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State Health Departments Urging Procrastinators to Get Flu Shots

"If you haven't gotten a flu shot yet, don't hesitate; there's still time," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said. "The flu vaccine is the best precaution you can take, and it not only helps protect you, but also your family members, neighbors, co-workers, and anyone you come in contact with. We're seeing increasing numbers of flu cases across the commonwealth, so don't wait to get your shot."

HELP Committee May Take Up Mugno Nomination

President Donald J. Trump nominated Mugno, who was vice president for Safety, Sustainability and Vehicle Maintenance at FedEx Ground in Pittsburgh, Pa., to be the head of OSHA on Oct. 27, 2017. The failure of the U.S. Senate to confirm him for well over a year has puzzled many safety professionals and their professional organizations.

Ohio Governor Signs Domestic Violence Executive Order

His order directs all state agencies, boards, and commissions to take necessary corrective actions, up to and including termination, when an employee commits or threatens to commit domestic violence on state property, at state-sponsored events, or when using state resources; and to contact law enforcement if an incident occurs.

Eighteen Volcanoes Ranked Highest in New USGS Threat Assessment

The new assessment updates one done in 2005. It indicates 161 U.S. volcanoes pose potential threats to American lives and property. The eighteen very highest threat volcanoes are in Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, while 39 other volcanoes are high threat, 49 are moderate, 34 are low, and 21 are very low threat.

NIOSH Reopens Comment Period on Fentanyl-Protective Products in PPE Database

The reopened comment period is for the agency's invitation to manufacturers to take part in an expansion of the PPE-Info database by adding products that protect against fentanyl exposure.

Agency Recommends Revamping Taxiways at Canada's Busiest Airport

The board's investigation found that all 27 runway incursions at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International Airport between June 2012 and November 2017 happened on the inner runway after the flight crews involved had landed on the outer runway and were taxiing on a rapid-exit taxiway between the two runways. It found that several characteristics of the rapid exits in this area are different from almost every other major airport in North America.

Cal/OSHA Reminds Employers to Post 2018 Injury and Illness Summaries

Summaries of work-related injuries and illnesses must be posted each year from February 1 through April 30, even if no workplace injuries occurred during the prior year.

Oregon OSHA's 2019 Safety Break Set for May 8

Now in its 16th year, Safety Break encourages employers to bolster workplace safety and health with training, award recognition gatherings, or other creative activities.



If It's Super Bowl Week, Counterfeit Cops Are Busy

Special agents from ICE teamed with industry, Customs and Border Protection, Atlanta police officers, and other partner agencies to identify flea markets, retail outlets, and street vendors selling counterfeit goods during the week leading up to Super Bowl LIII. They seized fake jerseys, hats, cell phone accessories, and thousands of other bogus items.

Coast Guard Suspends Search for Alaska Aircraft

The Guardian Flight twin-engine King Air with three employees on board went missing Jan. 29.

Report Finds Construction Fatalities Continue to Increase in New York State

In the "Deadly Skyline: An Annual Report on Construction Fatalities in New York State" report, researchers found that while New York State has seen an increase in fatalities related to construction, construction fatality rates in New York City construction continue to decrease.

Solid Waste Industry Experienced Unprecedented Increase in Fatal Incidents in January 2019

"The surge in fatal incidents involving solid waste personnel and vehicles in January is unprecedented in my 20-plus years in the industry and is unacceptable," said David Biderman, executive director and CEO of SWANA.

Northern Virginia Highways Projects Announced

In all, Transurban has committed more than $1 billion over the next five years to fund enhancements to the regional transportation network.

House Labor Committee's Subcommittee Chairs Chosen

Chairman Bobby Scott also announced the committee's first four hearings will concern protections for workers with pre-existing conditions, gradually raising the federal minimum wage to $15, investing in America's public schools, and preventing gender-based wage discrimination.

Indiana State Senator Seeks to Scrap Child Labor Laws

Sen. Chip Perfect, CEO of a ski resort that employs hundreds of minors, is getting noticed for his bill seeking to remove restrictions on the hours 16- and 17-year-old employees can work.

WMATA Planning $1.4 Billion in Safety, Reliability Improvements

Metro says its $3.4 billion proposed capital and operating budget "prioritizes safety and compliance, investing $1.4 billion through Metro's Capital Improvement Program for safety and reliability improvements, rebuilding the Metro system and improving the effectiveness of the current rail and bus network."

Active Shooter Exercise Set in Key West

The purpose of the Feb. 1 exercise is to test multiple agencies' response policies, plans, and procedures to an active shooter incident within the maritime domain.

NFPA Project on Remote Inspections Seeks Committee Members

NFPA staff will return to the Standards Council in April with a proposed start-up roster. Those interested in participating in standards development as a technical committee member are asked to submit an application by Feb. 27.

What NTSB Couldn't Do During the Shutdown

The 35-day partial government shutdown prevented NTSB from dispatching investigators to 22 accidents. These were 15 aviation accidents resulting in 21 fatalities; three marine accidents; two railroad accidents resulting in two fatalities; and two highway accidents resulting in seven fatalities and 15 injuries.

Fort Worth Hospital's CEO Criticizes Elevator Contractor

An employee was seriously injured Jan. 20 in one of John Peter Smith Hospital’s elevators. President and CEO Robert Earley’s Jan. 29 letter to a ThyssenKrupp Elevator Corporation regional president says seven of the hospital’s elevators were out of service on Jan. 25.

Product Showcase

  • Safety Knives

    The Safety Knife Company has developed a quality range of safety knives for all industries. Designed so that fingers cannot get to the blades, these knives will safely cut through cardboard, tape, strapping, shrink or plastic wrap or a variety of other packing materials. Because these knives have no exposed blades and only cut cardboard deep, they will not only protect employees against lacerations but they will also save product. The Metal Detectable versions have revolutionary metal detectable polypropylene knife bodies specifically for the food and pharmaceutical industries. This material can be detected and rejected by typical detection machines and is X-ray visible. Read More

  • The MGC Simple Plus

    The MGC Simple Plus is a simple-to-use, portable multi gas detector that runs continuously for three years without being recharged or routinely calibrated after its initial charge and calibration during manufacturing. The detector reliably tests a worksite’s atmosphere for hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, oxygen and combustible gases (LEL). Its durability enables the detector to withstand the harshest treatment and environments, hence earning it an IP 68 rating. The MGC Simple Plus is also compatible with a variety of accessories, such as the GCT External Pump. Visit gascliptech.com for more information. Read More

  • Full Line of Defense Against Combustible Dust Nilfisk

    Nilfisk provides a comprehensive range of industrial vacuums meticulously crafted to adhere to NFPA 652 housekeeping standards, essential for gathering combustible dust in Class I, Group D, and Class II, Groups E, F & G environments or non-classified settings. Our pneumatic vacuums are meticulously engineered to fulfill safety criteria for deployment in hazardous surroundings. Leveraging advanced filtration technology, Nilfisk ensures the secure capture of combustible materials scattered throughout your facility, ranging from fuels, solvents, and metal dust to flour, sugar, and pharmaceutical powders. Read More

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