Human Resources


Michigan Could Deregulate 18 Occupations, Eliminate 9 Boards

"The Advisory Rules Committee carefully considered the public health and safety benefits of 87 different occupations. We found that there were at least 18 occupations that did not require regulation," said Shelly Edgerton, deputy director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

Worker's Compensation Medication Trends Report Released

The report reveals key factors that may influence future expenditures, such as chronic pain, product mix, and government activity.

Republic Steel Agrees to Pay $235,000 Penalty, Hire Safety Managers

Additional abatement measures Republic Steel agreed to take at the Lorain mill include providing a two-hour lockout/tagout training program to all affected employees, conducting a fall hazard audit, and developing a fall protection abatement plan.

Cal/OSHA Launches 2012 Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

The agency will conduct inspections geared to ensure that employers comply with the heat standard by providing adequate water, shade, rest breaks, worker training, and emergency preparations at outdoor worksites.

Worksite Health Promotion Program Reduces Absenteeism, According to Study

The health program emphasized low-pressure, low-intensity interventions—geared not only to employees' individual health risks, but also to their readiness to make lifestyle changes.

More Oversight Needed to Protect Youth Workers, Study Says

The report, published recently in Public Health Reports, said that 88 youths under age 20 died from work-related injuries in 2010, while 20,000 missed work in private industry due to occupational-related illness or injury.

OSHA Seeks Applications for $1.2 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants

Two types of safety and health training grants will be awarded: targeted topic training grants and training and educational materials development grants.

Free Hearing Conservation Seminars Coming to Louisiana, Texas

The seminars will provide practical information on hearing loss prevention, the culture of safety, and the latest research and technologies that can help enhance companies’ hearing conservation programs.



GSA's Chief Steps Down Over Costly Conference

Martha Johnson, administrator of the General Services Administration, resigned Monday, and two top officials of the agency that manages 9,600 federal buildings reportedly were fired ahead of a critical inspector general's report. A newly released video then sparked more outrage.

OSHA Whistleblower Investigation Finds Window Factory Retaliated Against Worker

The employee raised concerns verbally and in a letter about vehicle defects, including broken side-view mirrors, a driver's door that couldn't be opened properly, a broken window handle, and a deficient steering mechanism.

Bringing Your Dog to Work Could Help Lower Stress, Study Says

Dogs in the workplace may buffer the impact of stress during the workday for their owners and make the job more satisfying for those with whom they come into contact.

VA Testing System to Move Claims Faster

One of Secretary Eric Shinseki's highest priorities has been eliminating a large backlog of disability claims.

Uncivil Discourse

What to do or not do about an employee's Facebook rant may be a tough call.

Stop Making It Difficult to Be Excellent in Safety

Often the best thing a leader can do is stop making it difficult for employees to be involved.

To Live Longer, Sit Less

An Australian study to determine the independent relationship of sitting time with all-cause mortality tells us a lot.

NIOSH Releases Solid Waste Industry Fact Sheet

The largest number of occupational injuries in the private sector occurred among workers in the transportation and material moving job class which includes truck drivers and collection laborers.

Today's Live-Tweeting: Library of Congress Stress Conference

Hvaing made the list of Time's 140 best Twitter feeds of 2012, the library invites its 300,000+ followers to "see the latest in stress research and join the conversation" March 26-27.

FedEx to Pay $3 Million to Settle Hiring Discrimination Probe

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs said it found evidence that FedEx's hiring processes and selection procedures discriminated on the bases of sex, race, and/or national origin against specific groups identified at 23 facilities in 15 states.

Volunteer Athletic Trainer Aiding Tennessee State Troopers

Brad Swope, full-time athletic trainer for a high school in Gallatin, Tenn., has overseen the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of medical conditions for three Trooper Cadet academies.

Aetna Rolls Out MyBrainSolutions Wellness Site

Calling it a new wellness and behavioral health benefit, the insurer says the games, videos, and trackers will improve stress management, memory, and attention.

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