Public Administration

Emmitsburg, MD – On-duty firefighter deaths totaled 81 in 2012, according to a U.S. Fire Administration report released Sept. 17.

Oakland, CA – California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has a new acting chief in the wake of Ellen Widess’ resignation.

Washington – OSHA is accepting nominations for membership with the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, the agency announced Sept. 6.

Washington – Cynthia Attwood has been confirmed for her second term as a commissioner of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Washington – All federal agencies will be required to annually submit injury and illness data to OSHA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, under a new final rule published Aug. 5.

Montpelier, VT – The Vermont agency tasked with helping to prevent workplace injuries among state government employees often fails to review incidents, and its recommendations go ignored, according to a new report from the Office of the Vermont State Auditor.

Washington – The Senate confirmed Thomas Perez on July 18 as secretary of labor with a 54-46 vote.

Washington – U.S. law enforcement deaths in the first half of 2013 increased slightly from the previous year, but decreases occurred in firearms- and traffic-related deaths, according to preliminary data released July 11 by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Washington – The Department of Labor claims proposed changes to its Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program would create a more equitable system, but some experts at a July 10 House hearing warned that the changes could drastically affect injured federal workers.

Austin, TX – Beginning Sept. 1, assaulting emergency department personnel in Texas will be a felony offense under legislation signed into law June 14 by Gov. Rick Perry (R).