Top Stories


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.

Duke Energy Nuclear Plant Under Increased NRC Oversight

NRC said in April, an electrical component on a Catawba Unit 2 emergency diesel generator failed during a scheduled test. NRC said its inspectors reviewed the event and determined that the plant staff had failed to adequately develop and adjust preventive maintenance activities using operating experience, maintenance history, and performance records.

Washington State Adopts Tower Worker Safety Rules

L&I said the most important change is a new wireless section that covers non-ionizing radiation. The rules contain requirements covering expected hazards of tower work, host employer/contractor responsibilities, microwave/laser technology, control of hazardous energy, working during darkness, fall protection, remote cell tower sites, and emergency response and rescue.

Appeals Court Upholds Florida Emergency Generator Rule

"The ruling from the First District Court of Appeal today reaffirms our position that the top priority of nursing homes and assisted living facilities should be protecting the lives of their patients," Gov. Rick Scott said in an Oct. 19 statement.

New Orleans Announces Plan to Address Opioid Addiction, Overdoses

"Right here in New Orleans, 166 of our brothers and sisters succumbed to opioid addiction last year and lost their lives to overdose. We can't tackle this problem alone," Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.

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