State News

Nashville – Participants in Tennessee’s Voluntary Protection Program have injury and illness rates that are 70 percent lower than national industry averages, according to the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – Gauging the effectiveness of federal and state-run OSHA programs is one of the Department of Labor’s biggest challenges, according to the DOL Office of Inspector General.

As the reported number of worker fatalities and injuries continues to trend downward, budgetary uncertainty may affect OSHA’s role in helping to create safer workplaces. And after more than 40 years of the agency’s existence, how has that role evolved?

In addition to its National Emphasis Programs, OSHA creates Local and Regional Emphasis Programs to target hazards found in specific areas of the country. Safety+Health presents an interactive map showing some of the local and regional programs currently in effect.

Washington – The majority of New York City construction workers killed on the job in 2011 and 2012 did not participate in state-approved training and apprenticeship programs, according to a Public Citizen report released Nov. 14.

Cheyenne, WY – Quick declines in Wyoming’s fatal and nonfatal injury rates are not likely to occur, despite several initiatives focusing on workplace safety, according to a new report from C. Mack Sewell, the state’s occupational epidemiologist.

Tumwater, WA – A 60-second animated video titled “The Teen Worker’s Survival Guide” has won a student safety and health video contest from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Salem, OR – Oregon high school students are invited to submit videos for the 2013 “Speak up. Work safe.” public service announcement contest.

Washington – State-run occupational safety and health programs are being affected by the federal government shutdown and have begun reducing staff and hours.

Portland, OR – A total of 59 workers died on the job in Oregon in 2011, an increase of more than 15 percent from 2010, according to a new report from the Oregon Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program.