Federal Agencies

Washington — Commercial construction leaders are concerned about higher safety risks resulting from a shortage of skilled workers, according to the most recent results of a quarterly survey conducted by USG Corp. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Rockville, MD — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has introduced several resources intended to help first responders manage behavioral health issues that may arise from exposure to traumatic situations.

Washington — Spurred by destructive hurricanes and wildfires in parts of the country in recent months, OSHA is calling attention to its Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage, reminding employers to “plan ahead,” “know the hazards” and “keep safe.”

Washington — NIOSH has issued a guide intended to help employers select appropriate air-purifying respirators based on the environment and contaminants at specific jobsites.

Washington — By publishing the availability of expanded pesticide safety training materials after previously resisting the move, the Environmental Protection Agency will reduce risks of injury and illness among employers, farmworkers, pesticide handlers and their families, the EPA Office of Inspector General asserts in an audit report released Aug. 30.

Washington — The American Staffing Association on Sept. 12 will host a webinar reviewing OSHA’s latest Temporary Worker Initiative bulletin, which addresses noise exposure and hearing conservation.

Washington — OSHA has revised its safety and health topics page about Legionellosis to include updated information on preventing, identifying and managing workplace exposure to Legionella bacteria hazards.

Nashville, TN — Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta on Aug. 28 announced the opening of the Office of Compliance Initiatives, a cross-agency effort that the Department of Labor claims will complement DOL enforcement activities “by strengthening and innovating compliance assistance outreach.”

Washington — NIOSH has released a list of recent accomplishments by its Small Business Assistance Program, an initiative intended to help organizations with fewer than 50 employees limit occupational illnesses, injuries and fatalities through research and prevention.

Washington — The Senate made no changes to its proposed budgets for safety agencies in an appropriations “minibus” passed Aug. 23. Meanwhile, an amendment to protect the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s coal dust rule failed, but another intended to increase participation in black lung screening programs was added.