Boston — Intended to give small health care employers an “easy-to-use format” for a written exposure control plan, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has published sample written plans for a respiratory protection program and bloodborne pathogen exposure control.

New York — The New York State Supreme Court has indicted a company for operating a “sham safety training school” connected to the death of a “trainee” on a construction site.

Albuquerque, NM — Even moderate outdoor temperatures may put construction workers at increased risk of heat-related illness, a recent study led by a University of New Mexico researcher suggests.

Springfield, IL — Legislation that would require driver’s education courses to feature lessons on worker and driver safety in highway constructions zones is advancing in the Illinois Legislature.

Silver Spring, MD — With the construction industry experiencing elevated suicide rates, employers can support workers by “reassuring them that help is available, that mental health is the same as physical health,” an expert on prevention says.

Washington — Three OSHA regions have continued or established a set of emphasis programs, the agency recently announced.

Boston — OSHA’s Boston regional office recently renewed some of its Regional Emphasis Programs.

Get readily available, quality online training solutions for greater costsavings and flexibility with award-winning content and secure administrative capabilities through Summit Connect. Learn how you can make it happen at your organization in the Health & Safety Institute Booth #1335 at the ASSE Conference and Expo.

Build a smarter compliance program with J. J. Keller. More than 420,000 businesses, including 90 percent of the Fortune 1000, trust our wide range of safety and compliance solutions. It’s been our business for 60 years! Our experienced advisors and regulatory experts will help you build a strategy for reducing risk.

Introducing ALTAIR^® 2X Gas Detectors from MSA. The ALTAIR 2X Platform drastically minimizes total cost of ownership, increases durability and delivers enhanced worker safety, compliance and traceability. ALTAIR 2X Detectors introduce the world’s first stand-alone bump test – no calibration accessories or bottled gas required.

Workrite expands its new line of dual-hazard knit shirts featuring Tencate Tecasafe Plus. We’ve added a new raglan-sleeved henley and a heather gray long-sleeved polo that offer the same high level of comfort, appearance and protection – plus they’re certified to the NFPA 1975 Station Uniform Standard. Visit workrite.com/knits for information.

What are some features, benefits and examples of wearable technology in the workplace?

Why is workforce positivity for marijuana a problem?

When it comes to the legal use of marijuana, how do we balance safety and worker rights?

How can I make sure that my OSHA-required respiratory protection program is up to date?

How do I go about aligning to a safety management system standard such as ISO 45001? What do I need to do?

What are some best practices for managing first aid supplies and equipment in the workplace?

Mishandling compressed gas cylinders – which can have internal pressure of up to 2,500 pounds per square inch – can be disastrous.

Not sure you’ll remember the right rate for giving CPR compressions? Shake it off, calm down and turn on some Taylor Swift.

Tumwater, WA — A new webpage offers resources for fostering mental wellness in the workplace and supporting workers who have a diagnosed mental illness.

San Diego — Opioid use related to workers’ compensation claims decreased nearly 10% in 2023, marking one of the largest drops the workers’ comp industry has seen in years, according to a new report.

Cutting back on consuming ultraprocessed foods can reduce your risk of a stroke or cognitive issues later in life, according to a recent study out of Massachusetts General Hospital.

Tampa, FL — Practicing mindfulness each day may help reduce workers’ stress and limit negative thinking on the job.

Philadelphia — Automated text message reminders about a digital mental health platform helped decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety among health care workers in a recent study from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Denver — Indoor and outdoor workers have a 52% increased likelihood of injury when the mercury rises above 90° F, Colorado’s largest workers’ compensation insurer says after a recent survey of claims data.

Albany, NY — People who continue to experience COVID-19 symptoms at least three months after contracting the virus have what’s known as “long COVID.”

Washington — Employers can improve the on-the-job experience for workers affected by menstruation and menopause by providing protections and accommodations, and being flexible, the Department of Labor says.

Arlington, VA — More than 2 out of 5 government workers are feeling burned out, and 86% of them say it’s affecting their health and wellness, according to a recent study.

Adopted on Dec. 14, the ETS is set to go into effect Dec. 29.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency expects a final rule that would increase fees to defray administration costs of the Toxic Substances Control Act to bolster chemical-review efficiency and safety protections.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency will ban the use and import of chrysotile asbestos – a known human carcinogen – under a final rule announced March 18.

Sacramento, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health recently launched a campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of silica dust in the engineered stone industry.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency wants to ban certain commercial uses of the chemical substance n-methylpyrrolidone and establish worker protections for various others.

Washington — Establishing and implementing engineering controls as “preventive safeguards” during a process hazard analysis can help prevent liquid overflow and a possible chemical disaster, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has released a guide intended to increase understanding of – and compliance with – its ban on most industrial and commercial uses of methylene chloride

Washington — Updates to an Environmental Protection Agency standard that outline the criteria cleaning products must meet to earn the “Safer Choice” label will help protect workers, the agency says.

Uncle Bud's announced the launch of Uncle Bud's Hemp + Collagen drink, an elixir designed to transform skin health and overall well-being.

Sweets & Snacks Expo announced the winners of the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards, recognizing excellence in 13 categories, showcasing the most innovative ideas, concepts, and products across the candy and snack industries.

Mizkan America, Inc., (MA) announced that it has acquired the natural and organic barbeque sauce and broth brand Born Simple® for an undisclosed sum.

Prepared Foods profiles new foodservice sauces, dressings and spreads.

The Association for Dressings & Sauces (ADS) hosted the ADS Technical Meeting on October 10-12 in Scottsdale, Ariz. During this meeting, ADS awarded a handful of members and member companies its prestigious Tech Awards and awards for Dressing, Sauce, and Packaging of the Year.

An evolution from the traditional boxed macaroni and cheese, Follow Your Heart SuperMac is an alternative to this mainstream US household staple and is made with organic ingredients including whole vegetables, beans, and cashews to provide a creamy yet dairy-free macaroni and cheese experience.

The new dips and spreads are an evolution of Litehouse’s popular 15oz Veggie Dips which historically were a leader in the creamy veggie dips category. 

The Double Clutch USB is a compact, low-profile LED headlamp that is USB rechargeable, with optional battery back-up.

Houston — The American Bureau of Shipping – a maritime and offshore facility classification organization – along with researchers from Lamar University and insurance group the American Club is calling on the maritime industry to adopt more comprehensive standards for injury and near-miss reporting after a recent analysis of industrywide data.

GRINDSTED® NG 100 is a next-generation, non-GMO emulsifier that is highly functional and cost effective. Its primary function is starch complexing, which results in improved crumb softness in yeast-raised baked goods.

DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences announced the global launch of its DuPont™ YO-MIX® PRIME cultures series. These innovative cultures set a new industry standard for yogurt manufacturers around the world. 

Prepared Foods Chief Editor Bob Garrison talks food and beverage innovation strategy, topics and trends with Mario DiFalco and Kim Lopez-Walters, co-founders of Illuminate Growth Partners in the San Francisco Bay area.

Listen to a new Prepared Foods interview with Editor Bob Garrison and Carolina Sasson, Chief Operating Officer at Mission Field, recapping trends, tastes and technologies seen at Natural Products Expo West.

Washington — The death of an offshore worker conducting a pressure test on a well surface casing has prompted the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement to issue a safety alert.