Washington — Staffing levels at OSHA and other agencies was among the topics Labor Secretary Marty Walsh addressed during a July 14 Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.

Charlottesville, VA — Coal miners with black lung disease commonly face various mental health issues, including thoughts of suicide, results of a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Virginia show.

Toronto — Findings over the past decade – including the results of case studies in the past two to three years – have strengthened the link between the lung disease sarcoidosis and on-the-job exposures to, most notably, silica and silicates, dust from the World Trade Center, and metals, according to a recent research review.

Washington — Registration is open for the fifth annual Safe + Sound Week, a national initiative of OSHA, NIOSH and a coalition of safety organizations – including the National Safety Council.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Julie Su as deputy labor secretary, after a 50-47 vote on July 13.

Washington — A House subcommittee has approved a funding bill that would give a $100 million increase to OSHA’s budget for fiscal year 2022, among other actions.

Silver Spring, MD — At least 12 sanitation workers suffered fatal injuries on the job during the first six months of the year – a 57.1% decrease from the same period in 2020, according to a recent analysis conducted by the Solid Waste Association of North America.

Washington — OSHA’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health is scheduled to meet Aug. 11.

Washington — NIOSH has planned a series of free, confidential health screenings for current and former coal miners via the agency’s Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.

Washington — Responding to recent Executive Orders and directives from the Biden administration, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced changes to chemical risk evaluation policies under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act to “position EPA to move forward with actions to ensure the public is protected from unreasonable risks from chemicals in a way that is supported by science and the law.”