Federal Agencies

Washington – Nearly 40 percent of private-industry employees – about 44 million people – lack access to paid sick leave, according to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report released July 24.

Washington – Employers have an “ongoing obligation” to keep and maintain accurate injury and illness records, and that duty does not go away if an employer fails to record an incident, OSHA announced in a newly proposed rule.

The Chemical Safety Board pushes through new reforms intended to bring its “house in order.” But the reforms follow a controversial appointment of the agency’s new leader. What’s in the board’s future?

Washington – A stalemate between the two current members of the Chemical Safety Board means the agency’s final investigation report on the 2009 Caribbean Petroleum refinery explosion remains in limbo.

Washington – The Department of Labor has extended to Aug. 11 the deadline for public comment on proposed guidance for the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order.

Washington – OSHA has reversed an interpretation on the use of kinesiology tape to treat worker injuries, saying use of the elastic tape is considered first aid and injuries treated with it are not recordable.

Washington – In response to requests from the construction industry, OSHA is delaying full enforcement of its recently promulgated Confined Spaces in Construction Standard to allow employers additional time to comply with the rule.

Washington – Rafael Moure-Eraso stepped down from the Chemical Safety Board in March, but the controversy surrounding his tenure as the agency’s leader appears to be far from over.

Washington – OSHA has released a video emphasizing that young workers have the right to a safe workplace.

Washington – After more than two decades in development, OSHA’s final rule on walking/working surfaces to address slips, trips and falls is under White House review.