State News

Portland, OR — Logging is a high-risk occupation. A new online training program from the Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences is aimed at educating logging industry workers on rigging and yarding safety.

Los Angeles — Eighty-nine community-based organizations are set to receive a combined $25.2 million in funding from the California Department of Industrial Relations to promote workplace safety and provide worker rights education.

Carson City, NV — Recently introduced legislation would ban autonomous trucks and buses weighing more than 26,000 pounds from being tested or operated on Nevada highways without a trained human operator on board.

Harrisburg, PA — A bipartisan bill that would extend OSHA protections to state and municipal workers is on the move in the Pennsylvania Legislature.

Frankfort, KY — A free training video created by the Kentucky Labor Cabinet’s Division of Education and Training is focused on effective machine guarding to eliminate incidents and injuries associated with moving machine parts.

St. Paul, MN — Bipartisan legislation that would bolster protections for workers who use scuba gear while destroying or harvesting aquatic plants is awaiting the signature of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D).

Tallahassee, FL — Advancing in the Florida Senate: a bill that would allow some 14- and 15-year-olds to work overnight shifts and would remove restrictions on 16- and 17-year-olds working before 6:30 a.m. and after 11 p.m. during the school week.

Frankfort, KY — A new Kentucky law reduces – to one from two – the number of certified emergency medical and mine emergency technicians required during each shift at small underground coal mines.

Annapolis, MD — A recently introduced bill that would protect Maryland fire and rescue workers from certain disciplinary actions for off-duty medical cannabis use has advanced out of the state Senate.

Tallahassee, FL — Legislation recently introduced in Florida would require employers to take measures – including providing water breaks and shaded rest areas – to protect outdoor workers from extreme heat.