Chicago — Although a growing number of employers are purchasing air purifiers as part of reopening their workplaces amid the COVID-19 pandemic, one type of the technology might not be as effective as advertised, results of a recent study show.

Tumwater, WA — Fully vaccinated workers are not required to wear a face covering under updated COVID-19 workplace protection rules and guidance issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries on June 30.

Menlo Park, CA — More than 40% of employees say they’re more burned out on the job than they were a year ago, and 1 out of 3 plan to take at least three weeks of vacation this year, recent survey results show.

Washington — OSHA is extending until Aug. 20 the comment period on its emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 focused on health care workers.

Washington — OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program on COVID-19 and updated its Interim Enforcement Response Plan.

New York — A recent string of construction worker deaths has prompted the New York City Department of Buildings to begin conducting “zero-tolerance” safety sweeps at thousands of the largest and most complex construction sites in all five boroughs.

Last July, the National Safety Council brought together experts to discuss some of the major changes to our roadways as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. On July 13, NSC will again virtually bring together speakers to revisit this topic and reflect on the trends and data they’ve seen in the ensuing 12 months.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has removed the face covering and physical distancing requirements from its COVID-19 workplace protection rules for most establishments, with the exception of health care settings, public transit and airports.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a final rule that requires anyone who manufactures or imports 50 specified chemicals to report to the agency “certain lists and copies of unpublished health and safety studies” undertaken within the past decade.

Silver Spring, MD — Workers in construction trades are at “significantly” higher risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than non-construction workers, according to the results of a recent study.