Labor

Washington — The National Labor Relations Board has withdrawn its appeal of a federal court decision that blocked the board’s joint employer rule.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has released a guide intended to increase understanding of – and compliance with – its ban on most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride

Arlington, VA — Collaboration within the mining industry has spurred “significant improvement” in reducing fatalities, Mine Safety and Health Administration head Chris Williamson said during a July 10 stakeholder meeting.

Washington — OSHA is seeking nominations for membership on its National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA is offering for free its latest training course on keeping workers safe in confined spaces.

Washington — Chemical facilities should clearly mark pressure-retaining components of plug valves and require new valves to be designed to prevent the inadvertent removal of these components.

Washington — In light of reports of avian flu in dairy cattle and “a small number of workers exposed to infected animals,” OSHA has issued a hazard alert.

Triangle, VA — A legislative attempt to block federal enforcement of a rule intended to protect miners from exposure to silica is “morally reprehensible,” United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts says.

Washington — Updates to Environmental Protection Agency reviews of new chemicals under the Toxic Substances Control Act will strengthen worker protections, an agency official says.

Washington — The Chemical Safety Board is urging chemical facilities to prepare for a season of “potentially more frequent and more powerful hurricanes and other extreme weather events.”