject of a new fact sheet from Britain’s Health and Safety Executive.

Oakland, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has clarified its guidance on preventing lead exposure among workers who perform dry abrasive blasting.

Washington — OSHA has updated the criteria it uses to direct agency enforcement resources to workplaces via its Site-Specific Targeting inspection program.

Washington — In the eyes of Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA), the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing on May 15 was for employers who are “seeking clarity and flexibility in OSHA standards.”

Washington — Forklift safety, operator training and the importance of daily equipment checks will be highlighted June 10 as part of the 12th annual National Forklift Safety Day.

Arlington, VA — Alarmed by a recent series of serious injuries to miners resulting from falls from height, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

Albuquerque, NM — A proposed rule from the New Mexico Environment Department would require employers to establish, implement and maintain an “effective heat illness prevention plan” for indoor and outdoor workers.

Washington — The National Safety Council recently awarded more than $140,000 in grants to seven organizations to help employers mitigate the risks of heat stress on the job.

Washington — A coalition made up of 13 labor unions and a manufacturer of personal protective equipment is suing the Department of Health and Human Services and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. over what it calls an “unlawful shutdown” of NIOSH operations.