Federal Agencies

Washington — Improper use of thermal imaging systems can result in inaccurate temperature readings, the Food and Drug Administration is warning health care providers, consumers and other users.

Washington — The systematic review process used by the Environmental Protection Agency to complete chemical risk evaluations under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act contains multiple shortcomings, and the agency should “reconsider its overall strategy” for such assessments, concludes a recently published report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Washington — OSHA, NIOSH and a coalition of safety organizations – including the National Safety Council – are joining forces for the fifth annual Safe + Sound Week, scheduled for Aug. 9-15.

Washington — NIOSH, in partnership with the National Science Foundation, will provide funding for studies on the integration of robotic technologies in the workplace.

Itasca, IL — The future of work may include safety professionals contending with COVID-19 on some level for a long time, even with the recent rollout and widespread availability of vaccines. That was the warning from NIOSH Director John Howard during the Opening Session of the virtual National Safety Council Safety Congress & Expo on March 3.

Washington — OSHA received 15% more complaints during the first nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic than it did during the same period in 2019 – but conducted 50% fewer inspections, according to a Department of Labor Office of Inspector General audit report released March 2.

Itasca, IL — A next step for OSHA – after possibly issuing an emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19, which could come in a matter of weeks or days – may be initiating rulemaking on an infectious diseases standard.

Washington — A pair of House Republicans are urging the Department of Labor to solicit feedback from business owners and workers before OSHA moves forward with a potential emergency temporary standard related to COVID-19.

Washington — OSHA, NIOSH, the National Occupational Research Agenda, and CPWR – The Center for Construction Training and Research are providing free online resources to help employers prepare for the eighth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, set to take place May 3-7.

Itasca, IL — Fall Protection – General Requirements is OSHA’s most frequently cited standard for the 10th successive fiscal year, the agency announced Feb. 26 during an exclusive Safety+Health webinar.