Federal Agencies

Washington — Despite precautionary safety measures put in place months earlier, a chemical plant in Conyers, GA, still experienced multiple fires and a “massive plume of potentially toxic smoke” that endangered the surrounding community, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Washington — Civil penalties issued by OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration will increase approximately 2.6% on Jan. 15.

Washington — The eighth annual Safe + Sound Week, a national initiative aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of workplace safety and health programs, is set for Aug. 11-17.

Washington — Legislation recently introduced in the Senate would direct the Department of Veterans Affairs to research the effects of “repetitive low-level blast injuries” on the mental health of military veterans.

Washington — A proclamation signed by President Joe Biden on Dec. 16 establishes a national monument for former Labor Secretary Frances Perkins.

Washington — Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) is the new chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee for the 119th Congress, which kicked off Jan. 3.

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration is seeking to bring “clarity, transparency and consistency” to the process by which railroads petition to have safety requirements waived or suspended.

Washington — For workers who are exposed to arc flash hazards, the type of personal protective clothing they’re wearing may mean the difference between being severely injured or walking away unharmed.

Washington — Citing an uptick of incidents at chemical facilities over the past few winters, the Chemical Safety Board is urging refineries, chemical plants and other facilities that contain hazardous materials to prepare for freezing temperatures.

Washington — Updates to an Environmental Protection Agency tool that can be used to analyze chemicals and predict whether they have carcinogenic effects are geared toward “expanding the tool’s usability.”