Stakeholders

Tumwater, WA — Ethylene oxide should not be used to sterilize filtering facepiece respirators for reuse because “this extremely hazardous toxic chemical poses a severe risk to human health,” the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries warns in a new alert.

Fairfax, VA — The National Utility Contractors Association, with support from OSHA and the North American Excavation Shoring Association, is calling on employers involved in trench work to participate in the fifth annual Trench Safety Stand Down, scheduled for June 15-19.

Washington — Department of Labor Inspector General Scott Dahl has announced he will retire from his position June 21.

Washington — Aimed at reducing COVID-19 exposure among construction workers, OSHA has created a new website with guidance for employers.

Washington — A new safety alert from OSHA lists steps that owners of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should take to reduce worker exposure and potential transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boston — Work-related post-traumatic stress disorder is a “growing concern” for nurses, who must keep up with ever-changing workplace responsibilities while balancing demands at home, a recent study review from Boston Children’s Hospital suggests.

Los Angeles — To help ensure the safety of people returning to work – as well as those already on the job – during the COVID-pandemic, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has released guidelines for workplace safety; worker participation; and compensation for sick, injured and at-risk workers.

Washington — The AFL-CIO has filed a lawsuit against OSHA and the Department of Labor, asking a federal court to require OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease amid the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington — NIOSH is asking for stakeholder comment on three draft documents pertaining to hazardous drugs in health care settings.

Washington — In an effort to better protect workers in the health care and public safety sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, NIOSH is approving a new class of powered air-purifying respirators, under an interim final rule published by the Department of Health and Human Services.