State News

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has approved two alternatives for complying with its rules on scissor lifts.

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced plans to offer an online version of its Traffic Incident Management Training Program for emergency responders.

St. Paul, MN – Power press operators should wear proper eye, hand and feet protection to avoid potential hazards created by their work, Minnesota OSHA warns in a recently issued safety hazard alert.

Topeka, KS – Kansas will launch a study to examine the possibility of creating a state agency to oversee occupational safety and health, under a bill signed May 12 by Gov. Sam Brownback (R).

Phoenix – OSHA’s threat to take away Arizona’s oversight of construction safety – prompted by alleged inadequacies in the state’s fall protection standard – is unnecessary in light of recently passed legislation, an attorney representing the state said in a May 1 letter to the federal agency.

Honolulu – In an effort to reduce workplace deaths and injuries in the Pacific region’s retail industry, OSHA has launched a Local Emphasis Program.

Indianapolis – OSHA’s recent investigation into Indiana’s State Plan program resulted in several “valid observations and useful recommendations,” the state said in its response sent to federal OSHA on April 11.

The head of Cal/OSHA is denying a former employee’s allegations that the State Plan plays politics with funding – and that worker safety is being jeopardized.

Fresno, CA – To help educate employers and workers about heat exposure at outdoor worksites, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health has launched its annual Heat Illness Prevention Program.

Salem, OR – The number of workplace deaths in Oregon declined slightly in 2013, according to preliminary figures from the state’s Department of Consumer and Business Services.