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OSHA, ISEA Sign Two-Year Alliance

They plan to provide members, employers, and workers with information on how to properly select, use, maintain, and store PPE and safety equipment, as well as share information on developments in national consensus standards for personal protective and safety equipment.

NIST Rethinks the Nickel

The researchers have come up with a way to cut the cost of materials for the coin. Their results also may aid high-tech companies looking for new materials to use in resilient electronics such as phones and laptops, according to the agency.

NFPA Moving CO Alarm Requirements into Fire Alarm Code

NFPA task groups and technical committees have worked during the past three years to integrate the requirements of NFPA 720 into NFPA 72. NFPA's goal is to provide smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm requirements in a single, comprehensive document.

The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of 20,400 primary care physicians by 2020.

NIOSH Publishes Research Agenda for Health Care and Social Assistance

Comments are due by Aug. 20 on the document. It outlines suggested research work to improve both health care workers' and their patients' safety, prevent workplace violence in health care settings, and improve infection control in health care workplaces, as well as determine the impact of strategies and technologies for preventing sharps injuries.

California Confirms First WNV Cases of 2018

The risk of serious illness to most people is low, but some people can develop serious illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis. In 2017, there were 553 reported WNV cases in California, including 44 deaths.

ATSDR Publishes Toxicological Profile for Perfluoroalkyls

People can be exposed to PFAs in the air; in indoor dust, food, and water; and in some home products. The main sources of exposure to PFAs, such as PFOA and PFOS, are usually from eating food and drinking water that has these chemicals.

California Utility Takes $2.5B Charge for Wildfires

"Years of drought, extreme heat, and 129 million dead trees have created a 'new normal' for our state that requires comprehensive new solutions," PG&E Corporation CEO and President Geisha Williams said.

White House Proposes Merger of DOL and Education Department

The proposed Department of Education and the Workforce "would allow the Federal Government to address the educational and skill needs of American students and workers in a coordinated way," the OMB reform plan says.



Trenching Stand Down Under Way

OSHA has partnered with the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) and the North American Excavation and Shoring Association (NAXSA) to promote a Trench Safety Stand Down during June 18-23.

Follow CDC's Tips to Avoid Lightning Injury

During 2017, Florida, Alabama, Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas had the most lightning deaths. CDC notes that Florida is considered the "lightning capital" of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries in the past 50 years.

Werner Co. Recalls Telescoping Aluminum Ladders

The June 20 recall involves five models of aluminum telescoping ladders that can be used in five different positions. They range in size from 13 feet to 26 feet when extended.

New Ohio BWC Program to Help Small Businesses

"Even small employers can save money and improve workplace safety by better understanding Ohio's workers' compensation system," said Kevin Abrams, COO of the bureau. "PAR offers a flexible alternative for smaller employers to improve safety and become more engaged in their risk management programs."

New Underground Ventilation System Under Construction at WIPP

The system will provide approximately 540,000 cubic feet per minute of air to the WIPP underground, significantly more than the current ventilation system. At an estimated cost of $288 million, the new ventilation system is expected to be completed by early 2021.

World Standards Day 2018 Focused on Hazard Mitigation, Built Environment

ANSI and NIST hosted a World Standards Day 2018 event in Washington, D.C., on June 14 with expert discussions focused on codes and standards and their significant role in supporting strong, resilient 21st century infrastructure solutions.

NIOSH Publishes Final Research Agenda for Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing

The agenda document says during 2011-14, seafood processing workers experienced the highest injury/illness rate among all maritime workers: 6,286 injuries and illnesses per 100,000 workers, according to 2016 BLS data.

The rule will require employers to notify OSHA of work-related fatalities within eight hours and work-related in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, or an employee

Health Canada Regs Would Strengthen Surveillance of Drugs, Medical Devices

The proposed regulations would require hospitals to report all serious adverse drug reactions and medical device incidents, in writing, within 30 days of when the incident was first documented within the hospital.

AMA Delegates Adopt Several Gun Safety Measures

"People are dying of gun violence in our homes, churches, schools, on street corners, and at public gatherings, and it's important that lawmakers, policy leaders, and advocates on all sides seek common ground to address this public health crisis," said AMA Immediate Past President David O. Barbe, M.D., MHA.

SAMHSA Updates Toolkit to Help Prevent Opioid Deaths

The toolkit recommends that naloxone be made available to first responders and others who might respond to a possible overdose.

FRA Hosts First Positive Train Control Symposium

The agency will host two more this summer: July 16, focused on best practices for PTC system field testing and interoperability testing, and Aug. 20, focused on lessons learned and best practices for PTC Safety Plans.

NYC Department of Buildings Seeks 2019 Energy Code Advisory Committee Members

Applications from those seeking to be considered for 2019 Energy Code Advisory Committee membership must submit a completed application no later than June 21. Residential applications are especially needed, according to the department's posted announcement.

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