Hazards

Silver Spring, MD — In an effort to prevent “opioid-related harms” in the construction industry, CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training has completed three new projects.

Lansing, MI — In addition to updating its temporary COVID-19 emergency rules intended to clarify employer requirements for protecting workers from exposure, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has rescinded a draft of permanent COVID-19 rules.

Secaucus, NJ — Paced by sharp rises in marijuana positivity rates, the positive drug test rate for U.S. workers continued at a historically high level in 2020, according to an annual analysis conducted by lab services provider Quest Diagnostics.

Washington — OSHA has published new guidance and resources intended to help employers and workers navigate the agency’s beryllium standards.

The NSC-led initiative wants to help employers ‘understand the spectrum of what they can do’ to safely return employees to the workplace.

Spot the hazard, assess the risk, make the change – these are common risk mitigation practices for employees working in and around the manufacturing production process. But what about the energy that can’t be seen?

Washington — OSHA is seeking to update the handrail and stair rail system requirements in its standard on walking-working surfaces for general industry.

Washington — Citing “continued concerns regarding personal protective equipment shortages in the agricultural sector,” the Environmental Protection Agency has extended until Sept. 30 the provision on “annual fit test delay” in temporary guidance intended to help protect workers who handle agricultural pesticides against exposure to COVID-19.

Portland, ME — A new online training course launched by the University of Southern Maine’s Cutler Institute focuses on protecting retail workers from exposure to COVID-19.