Federal Agencies

Washington — Although still navigating the federal onboarding process since her Dec. 13 Senate confirmation, Chemical Safety Board member-in-waiting Catherine J.K. Sandoval spoke during the agency’s Jan. 26 public business meeting.

Washington — OSHA has revised its National Emphasis Program on combustible dust. The updated NEP, which went into effect Jan. 30, reflects combustible dust incident reports and enforcement history.

Arlington, VA — In response to a number of fatalities and serious injuries involving miners working near highwalls in recent years, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert on the associated hazards.

Washington — Safety scofflaws may face increased citations and penalties under an OSHA policy set to go into effect in March.

Washington — The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement will govern workplace safety and environmental compliance at offshore renewable energy facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, according to the Department of the Interior.

Washington — Although some employers may incorrectly assume otherwise, people with a hearing disability can be safe and effective workers, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission says in a recently updated document.

Washington — OSHA is warning employers and workers about the risk of hydrogen sulfide poisoning in the agency’s latest edition of Fatal Facts.

Washington — A new poster and infographic from OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration offer best practices to help mine operators and workers mitigate heat-related hazards and prevent heat illness.

Washington — Trichloroethylene, as a whole chemical substance, poses “unreasonable risk” to workers under certain conditions, the Environmental Protection Agency states in a newly issued final revised risk determination.

Washington — Discharge piping in chemical plants should be separate from areas that may contain workers, the Chemical Safety Board states in a final report on a May 2018 chemical release and fire at the Kuraray America Inc. plant in Pasadena, TX.