Federal Agencies

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez faced sharp scrutiny during a recent Senate subcommittee hearing over accusations that OSHA ignored “congressional intent” regarding the agency’s enforcement policy for retail establishments under the Process Safety Management Standard.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is calling for increased focus on safety during April, one of the deadliest months of the year for the mining industry.

Washington – The House Budget Committee issued a report March 23 calling for “commonsense reforms” to OSHA enforcement that include barring the agency from issuing fines in certain situations.

Washington – OSHA has issued a final rule that revises requirements for face and eye protection for workers in general industry, construction and longshoring, as well as at shipyards and marine terminals.

Deaths among communication tower workers have increased, prompting OSHA to ask for input on how to reverse the trend. A recent workshop hosted by OSHA and the Federal Communications Commission explored best practices for keeping climbers safe.

Washington – OSHA has released its final rule on protecting workers from exposure to silica, marking the agency’s first updated regulation for the material since 1971.

Washington – Drivers 55 and older face double the risk of dying in a work-related motor vehicle crash than younger workers, according to a new fact sheet from NIOSH on how employers and workers can prevent crashes involving older drivers.

Washington – Safety knows no boundaries. A recent pact between the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and NASA aims to prevent injuries among oil and gas workers on the Outer Continental Shelf.

Washington – OSHA’s final rule on silica is expected to be published in the near future, Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez told the House Education and the Workforce Committee during a March 16 hearing about the Department of Labor’s policies and priorities.

Washington – Transportation officials want to hear from stakeholders about the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea among rail workers and commercial motor vehicle drivers, as well as the best methods to diagnose and treat the disorder.