Articles


OSHA Now Fully Enforcing Construction Silica Standard

A memo issued Oct. 19 says as of Oct. 23, 2017, the agency is fully enforcing “all appropriate provisions” of the standard.

DOE Site Celebrates VPP Honors

The Department of Energy's Y‑12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., is having a good month, as employees celebrated receiving its Voluntary Protection Program recertification from DOE at the Star level -- the site has held that since 2012 -- and also being presented NA-50 Excellence Awards.

Trump Announces Actions on Opioids Crisis

The president on Oct. 26 declared a National Public Health Emergency and outlined several actions his administration is taking and will take to address the opioids crisis, including new requirements from the Food and Drug Administration on the manufacturers of prescription opioids to help reverse over-prescribing.

Materials' Cost Increases Account for Spike in Proposed Bridge Rebuilding: BLS

Concrete, reinforced concrete, structural steel, granite, and asphalt paving material all have appreciated in price by at least 2,518 percent since the bridge was built, while labor costs for cement masons and other workers have risen by anywhere from 1,187 percent to 2,165 percent during the same time, the BLS analysis shows.

Canadian Forces Train for Maritime Emergencies

The exercise's scenario begins with a fire on BC Ferries' M/V Coastal Renaissance that causes passengers and crew members to evacuate. The two-day exercise simulates both search and rescue and a marine environmental response.

NRC Sets Nov. 2 Meeting on Watts Bar Work Environment

At the meeting, TVA is expected to provide an update on its corrective actions, and NRC officials will be present to ask and answer questions and discuss the agency's plans to continue to provide oversight on the issue.

Massachusetts Companies Agree to Penalty, Changes in OSHA Lockout Case

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Shield Packaging will pay $150,000 in penalties, provide documentation to OSHA that all hazards have been corrected, retain a professional engineer to approve the design and installation of a safety interlock on the machine that injured the worker, retain a qualified safety consultant to perform a comprehensive inspection of the plant, and develop a workplace safety and health program.

Higher Entry Fees Proposed for 17 'Highly Visited' National Parks

The National Park Service said the proposed new fee structure would boost national park revenue by $70 million per year, a 34 percent increase from the $200 million collected in fiscal year 2016.



IOSH Rail Conference Set for Nov. 9

Speakers at the event will include George Bearfield, director of systems safety and health for the Rail Safety and Standards Board; Johnny Schute, deputy chief inspector of railways for the Office of Road and Rail; and Gary Cooper, director for planning, engineering and operations for the Rail Delivery Group.

Still Time to Comment on WA Paid Sick Leave Rules

Rulemaking for enforcement of the new law is under way and includes opportunities for public comment at Nov. 8 and 9 public hearings. The deadline for public comments is Nov. 17.

OAOHN Annual Conference Tackling Wide Range of Health Issues

The Nov. 2-4 event is focused on workplace behavioral and cultural issues, with active shooter response, treating opioid overdoses, CPR, and a spirometry refresher course also on the program.

NC Board to Evaluate Emerging Chemicals' Risks

Increased in size from eight to 16 members, the Science Advisory Board has a new charter and the scope of its work has expanded from toxic air pollutants to the broader focus on the impact of new and emerging chemicals, including GenX and hexavalent chromium.

OH&S Wins 2017 Folio Digital Edition Award

The awards recognize excellence in magazine editorial and design across all sectors of the industry, with the OH&S entry selected from among 2,800 entries by a panel of more than 300 judges.

New ASTM Standard Concerns Alloy Useful in Stents, Implants

A new ASTM International standard is a specification for the chemical, mechanical, and metallurgical requirements for a high-strength alloy that could be used for cardiovascular stents and for surgical implants.

Fire Departments Awarded First OH Environmental Exposure Grants

Thirty-eight departments are the first in the state to receive funding under BWC's Firefighter Exposure to Environmental Elements Grant Program, which provides $2 million a year to help departments purchase safety gear and equipment designed to protect firefighters from carcinogens and other harmful elements encountered during fires.

GM Settlement Ends Multistate Investigation of Ignition Switch Problems

GM has agreed to complete all applicable recall repairs. The company in 2014 issued seven vehicle recalls, affecting 25 makes and models, in response to unintended key rotation-related and/or ignition switch-related issues that have affected more than 9 million vehicles in the United States

Executive Order Issued for Post-Fire Waste Cleanup in California

The order allows qualified professionals at the federal agency to assist state and local officials in immediately removing visible hazardous debris such as batteries, flammable liquids, asbestos siding, paint, and pipe insulation from burned homes.

California Packer Recalls Widely Distributed Vegetables

The recalled vegetables were distributed throughout the United States and Canada through vendors such as Walmart, HEB, and Trader Joe's, according to the company and FDA. The recalled products have "best if used by" dates from Oct. 11 to Oct. 20 listed on the front of the packaging.

This Oct. 18, 2017, photo shows crews placing rebar as the upper chute of the Lake Oroville flood control spillway is constructed. (Ken James/California Department of Water Resources photo)

Cost of Oroville Spillway Repairs Doubles

Heavy rains in February triggered erosion that caused an emergency evacuation of 188,000 downstream residents and necessitated extensive repairs.

Medical Device Manufacturing in Puerto Rico Still Challenged: FDA Chief

More than 50 medical device manufacturing plants operated in Puerto Rico, employing about 18,000 people, prior to the hurricane. Collectively, they manufacture more than 1,000 different kinds of medical devices.

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