Federal Agencies

Washington — The House Appropriations Committee approved two budget bills involving safety agencies in markups July 10 and July 13.

Washington — Lacking a quorum and without clear policy on board member responsibilities amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the Chemical Safety Board faces multiple management challenges “that will impede the ability of the CSB to function effectively,” the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General states in a new report, issued July 6.

Washington — OSHA has finalized revisions to its beryllium standard for general industry. Announced July 13, the final rule includes changes to five definitions and the addition of one definition – beryllium sensitization.

Washington — NIOSH has extended until July 30 the comment period on three draft documents pertaining to hazardous drugs in health care.

Washington — The director of NIOSH’s Office for Total Worker Health says employers should think about the physical and mental health needs of their employees returning to the job amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atlanta — A new toolkit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is designed to help workplace safety and health professionals and public health officials assess manufacturing facilities’ COVID-19 infection prevention and control measures.

Washington — OSHA has published on its website answers to more than 40 frequently asked questions on protecting workers from exposure to COVID-19.

Washington — Two House budget bills involving safety agencies were approved by separate subcommittees July 8 in a marathon session of markups.

Washington — A coalition of safety advocacy groups, in conjunction with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, is petitioning the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to reconsider a controversial final rule the agency claims will add flexibility to hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers.

Washington — OSHA has rescheduled the seventh annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction for Sept. 14-18.