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Washington — More than two dozen lawmakers are calling on OSHA to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious disease, among other steps, before reopening the economy, in an April 29 letter sent to Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia.

Washington — Calling for a uniform approach to identify essential workers and functions amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has created two resources intended to help employers and workers navigate challenges presented by what it calls a “patchwork of guidance” and “lack of clarity” from domestic and international governments.

Washington — Still without a quorum after the resignation of one of two remaining members, the Chemical Safety Board also is contending with an investigative staffing shortage that has prompted the agency to temporarily halt two investigations.

Washington — The Department of Labor is asking for stakeholder comment on strategies for safely resuming traditional work after the COVID-19 pandemic begins to wane, as well as challenges organizations may face during the process.

Arlington, VA — Prompted by a recent incident in which a bulldozer operator working on a surge pile of coal was engulfed and trapped in the machine’s cab when the pile collapsed, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

Washington — Aimed at protecting construction workers from exposure to COVID-19, a new OSHA safety alert lists measures employers should take during the pandemic.

Washington — Two days after OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued voluntary interim guidance aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19 among workers in the meatpacking and poultry-processing industries, President Donald Trump invoked the Defense Production Act of 1950 and declared the facilities “critical infrastructure” in an Executive Order intended to keep meatpacking facilities open.

Atlanta — Workplace violence prevention programs can be enhanced by implementing approaches that are specific to certain worker groups, a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests, citing evidence showing the prevalence, characteristics and outcomes of violent workplace crime vary by occupation and gender.

Washington — This year’s Workers’ Memorial Day, marked on April 28 each year to honor those who have lost their lives on the job, served as a poignant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the many workers providing essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Washington — Intended to protect package delivery workers from exposure to COVID-19, a new OSHA safety alert lists precautions employers should take during the pandemic.