Federal Agencies

Washington — NIOSH has issued criteria and interim guidance to help manufacturers produce and design masks intended to protect workers from COVID-19.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking to increase the area safety technology can be mounted inside commercial motor vehicles and expand the definition of “vehicle safety technology.”

Washington — OSHA has updated its enforcement guidance for tree care and tree removal operations.

Washington — Two environmental groups, along with 75 salon workers from across the country, have filed a citizen petition asking the Food and Drug Administration to ban hair straighteners containing formaldehyde.

Washington — The House Appropriations Committee is proposing a nearly $45 million increase to OSHA’s enforcement budget for fiscal year 2022, according to a committee report released July 14.

Washington — Staffing levels at OSHA and other agencies was among the topics Labor Secretary Marty Walsh addressed during a July 14 Senate appropriations subcommittee hearing.

Washington — Longtime occupational safety and health authority and author Fred Manuele, 96, jokingly refers to himself as a “failure” at retirement – given his inability to stop working.

Arlington, VA — Alarmed by a recent surge in fatal and nonfatal work-related injuries involving powered haulage activity, the Mine Safety and Health Administration on July 20 will host a national Stand Down for Safety Day to help educate miners and employers in a bid to reduce injuries.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Julie Su as deputy labor secretary, after a 50-47 vote on July 13.

Washington — Registration is open for the fifth annual Safe + Sound Week, a national initiative of OSHA, NIOSH and a coalition of safety organizations – including the National Safety Council.