Washington — OSHA has released a preview of the long-awaited updates to its crane operator certification requirements, days ahead of the final rule’s expected publication in the Federal Register.

Washington — OSHA is set to publish the long-awaited updates to its crane operator certification requirements in the Nov. 9 Federal Register.

Fairfax, VA — The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators has published three employer guides on OSHA’s updated crane operator requirements, a final rule scheduled to go into effect Dec. 10.

Washington — Employers who make “good faith efforts” to document their evaluations of crane operators have an additional 60 days to comply with OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction: Operator Certification Extension, according to a Feb. 7 enforcement memorandum from the agency.

It has taken many years, but OSHA’s construction crane operator requirements are finalized and nearly in full effect.

Fairfax, VA — The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators no longer will require a physical evaluation for workers to be eligible to take its certification exams. Instead, beginning Jan. 1, NCCCO will rely on employers to determine whether their workers are physically qualified to operate the equipment.

Oakland, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health – also known as Cal/OSHA – is reminding employers to protect workers from unhealthy air resulting from wildfire smoke.

Salem, OR — In response to “the extraordinary hazards that have been exacerbated by climate change,” Oregon OSHA has adopted a pair of emergency temporary rules that increase worker protections against wildfire smoke and high heat in employer-provided housing.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA is seeking public comment on proposed rules that would increase worker protections against extreme heat and wildfire smoke, calling them “the strongest such protections in the nation.”

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has adopted permanent rules intended to safeguard workers from extreme heat and wildfire smoke, calling them “the most protective of their kind in the United States.”

Sacramento, CA — In an effort to “enhance commercial vehicle safety” and “create consistency between state and federal regulations,” the California Highway Patrol is proposing the state adopt regulations requiring the use of electronic logging devices for commercial motor vehicle carriers involved in intrastate operations.

Washington – Pipeline operators may be required to notify the National Response Center no later than one hour after an incident involving natural gas and hazardous liquid pipelines, under a recently proposed rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Chicago — Health care workers commonly carry respiratory viruses on their hands, clothing and personal protective equipment after administering care to patients, accentuating the need to practice “complete hand hygiene and use other PPE to prevent dissemination,” results of a recent study suggest.

Berkeley, CA — Cannabis industry workers may be at increased risk of respiratory problems as a result of on-the-job exposure to various hazards, results of a recent study led by a University of Washington professor indicate.

Chicago — Physicians contracted by mine operators to review chest X-rays of coal miners who file “totally debilitating disease” workers’ compensation claims with the Department of Labor’s Federal Black Lung Program may have a bias strongly related to financial conflict of interest, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago suggest.

Washington — A new guidance document from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences is intended to help prevent respiratory illnesses and infections in the workplace.

In an economy that is staying strong, with a projected commercial construction growth rate of 4 percent annually through 2019, there is much to be happy about.

The U.S. fire market was steady and strong in 2018, with an equal or better outlook for 2019.

The typically steady fire and life safety industry saw growth in 2019, with overall global revenues surpassing $7.5 billion, according to David Gonzalez, research analyst, physical security and critical communications, Omdia, London.

2020 was a tough year in the fire market for many. Improvements in technologies and the impending cellular sunset came up against supply chain issues and a talent shortage that made it a difficult-to-meet demand.

Explore key drivers behind the North American fire protection systems market growth, regulatory requirements, technological advancements and new communication solutions.

GloWear High-Visibility Shirts provide comfort, compliance and visibility in a single garment – eliminating the need for a high-visibility vest – and are designed to withstand the elements.

Ideal for protecting outdoor workers, the Technical Field shirt is EPA-registered to last through 70 washes and protects against a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and ticks that can carry dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.

The Power Dry Mid Weight Shirt now has a 25 percent higher arc rating protection (from an arc rating of 8.1 cal/cm² to an arc rating of 9.5 cal/cm²) and is 20 percent lighter.

Minneapolis – Longer work tenure and higher exposure to certain particles put Minnesota iron miners at an increased risk of a rare form of lung cancer, according to a new study from the University of Minnesota.

Arlington, VA – Eighteen miners died during the first half of 2015, down from 22 deaths during the first six months of 2014, according to the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Arlington, VA – A new, free training module from the Mine Safety and Health Administration aims to aid employer compliance with incident and injury reporting requirements.

Arlington, VA – Seven miners died during the third quarter of 2015, bringing the total death toll through September to 25, according to preliminary data from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington — In response to recent questions from the mining community, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a program policy letter intended to clarify requirements for providing emergency escapeways for underground metal and nonmetal miners.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled a public meeting and extended the comment period on a program policy letter intended to clarify requirements for providing emergency escapeways for underground metal and nonmetal miners, in response to stakeholder requests.

Arlington, VA — Prompted by a fire on a diesel-powered water car in May, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert addressing fire hazards associated with diesel equipment in underground mines.

Washington — After weighing public and stakeholder input, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has rescinded a program policy letter intended to clarify requirements for providing emergency escapeways for underground metal and nonmetal miners, determining that the clarification “is not needed.”

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has announced a proposed rule on worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica in an effort to better protect miners from associated health hazards.

After canceling the 2020 conference and delivering a portion of the conference online, ESX — sponsored by the Electronic Security Association (ESA) — made a triumphant return in a fully virtual format, presenting education sessions and panels June 15-17.

Teledyne FLIR has published “How Layering Multispectral PTZ Cameras and Radars Improve Perimeter Protection.” 

STAIRMASTER anti-slip renovation treads are ideal for exit path markings, safety egress systems, steps and landings.

Spectra two-stage stair nosings are visually appealing and durable, yet can be quickly and easily replaced if damaged.

AlumoGrit cast aluminum nosings, with abrasive grit integrally cast into the surface, provide facilities with long-lasting anti-slip protection.

Form-A-Tread Original is a durable high-tech epoxy paste designed to be easy to apply to stair treads. Form-A-Tread’s kit includes a 400-milliliter cartridge of material that can produce 25 to 40 linear feet of 1-inch-wide tread depending on the surface type.

StairMaster safety renovation treads come in 9- or 11-inch widths as well as contrasting or coordinating colors, including a glow-in-the-dark option. The tread is ideal for exit path markings, safety egress systems, or steps and landings.

Philadelphia – The incidence of spinal injuries suffered by U.S. soldiers in modern warfare may exceed previous conflicts, according to a new study from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

Washington – Certain drivers transporting cargo for the U.S. military have been exempted for two years from a federal hours-of-service break requirement, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington – Disabled veterans who have been newly hired to positions in the federal government could receive immediate access to sick leave as part of a proposed House bill.

Fairfax, VA – The U.S. Navy has announced a ban on e-cigarettes and other vaping devices on ships, submarines, aircraft, boats, craft and heavy equipment.

Washington — The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, has released a video intended to protect first responders who face potential exposure to fentanyl, a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

In the years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, training and preparation for police, fire and emergency medical services professionals has taken on heightened importance,

College Station, TX — New resources from the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service are intended to help first responders safely confront fires and other emergencies resulting from electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Washington — In her second appropriations hearing in as many days, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao said she has “encouraged legislation” to clarify hours-of-service requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Washington — Three days after the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration determined that hazardous materials transporters do not have to comply with California’s rest and meal break requirements, the American Trucking Associations filed a petition asking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to pre-empt the requirements for all commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on March 28 submitted for review to the White House Office of Management and Budget a notice of proposed rulemaking intended to add flexibility to FMCSA’s hours-of-service regulations for commercial truck drivers.