Hazards

Falls Church, VA – Oil and gas workers are exposed to respirable crystalline silica during directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations, a new NIOSH study concludes.

Washington – The U.S. Park Rangers Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police is calling on the National Park Service to implement a plan that the organization claims will help improve the safety of employees in national parks.

Washington – Farmworkers are inadequately protected from pesticide exposure, according to a new report from advocacy group Farmworker Justice.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 33 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2011.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is warning air-conditioning technicians, contractors, and propane manufacturers and sellers that the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants in air-conditioning systems can lead to fires or explosions.

Washington – OSHA needs to issue more regulations that protect health care workers and conduct more inspections of facilities in that industry, according to a report released July 17 by advocacy group Public Citizen.

Richmond, CA – Agencies tasked with overseeing refinery safety in California need better coordination and stronger regulation, concludes a new report from the state’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety.

Washington – Air carriers that also conduct commercial air tours as well as commuter or on-demand operators that also conduct commercial air tours will now be allowed to use one combined alcohol and drug testing program instead of two, under a final rule from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Arlington, VA – The American Transportation Research Institute, the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, has launched a website on commercial motor vehicle operator fatigue management.

Washington – OSHA expects to issue highly anticipated proposed rules for its Silica and Injury and Illness Prevention Program standards within the next few months, according to the Spring Regulatory Agenda, published July 3.