Labor

Sacramento, CA — California’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board has unanimously approved to make permanent an emergency temporary standard aimed at safeguarding workers who handle engineered stone from silica hazards.

Washington — A total of 5,283 workers died from on-the-job injuries in 2023 – a 3.7% decrease from 2022, Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data released Dec. 19 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows.

Washington — Citing an uptick of incidents at chemical facilities over the past few winters, the Chemical Safety Board is urging refineries, chemical plants and other facilities that contain hazardous materials to prepare for freezing temperatures.

Washington — Updates to an Environmental Protection Agency tool that can be used to analyze chemicals and predict whether they have carcinogenic effects are geared toward “expanding the tool’s usability.”

Washington — The Department of Labor’s Fall 2024 regulatory agenda – released Dec. 13 and the last under the Biden administration – features only a few minor changes from the previous agenda.

Little Rock, AR — Reinstating employment certificates and allowing restitution to victims of child labor violations could halt the rapid rise in these violations in Arkansas, a new report from an advocacy group contends.

Washington — OSHA has published “comprehensive data” on nearly 900,000 work-related injuries and illnesses from 2023.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is set to publish a final rule intended to improve the efficiency” of the agency’s chemical review process and provide better information.

Washington — OSHA is calling attention to its webpage featuring links to important safety topics for holiday-centric workers, including employees in retail and warehousing.

Washington — A Mine Safety and Health Administration final rule “offers more flexibility” for testing, evaluating and approving mine equipment and accessories powered by electric motors intended for use in gaseous environments.