Federal Agencies

Washington — Concerned about the effects a potential OSHA mandate for COVID-19 vaccination and testing in the workplace would have on certain businesses, the Republicans on the House Education and Labor Committee are calling on Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to suspend work on that effort.

Washington — As part of its efforts to “reduce the impact of the opioid overdose epidemic among construction workers,” NIOSH is sharing recommendations and resources.

New Orleans — A recent string of Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement performance-based risk inspections uncovered various hazards related to dropped objects on production and well operations, according to a Sept. 14 safety alert outlining the findings.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting on how it can improve its Whistleblower Protection Program, particularly where migrant and other vulnerable workers are concerned.

Washington — Prompted by a recent spate of deaths during diving operations, particularly at power generation facilities, OSHA has issued a safety alert on diving work performed near drains, tunnels, pipes and valves.

Washington — A trio of Chemical Safety Board nominees moved a step closer to confirmation after the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee advanced their nominations on Sept. 22.

Washington — NIOSH has issued a pair of fact sheets on filtering facepiece respirators, detailing how to tell if an N95 is approved by the agency as well as procedures for fit testing and testing filtration efficiency.

Washington — OSHA is initiating a multipronged approach to protecting workers from extreme heat exposure, both outdoors and indoors, the agency has announced.

Washington — OSHA has awarded more than $6.7 million in training and education grants to 37 nonprofit organizations, the agency has announced.

Washington — The House Education and Labor Committee is proposing substantial increases to OSHA fines as part of the budget resolution for fiscal year 2022, which begins Oct. 1.