Labor

Washington — With the spring tornado season ramping up, OSHA is calling on employers to develop an emergency plan, learn the warning signs, and monitor tornado watches and warnings.

Sacramento, CA — Employees in California who have “reasonable concerns about health and safety violations” would be allowed to refuse work while still receiving full pay, under legislation introduced in late February.

Springfield, IL — Legislation that would direct the Illinois Department of Labor to establish – by Jan. 1 – standards intended to protect workers from excessive heat and cold is advancing in the state House.

Washington — Because of the variety of different respiratory hazards health care workers are exposed to on the job, knowing the difference between types of respiratory protection is key.

Washington — Stating that “extensive research has confirmed no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries” at pork- and poultry-processing plants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will “formalize” faster line speeds initially allowed at certain facilities as part of a trial period.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled several meetings to “provide information and answer questions” ahead of the fast-approaching compliance date for its final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has extended to April 2 the deadline to comment on a draft scope document for the agency’s risk evaluation of vinyl chloride, a known human carcinogen.

Augusta, ME — A bill recently introduced in the Maine Legislature would amend state law to allow employees younger than 16 to work expanded hours throughout the year.

Arlington, VA — Around half of workers don’t wear proper personal protective equipment because they either don’t want to or don’t consider it necessary, according to a recent study of employers.

Washington — Worker education and training can help prevent injuries resulting from inhalation of hazardous chemicals and other irritants, NIOSH researchers say.