Federal Agencies

Boston — Spurred by an “alarming” and “unacceptable” number of incidents in the tree and landscaping industries throughout New England in recent years, OSHA has launched a Regional Emphasis Program intended to reduce the risks of injury and death faced by workers in these industries.

Washington — The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General will conduct an audit of the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s ability to complete required safety and health inspections amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Orleans — The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has put a temporary halt to OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking by granting an emergency motion Nov. 5.

Arlington, VA — A new video from the Mine Safety and Health Administration is intended to raise awareness of pillar collapses in underground mines.

Washington — OSHA will officially publish its emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination and testing, which will apply to employers with more than 100 employees, in the Nov. 5 Federal Register.

Washington — NIOSH is seeking input as it moves to develop a national awareness and education campaign focused on safeguarding and improving the mental health and well-being of health service workers.

Washington — Legislation introduced Oct. 20 by House and Senate Democrats would direct OSHA to publicize major workplace safety violations by widely distributing the news to local media outlets and other groups.

Washington — Nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses in the U.S private sector, as well as the nonfatal injury and illness rate, decreased slightly in 2020. However, estimated injuries and illnesses that resulted in at least one day of lost work soared by nearly a third amid the COVID-19 pandemic, data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows.

Kansas City, MO — A new Regional Emphasis Program from OSHA is aimed at protecting workers in the Midwest from occupational exposure to hazardous and potentially carcinogenic substances such as asbestos, formaldehyde and cadmium.

Washington — The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health has scheduled a virtual public meeting for Nov. 16.