Federal Agencies

Washington — NIOSH is seeking comment on an agency plan to conduct research and develop resources on Workplace Supported Recovery Programs, which assist workers and employers affected by the nation’s opioid epidemic and other substance misuse disorders.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration’s direct final rule concerning advances in electronic detonators in metal and nonmetal mines has gone into effect, the agency announced March 18.

Washington — Employers looking for ways to protect their workers from exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic should adopt a team approach, according to NIOSH Director John Howard, who says that “it’s not too late” to develop a plan.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has added nearly 200 registered disinfectants to an online list of cleaning products that can help prevent and reduce the spread of the coronavirus, and has made the list sortable, searchable and printable.

Washington — More than three years after the Federal Railroad Administration published a final rule that requires commuter and intercity passenger lines to develop and implement system safety programs, FRA is amending the rule.

Washington — NIOSH, in conjunction with Wikipedia, has launched a yearlong campaign aimed at improving the free online encyclopedia’s content related to acoustics and the harmful effects of noise.

Washington — In an effort to preserve the supply of N95 filtering facepiece respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic, OSHA has temporarily suspended its requirement for annual respirator fit testing in the health care industry.

Washington — In an effort to prevent injuries related to commercial grease traps, OSHA has issued a hazard bulletin.

Washington — Are your cleaning products strong enough to protect against COVID-19? The Environmental Protection Agency has published a list of 83 registered disinfectants authorized to help prevent and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Itasca, IL — Employers preparing to protect their workers and communities from the spread of COVID-19 – now considered a pandemic by the World Health Organization – should “prepare, don’t scare,” them, an expert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is saying.