Hazards

Washington — Citing pending litigation, the Environmental Protection Agency has again delayed the effective date of certain provisions of a final rule that bans the use of the toxic chemical trichloroethylene.

Portland, OR — In response to seven worker deaths caused by heat-related illnesses in the state over a recent 11-year period, the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences has issued a hazard alert.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency says compliance dates for its ban on uses of methylene chloride have been extended for nonfederal laboratories involved in “the industrial or commercial use” of the carcinogenic chemical “in a laboratory process or in specialized laboratory equipment.”

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is asking for feedback on a proposed study of how truck drivers’ work schedules affect their fatigue levels and performance.

Chicago — A recent study of 246 drivers killed in traffic crashes over a nearly six-year period found that over 40% had active THC – the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis – in their system.

Frankfort, KY — The state of Kentucky is moving to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine, more commonly known as 7-OH, as a Schedule I narcotic and will seek to limit its sale and distribution, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) recently announced.

Seoul, South Korea — Worker exposure to air pollution “may significantly increase the risk of safety liability accidents” in multiple industries, according to the results of a recent study.

Montreal — A recent study of apprentice welders revealed a “significant increase” in metal levels in urine, nail and hair samples taken over the duration of their three-module training program.

Tumwater, WA — Prompted by the recent homicides of five rideshare drivers and a delivery driver, the Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program has issued a hazard alert.

Oak Ridge, TN — Contract workers are testing new remote equipment designed to help them avoid “some of the most challenging, contaminated environments” involving radioactive material during deactivation and demolition projects at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy says.