Workplace Exposures

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has removed the face covering and physical distancing requirements from its COVID-19 workplace protection rules for most establishments, with the exception of health care settings, public transit and airports.

Silver Spring, MD — Workers in construction trades are at “significantly” higher risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than non-construction workers, according to the results of a recent study.

Alexandria, VA — About 6 out of 10 U.S. adults believe masks should be a requirement for workers at onsite locations, even if those workers are fully vaccinated, according to the results of a recent Harris Poll survey commissioned by the American Staffing Association.

Washington — OSHA has issued a directive on inspection procedures and enforcement policies for its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard covering health care workers.

I own a cannabis business. What chemical hazards are my employees exposed to, and how can I assess and prevent health and safety risks?

Tumwater, WA — Vapors from isopropyl alcohol solutions and disinfecting wipes can irritate workers’ eyes, nose and throat; cause dizziness and headaches; and build up in the air and easily ignite, warns a new hazard alert from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

Sacramento, CA — Revisions to California’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 have been adopted by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, ending a tumultuous process that nearly forced fully vaccinated workers to continue following mask and physical distance rules.

Why do individual workers respond to heat so differently?

New York — Fewer than 10% of the estimated 250,000 employees who contracted COVID-19 while on the job last year in New York state filed for workers’ compensation benefits, and fewer than 1% have received a hearing, according to a recent report from the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

Chicago — OSHA has launched a Regional Emphasis Program to address on-the-job noise hazards in the Midwest manufacturing industry.