Federal Agencies

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency wants to lower emissions of ethylene oxide – a gas that’s used to sterilize medical devices and has been linked to cancer and neurological problems.

Washington — President Joe Biden has issued an Executive Order that raises the bar for proposed federal regulations that require reviews by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.

Washington — In an effort to detect cases of black lung disease, NIOSH will offer free, confidential health screenings for current and former coal miners in Indiana and Texas.

Washington — A trial that allows select pork-processing facilities to operate at increased line speeds will continue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service says.

Washington — A new report concludes that offshore oil and gas operations have become safer since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, but it finds “little evidence” that the industry is working together on improving safety culture.

Washington — Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA) has reintroduced legislation that would provide temporary protection from deportation to immigrant workers who are victims of, or witnesses to, unsafe working conditions and other labor rights violations.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for May 10 to hear stakeholder input on how it can improve outreach and training efforts for its Whistleblower Protection Program.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has acquired a site in Mace, WV, that will house a facility supporting research programs focused on miner safety and health.

Washington — OSHA has published 2022 injury and illness data submitted by more than 300,000 establishments and says it’s working to identify employers who haven’t complied.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration uncovered hundreds of violations at mines with concerning compliance histories during recent impact inspections.