Regulations/Legislation Archives - Safety+Health Magazine

Heat protections for workers: a regulatory update

Alan Ferguson — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 07:01:43 +0000

An overview of important developments at the federal and state level.

The post Heat protections for workers: a regulatory update appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

Democrat leaders seek withdrawal of DOL’s proposed ‘joint employer’ changes

S+H Staff — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 18:51:20 +0000

Washington — A pair of key Democrats on the House Education and Workforce Committee are calling on the Department of Labor to withdraw proposed changes to its rule on determining joint employer status. In a June 22 letter addressed to acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA), the committee’s ranking member, and Ilhan […]

The post Democrat leaders seek withdrawal of DOL’s proposed ‘joint employer’ changes appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

Rhode Island lawmakers want to make assaulting rail transit workers a felony

S+H Staff — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:34:11 +0000

Providence, RI — Legislation recently introduced in Rhode Island would extend protection to rail transit workers who are assaulted on the job. Under current law, an “assault” is defined as “knowingly and willfully either striking or spraying with a noxious chemical, commonly used as a personal defense weapon, including Mace.” It covers a wide range […]

The post Rhode Island lawmakers want to make assaulting rail transit workers a felony appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

On the move: bill that would shield stone slab manufacturers from silicosis lawsuits

S+H Staff — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:06:54 +0000

Washington — The House Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would shield stone slab product manufacturers and sellers from lawsuits related to silicosis caused by workplace exposure to silica dust. After a 16-7 vote on June 3, H.R. 5437 now moves to the full House for consideration. The bill places blame for workers’ health problems […]

The post On the move: bill that would shield stone slab manufacturers from silicosis lawsuits appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

North Carolina eliminates ‘death discount’

S+H Staff — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:53:34 +0000

Raleigh, NC — The North Carolina Department of Labor will no longer reduce employer penalties in cases involving worker deaths. Under a directive issued by Commissioner Luke Farley on April 29, “penalties assessed for violations that are a proximate cause of a fatality shall not be adjusted. All other violations found during the inspection may […]

The post North Carolina eliminates ‘death discount’ appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

EPA’s proposed chemical safety revisions would ‘hinder’ good practices, safety board says

S+H Staff — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:18:31 +0000

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed revisions to the chemical facility safety provisions under its Risk Management Program rule represent “a significant step backward,” the Chemical Safety Board says. CSB provided input in a May 5 letter from agency Chair Steve Owens and board member Sylvia Johnson. The correspondence sent to EPA included CSB’s […]

The post EPA’s proposed chemical safety revisions would ‘hinder’ good practices, safety board says appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

OSHA schedules virtual hearings on proposed rules and deregulatory efforts

S+H Staff — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 17:50:28 +0000

Washington — OSHA is scheduled to kick off a series of virtual public hearings on more than 20 proposed rules, all of which are part of the agency’s deregulatory efforts. According to a notice published on June 3, 16 of the proposed rules apply to chemical substances, including 1,3-butadiene, asbestos, benzene, cotton dust and lead. […]

The post OSHA schedules virtual hearings on proposed rules and deregulatory efforts appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

DOT: Medical marijuana ban still in place for safety-sensitive workers

S+H Staff — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:48:06 +0000

Washington — Truck drivers and other safety-sensitive transportation workers can’t legally use state-licensed medical marijuana despite federal action to ease restrictions under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Department of Transportation recently clarified. In a notice issued May 15, DOT’s Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance and agency general counsel state that […]

The post DOT: Medical marijuana ban still in place for safety-sensitive workers appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

NSC helping California employers prepare for opioid-reversal medication requirement

S+H Staff — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:35:10 +0000

Washington — New resources from the National Safety Council are intended to prepare California employers for a forthcoming requirement to include opioid-reversal medications in their workplace first aid kits. Under A.B. 1976, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 27, 2024, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is directed to draft, by […]

The post NSC helping California employers prepare for opioid-reversal medication requirement appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.

‘Robust’ transportation funding bill on the move in the House

S+H Staff — Wed, 27 May 2026 18:16:22 +0000

Washington — The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has sent to the full House a funding bill that would allocate $750 million to expand truck parking, as well as secure other safety provisions. The Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act (H.R. 8870) advanced after a 62-2 committee vote on May 22. […]

The post ‘Robust’ transportation funding bill on the move in the House appeared first on Safety+Health Magazine.