Washington — Chemical facilities have made significant advancements in safety in the 20 years since a deadly BP refinery explosion in Texas City, TX, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Frankfort, KY — Kentucky legislators have responded quickly to Gov. Andy Beshear’s (D) veto of a bill that would have limited enforcement of any new or existing state workplace safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards.

Washington — Because of the variety of different respiratory hazards health care workers are exposed to on the job, knowing the difference between types of respiratory protection is key.

Springfield, IL — Legislation that would direct the Illinois Department of Labor to establish – by Jan. 1 – standards intended to protect workers from excessive heat and cold is advancing in the state House.

Silver Spring, MD — Researchers from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training recently set out to explore how bullying and harassment “may contribute to poor well-being among construction workers.”

Washington — Stating that “extensive research has confirmed no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries” at pork- and poultry-processing plants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will “formalize” faster line speeds initially allowed at certain facilities as part of a trial period.

Frankfort, KY — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) has vetoed a bill that would have limited enforcement of any new or existing state workplace safety and health regulations that are more stringent than federal OSHA standards.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled several meetings to “provide information and answer questions” ahead of the fast-approaching compliance date for its final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

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.

Augusta, ME — A bill recently introduced in the Maine Legislature would amend state law to allow employees younger than 16 to work expanded hours throughout the year.