Manufacturing

Washington — Concerned about recent reports highlighting various difficulties that “may be undermining” the Chemical Safety Board’s “ability to protect American communities and workers,” a bipartisan delegation from the House Energy and Commerce Committee is calling on the agency to provide numerous operational and procedural updates.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled an informal public hearing for Sept. 21 on proposed updates to the agency’s regulations on hazard communication.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for June 23 in advance of the 40th session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Olympia, WA — A new Washington state law will require construction and manufacturing employers who use temporary workers to identify and document workplace hazards, communicate those hazards to staffing agencies, and make sure workers are informed and properly trained.

Washington — President Joe Biden has nominated Sylvia Johnson, Steve Owens and Jennifer Sass to serve as members of the Chemical Safety Board, which has operated for a year with only one of its five board seats filled.

Washington — During an April 2 public business meeting, the Chemical Safety Board announced it has revised a board order on board member roles and responsibilities in response to criticism of the agency in recent Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General reports.

Washington — OSHA has extended until May 19 the comment period on a proposed rule that would update the agency’s regulations on hazard communication to align with the seventh version of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Minneapolis — The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota upheld a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture on March 31, ruling that a controversial final rule that removes line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers compromises worker health and consumer welfare.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency, in response to recent Executive Orders and directives from the Biden administration, is seeking public comment on final rules for five persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals issued Jan. 6 under requirements of the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.