State News

The landscaping industry has a new resource to help workers stay safe on the job. A 28-page publication from Oregon OSHA covers best practices regarding lawn care equipment, ladders, noise exposure, pesticides, personal protective equipment, trenching and more.

Sacramento, CA – Juliann Sum has been named chief of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) made the appointment on Dec. 3.

Washington – California should strengthen its process safety management regulations for refineries, the Chemical Safety Board stated in a final report on a fire at a Chevron refinery in 2012.

Phoenix – The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health believes OSHA will reject the state’s residential construction fall protection standard, and has scheduled free classes on complying with federal fall protection requirements.

Salt Lake City – Under a new Local Emphasis Program beginning Nov. 1, Utah OSHA will closely examine establishments in industries that use equipment or machinery – such as conveyors, drills or saws – known to cause amputations.

Lansing, MI – Up to $5,000 in matching grant funding is available for Michigan employers looking to purchase safety and health-related equipment.

Phoenix – As it faces losing its State Plan status, the Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health is standing by its assertion that the state’s fall protection standard is “as effective as” federal OSHA’s requirement.

Honolulu – The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division will resume oversight of the state’s general industry this October.

Lansing, MI – Free videos offering safety tips and best practices for employers in the accommodations industry will be available to stream as part of a pilot program from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Indianapolis – In 2013, 123 Indiana workers died – an increase from 115 in 2012 – but it was still the third lowest number recorded, according to the Indiana Department of Labor.