Hazards

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that high exposure to a chemical to remove paint and coatings can present risks to pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

Washington – OSHA has extended to Oct. 9 the comment period on its request for effective and efficient approaches to address hazardous chemical exposures in the workplace.

Washington – Stringent regulations from agencies such as OSHA could increase employer costs without improving safety, employers testified March 18 during a hearing before the House Small Business Committee.

Montgomery, AL – A group of 15 organizations says it will not stop fighting for worker protections in the poultry and meatpacking industries despite a recent setback.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez defended OSHA’s forthcoming silica standard to members of the House during a March 17 hearing convened by the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Oakland, CA – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s heat illness prevention Special Emphasis Program led to 3,575 inspections in 2014 – about one-third of which resulted in heat-related citations – the agency has announced.

Washington – Spurred by post-9/11 illnesses suffered by first responders, the Environmental Protection Agency will examine its corrosive dust standard to determine whether it provides adequate protection for workers and the public.

Washington – Although winter is coming to an end, OSHA is reminding employers and workers to be cautious when removing snow from roofs and other structures.

Rochester, MN – Health care workers who wear lead aprons for protection in radiology departments and interventional laboratories such as cardiac catheterization labs face a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain, indicates a recent study from the Mayo Clinic.

Washington – The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health has scheduled a public meeting on March 31 and April 1 to discuss a proposed revision to OSHA’s crane operator qualification requirement.