Stakeholders

Washington – The federal government’s Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order 13673 final rule is unconstitutional and should be voided, according to a lawsuit filed Oct. 7 by Associated Builders and Contractors, its chapter in southeast Texas, and the National Association of Security Companies.

Washington – The health care industry commonly uses scavenging systems to protect operating room personnel from exposure to anesthetic gases or vapors that are released or leak out during medical procedures, but other recommended practices are not always observed, according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Washington – United Farm Workers and several community health groups have petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency to immediately suspend widespread use of chlorpyrifos, a neurotoxic pesticide already acknowledged to pose poisoning risks to workers.

Washington – NIOSH has added 34 drugs to its list of those that have the potential to be hazardous to an estimated 8 million U.S. health care workers.

Cincinnati – Night-shift workers have the highest risk for sleep problems compared with all other workers, according to a recent study from NIOSH.

Oakbrook Terrace, IL – An online resource center developed by accreditation organization The Joint Commission is aimed at preventing workplace violence in the health care industry.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency and the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative have released a guide intended to help agricultural pesticide handlers, workers and managers comply with 2015 revisions to the federal Worker Protection Standard.

Washington – Beginning in 2017, employers with federal government contracts must provide their workers with up to seven days of paid sick leave per year, according to a Department of Labor final rule published Sept. 29.

Beginning in late October, prospective federal contractors will be required to disclose previous labor-law violations. Not surprisingly, pro-industry supporters and worker advocates are divided over the regulation’s potential impact.

Washington – Should first-year medical residents be allowed to work shifts longer than 16 hours? The vast majority of respondents to a recent poll say “no.”