Here’s What’s New in OSHA Compliance
OSHA Targets Silica Hazards in Cut Stone Industry
On May 17, OSHA will be enforcing a new regional emphasis program (REP) for silica in Region 8, according to an April 20 press release. The program will focus on protecting workers in the cut stone and stone products manufacturing industry. Workers can be exposed to...
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Federal Workers Back in Effect
The Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal employees is back in effect after The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ended a district court’s injunction with a 2-1 decision on April 7. Initially, federal employees had until Nov. 30 to get...
REPORT: Occupational Pesticide Exposure Linked to COPD
According to the results of a recent study posted in Thorax on Jan. 26, workers exposed to pesticides may face a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study used UK Biobank data of nearly 95,000 participants, then segmented the...
EPA Proposes Sweeping Ban on Asbestos
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed a new rule that would ban the use of chrysotile asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral that can cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Chrysotile asbestos is the only form of the material imported into the United States....
OSHA Proposes Change in Recordkeeping Standard
On March 29, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed amendments to its injury and recordkeeping regulation, 29 CFR 1904.41. The proposed rule would require certain high-risk industry businesses to electronically submit additional information...
OSHA Reopens COVID-19 Rule for Healthcare Workers
On March 22, OSHA reopened its rule-making record for the proposed final rule on COVID-19 exposure protection for healthcare workers. The agency, which now seeks comments and data, also scheduled an informal public hearing -- to be held on April 27 -- to develop a...
OSHA Fines PA Recycler $88K for Combustible Dust Hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) takes its job seriously. Break the rules, and you can expect to face steep OSHA fines and penalties. In severe cases, you could even face criminal charges. Now, following an inspection of a Pennsylvania...
Business Owner Personally Liable for $2 Million in OSHA Fines
When OSHA fines are handed down, they don’t usually target individuals. However, when you’re one of the biggest offenders of the past decade, all bets are off. Now, after years of violations, one New Jersey business owner is being held directly responsible. Recently,...
The Dramatic Toll of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers
Just a few months ago, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released their annual workplace injury and illness report. Comparing data from 2019-2020, it reveals the significant impact of COVID-19 across all workplaces. However, while nearly all areas felt the sting to one...
NIOSH Takes Step Toward Reducing Silica Dust Exposure in Mines
Recently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) published a booklet to help miners reduce their exposure to respirable dust in metal and nonmetal mines. These controls not only reduce dangerous respiratory problems, they also lower the risk...