Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency, in accordance with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, is seeking comment on proposed “significant new use” rules for 45 chemical substances that are subject to agency premanufacture notices.

Seattle — The cannabis industry needs federal regulations and guidance on workplace safety, according to University of Washington professor and researcher Christopher Simpson.

Lansing, MI — Michigan OSHA, with the support of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), has implemented temporary emergency rules intended to clarify employer requirements for protecting workers from exposure to COVID-19.

Tumwater, WA — A new e-tool from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is intended to help employers and workers choose the appropriate mask, facial covering or respirator based on the COVID-19 exposure risk level of specific job duties.

Washington — Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia has renewed the two-year charter for the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, OSHA announced in a notice published in the Oct. 2 Federal Register.

Atlanta — Workplace water systems in facilities that have had reduced occupancy or have been unoccupied during the COVID-19 pandemic are at increased risk for bacterial growth such as Legionella, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and a Canadian safety and health training center are warning employers and building managers.

Itasca, IL — The National Safety Council recently announced its 11th class of Rising Stars of Safety – a group of leaders younger than 40 who are dedicated to making workplaces safer.

Washington — Two dozen Democratic senators have taken issue with the dollar amounts OSHA has chosen to levy against employers in its individual COVID-19-related fines.

In Episode 8, the Safety+Health team discusses the importance of hearing loss prevention efforts in the workplace with Thais Morata, a NIOSH research audiologist. Also, we talk about the safety and health impacts of diversity, equity and inclusion on workers.

Registration is open for the virtual State of COVID-19 Response and Future World of Work Summit, scheduled for 9 a.m. Central on Dec. 9.