State News

New York – Nearly half a million more New York City workers will receive paid sick leave under recently passed legislation that expands the scope of a law passed last year.

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is scheduled to host its 10th annual Take a Stand Day on Aug. 13.

Los Angeles – California state Sen. Ron Calderon (D) has been indicted for taking bribes in connection with a workers’ compensation fraud scheme.

Washington – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health is severely understaffed, has weakened worker protections and is resource-starved, according to a new report from Garrett Brown, a 20-year veteran of the agency.

Falls Church, VA – With the federal government occupied with budgetary issues and having to deal with a “broken” rulemaking process, states may end up taking their own steps to craft occupational safety and health legislation and regulation, according to the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

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.