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OSHA publishes Ebola PPE ‘matrix’

December 3, 2014

Washington – A new OSHA fact sheet provides guidance on selecting personal protective equipment for workers who may be exposed to Ebola.

OIG report raises concerns about OSHA enforcement, MSHA staffing

December 2, 2014

Washington – OSHA may not be effectively targeting employers, while the Mine Safety and Health Administration struggles with maintaining experienced enforcement staff, the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General claims in its semiannual report to Congress, released Dec. 1.

OSHA to host Twitter chat on reporting requirements

November 26, 2014

Washington – OSHA is inviting employers to take part in a Twitter chat to discuss the agency’s new reporting and recordkeeping requirements for 2015.

DOT seeks comment on study of truck-weight limits

November 26, 2014

Washington – The Department of Transportation is encouraging stakeholders to provide feedback on the MAP-21 Comprehensive Truck Size and Weight Limits Study.

Latest OSHA agenda hints at update to hazcom standard

November 24, 2014

Washington – OSHA is considering another update to its Hazard Communication Standard, according to the Department of Labor’s latest semiannual regulatory agenda, released Nov. 21.

Small businesses underrepresented in rulemaking process, report says

November 24, 2014

Washington – Health and safety standards could be weakened in certain cases because small businesses have been left out of the federal rulemaking process, according to a report from the Center for Effective Government.

OSHA's Top 10 most frequently cited violations

OSHA's Top 10: The more things change ...

OSHA may implement new rules and enforcement changes, but the agency's list of the Top 10 most frequently cited violations stays the same

November 23, 2014

Kyle W. Morrison

11 Comments

Safety+Health presents a look at OSHA’s most cited violations and largest penalties for fiscal year 2014. Also: A Q&A with the deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs.

PART TWO: OSHA RECORDKEEPING

More data, more problems?

A forthcoming rule may increase the amount and timeliness of injury data available to OSHA and the public. But stakeholders have concerns.

November 23, 2014

Kyle W. Morrison

No Comments

As OSHA prepares to issue a final rule that would significantly increase the amount of injury data it collects from employers – and release it to the public – stakeholder concerns continue. Among them: How OSHA will ensure the privacy of injured workers, and could the data unintentionally cast some employers in a bad light? (Part two of a two-part article.)

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OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION

'Fracking' and worker safety

U.S. oil boom is in full swing, as are questions about hazards

November 23, 2014

Tom Musick

No Comments

Technological advances have led to a steep increase in hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” in the oil and gas industry. As fracking ramps up, questions have arisen about what is being done to protect workers from both short- and long-term hazards.

OSHA, FCC workshop focuses on keeping communications tower workers safe

Safety advocates say ‘serious changes’ are needed

November 23, 2014

Kyle W. Morrison

No Comments

The telecommunications industry must ensure the clear communication of worker safety, just as it strives to provide clear wireless communication to the public.