Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing

St. Paul, MN — Bipartisan legislation that would bolster protections for workers who use scuba gear while destroying or harvesting aquatic plants is awaiting the signature of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D).

Bootle, England — Responding to an uptick of incidents involving attendant ships colliding with offshore oil and gas and renewable energy structures, Great Britain’s Health and Safety Executive has issued a safety advisory.

Washington — Continued testing of cattle herds, milk tanks and anyone exposed to cattle may help protect veterinarians and other people who work with animals from exposure to bird flu, concludes a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.

Washington — Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in both chambers of Congress would permit 16- and 17-year-olds from logging families to work in the family business.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued updated interim guidance on protecting workers from exposure to bird flu to include employees at zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, fur farms, aquariums and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.

Salem, OR — Avoiding unprotected direct or close physical contact with sick/dead animals and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment are two key ways workers can limit their risk of contracting bird flu.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency recently updated its Spanish Translation Guide for Pesticide Labeling to include information on restricted-use pesticides, first aid, personal protective equipment, engineering controls and storage.

Denver — After bird flu is detected on dairy farms, collaboration between public health agencies and the impacted farm – as well as early distribution of personal protective equipment – may help protect farmworkers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Sacramento, CA — A new interpretation app that can instantly translate more than 200 languages and dialects can be used by employers and workers in California to communicate more easily.

Washington — In an effort to help protect workers from wildfire smoke, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Forest Service have updated their AirNow Fire and Smoke Map mobile app.