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White House announces initiative to help reduce federal worker injuries and stem costs

Washington — The White House Office of Management and Budget has launched an initiative designed to enhance workplace safety and health – and, in turn, reduce injuries – among federal employees.




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COVID-19 pandemic: House Democrats call for stronger guidelines for federal workers

Washington — Federal employees need more comprehensive guidance from the Office of Personnel Management before they return to the workplace amid the COVID-19 pandemic, House Democrats contended during a June 25 virtual hearing convened by the House Government Operations Subcommittee.




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Free OSHA training available for federal employees in charge of safety and health

Washington — OSHA will conduct a free, three-day training event for federal employees who are responsible for their agencies’ workplace safety and health.




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Two House Democrats want a hearing on child labor violations

Washington — Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) are asking Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chair of the House Education and Labor Committee, to convene a hearing on child labor violations.




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Two House Democrats repeat request for a hearing on child labor violations

Washington — Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Alma Adams (D-NC) are again asking Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chair of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, to convene a hearing on child labor violations.




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COVID-19 pandemic: Washington L&I publishes home office ergo tips

Tumwater, WA — For people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new fact sheet from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries explains how to set up a safe and efficient home workstation.




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Sedentary lifestyles proving a pain during the pandemic, survey finds

New York — The average U.S. adult now spends six hours a day sitting – four hours longer than before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic – and they’re feeling more aches and pains because of it, results of a recent survey show.




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On the Safe Side podcast Episode 19: One-person safety teams and post-pandemic ergonomic concerns

In Episode 19, the S+H editorial team discusses the benefits and challenges of being a one-person safety team. Also: Julia Abate, executive director of The Ergonomics Center at North Carolina State University, answers our questions about ergonomic concerns as more workers return to their physical work locations.




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Hotel bed lifting systems can cut housekeeper overexertion injuries in half, study shows

Palma, Spain — Hotel beds with lifting systems can help reduce injuries among housekeepers by at least half, results of a recent study by a safety agency in Spain’s Balearic Islands suggest.




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On the Safe Side podcast Episode 33: OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy and MSDs

In Episode 33, the S+H editorial team dives into the November issue’s feature story on OSHA’s Multi-Employer Citation Policy.




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Free webinar: Ergonomics, DEI and risk management

Join the MSD Solutions Lab on Sept. 28 as it explores ergonomics and DEI.




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NSC summit highlights employer-worker collaboration on MSD prevention

Itasca, IL — The vast majority of the organizations that took the National Safety Council’s MSD Pledge receive regular feedback from frontline workers about reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.




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Study links musculoskeletal pain to early retirement

Portsmouth, England — Frequent musculoskeletal pain may lead people to retire or leave the workforce early, results of a recent study by British researchers show.




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Solid waste industry should embrace Total Worker Health, researchers say

College Station, TX — Three out of 4 solid waste workers say their employer considers workplace safety and health important, yet only 1 in 4 feel encouraged to share safety-related suggestions.




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Which musculoskeletal treatments are recordable? OSHA memo gives details

Washington — A new guidance memo from OSHA outlines whether certain treatments for musculoskeletal injuries are recordable.




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Portable emergency eyewash station

The VisionAid 16-Gallon Emergency Eyewash Station is a simple, low-cost self-contained eyewash station that meets ANSI Z358.1 requirements.




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Emergency eyewash

The Honeywell Fendall 2000 delivers 100-percent sterile, buffered and physiologically balanced saline solution free of contaminants, bacteria, corrosives and pollutants.




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Trends in ... emergency eyewashes/showers

Unlike personal protective equipment such as hard hats and steel-toe boots, emergency eyewashes and showers are not meant to be used every day. Ideally, a worker will never need one. But should an incident such as a chemical splash occur, it’s vital that emergency eyewashes and showers be ready for use.




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International academy renews call for global ban on asbestos use

Bologna, Italy – International scientific academy Collegium Ramazzini is emphasizing its position that all use of asbestos should be banned.




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International academy releases two commentaries on asbestos

Bologna, Italy – International scientific academy Collegium Ramazzini is emphasizing that the risk for the cancer mesothelioma is connected to both early and recent exposures to asbestos.




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Asbestos among first 10 chemicals EPA to analyze under updated TSCA

Washington – Asbestos is one of the first 10 chemicals to be evaluated for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Environmental Protection Agency announced on Nov. 29.




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EPA releases annual report on chemical risk evaluations

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has published a report on risk evaluations as part of requirements established by the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.




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EPA requests input on documents for TSCA chemical evaluations, proposes asbestos rule

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on problem formulation documents for the first 10 chemicals slated for evaluation for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, as well as a systematic review approach document and a proposed significant new use rule for asbestos.




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Amid COVID-19 pandemic, lawmakers urge EPA to extend comment periods

Washington — Claiming the Environmental Protection Agency is “rushing forward” with various regulations while much of the nation is focused on the COVID-19 pandemic, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA), Jerry McNerney (D-CA) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) recently sent a letter to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, calling on the agency to extend all comment periods for matters related to public and environmental health at least 45 days past the end of the declared national emergency.




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EPA proposes ‘comprehensive’ reporting, recordkeeping requirements for asbestos

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is accepting comment until July 5 on a proposed rule that would establish reporting and recordkeeping requirements for asbestos – a known human carcinogen – under the Toxic Substances Control Act.




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Workplace violence and harassment remain widespread as victims fear speaking up: survey

Geneva — Nearly a quarter of workers worldwide have endured workplace violence or harassment, but only half of the victims discuss their experiences, results of a recent survey show.




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Workplace violence prevention law lets Utah employers seek protective orders

Provo, UT — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox (R) has signed a law allowing employers to petition for and obtain protective orders against anyone who poses a threat.




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Young employees ‘need more protections’ against workplace violence: researchers

Iowa City, IA — Three out of 5 young employees have experienced some form of workplace violence, results of a recent study show.




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OSHA placing more of an emphasis on workplace safety culture

Orlando, FL — Although OSHA remains largely a regulatory and enforcement agency, it’s recently started prioritizing safety culture.




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MEMIC Group

The MEMIC Group, Portland, ME-based specialists in workers’ compensation insurance, has awarded an Illinois State University research team $30,000 to investigate whether wearable sensors can maximize performance and minimize injuries in U.S. workplaces.




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Rockford Systems LLC

Rockford Systems LLC, a turnkey supplier of machine safeguarding equipment and services in Rockford, IL, has launched a newly redesigned website at rockfordsystems.com.




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Rockford Systems LLC

Rockford Systems LLC, a Rockford, IL-based provider of machine safeguarding products and services, is now a voting member of the American National Standards Institute B11 Standards Committee.




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Cal Bontemps

Cal Bontemps is the new director of marketing at Memphis, TN-based Radians, a global personal protective equipment manufacturer. In this role, Bontemps will oversee and execute the company’s comprehensive marketing and customer engagement strategy.




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Collision warning system

Sentry Protection Products has upgraded its Collision Sentry Collision Warning System to feature a more focused, more intense warning light for increased visibility.




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Lawmakers seek to repeal final rule on NLRB’s definition of ‘joint employer’

Washington — A bipartisan group of House and Senate lawmakers have introduced a joint Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the National Labor Relations Board’s recently revised joint employer rule.




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House committee resolution latest move in fight over ‘joint employer’ definition

Washington — The House Education and the Workforce Committee has approved a resolution intended to repeal the National Labor Relations Board’s recently revised joint employer rule.




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House approves resolution that would repeal NLRB’s ‘joint employer’ rule

Washington — The House has passed a Congressional Review Act resolution intended to nullify the National Labor Relations Board’s recent rule revising the definition of “joint employer.”




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House Democrats want DOL penalties to have more bite

Washington — Legislation aimed at strengthening Department of Labor civil penalties will be introduced soon, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) announced April 30.




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First responders need training on EV-related emergencies, lawmaker says

Washington — Legislation recently introduced in the Senate is aimed at ensuring firefighters and other workers are properly trained to respond to emergencies involving electric vehicles.




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Treating chemical burns

Are chemicals used in your workplace? Mayo Clinic notes that chemical burns can be caused by a variety of substances, including strong acids, drain cleaners, paint thinners and gasoline.




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On the Safe Side podcast Episode 31: Volunteer first aid response teams and worker engagement

In Episode 31, the S+H editorial team dives into the September issue’s feature story on setting up a volunteer first aid response team in your workplace, and discusses the ins and outs of worker engagement and buy-in with Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety.




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Protecting temporary workers

In an effort to better protect temporary workers – who are at an increased risk of work-related injuries and illnesses – OSHA and NIOSH partnered to release a report containing recommended practices for staffing agencies and host employers.




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OSHA issues final rule on electrical safety requirements

Washington – OSHA on April 1 released its final rule on electric power generation, transmission and distribution; and electrical protective equipment.




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Keeping linemen safe

Utility linemen face a variety of on-the-job hazards. From high-voltage contact and confined spaces to working at height and exposure to inclement weather, what’s being done to promote a culture of safety within the industry?




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Ready to wear: Wearable technology could boost workplace safety, but concerns remain

Wearable technology offers EHS pros another way to help employees stay safer and healthier. But with its potential comes concerns.




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Washington L&I releases employer guidance on panic buttons for hotel workers

Tumwater, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has published guidance on a new state law intended to protect workers in the hospitality industry from sexual harassment and assault.




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Remote support

What can employers do to help people working from home stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic – and beyond?




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Farm safety week emphasizes ‘working together’

Washington – OSHA is supporting the efforts of the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety in promoting National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 15-21.




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Group calls for collision-avoidance systems on all commercial trucks, buses

Washington – A group of safety advocates is calling for forward collision avoidance and mitigation braking systems, or F-CAM, to be required in all trucks and buses to help prevent deadly rear-end crashes.




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During Workers’ Memorial Week, safety advocates call for stronger protections

To mark Workers’ Memorial Week, advocacy groups issued reports and called for increased worker protections and additional research to prevent on-the-job injuries.