Business and Industry Division

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Several industry groups have filed a legal challenge to block OSHA’s recently released recordkeeping rule requiring certain employers to electronically submit on an annual basis worker injury and illness information, which will then be made publicly available. Among their concerns are the rule’s anti-retaliation provisions.

Although the Zika virus has been in the news for much of 2016, many questions remain about the different ways it can be transmitted. On July 20, the National Safety Council, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NIOSH, attempted to answer those questions.

East Lansing, MI – Lack of civil behavior in the workplace can cause employees to experience mental fatigue and respond in a similar manner, which can negatively affect an organization’s bottom line, according to a recent study from Michigan State University.

Birmingham, AL – Hitting the gym after a mentally demanding workday may help you eat less, according to a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Washington – The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health’s subcommittee on Emergency Response and Preparedness has scheduled a meeting for Sept. 7-9 in Washington.

San Francisco – OSHA has launched a pilot program in its Western region that allows whistleblowers protected by certain statutes to request that the agency stop an investigation and release findings to the Office of Administrative Law Judges.

Dearborn, MI – Protective clothing company Carhartt has issued a voluntary recall of nine styles of flame-resistant sweatshirts manufactured from 2014 to 2016.

Richmond, VA – Virginia experienced 29 workplace-related fatalities in the first seven months of 2016, eight of which occurred in July alone, according to the state’s Department of Labor and Industry.

Minneapolis – People with chronic low back pain are more likely to use illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota.

Davis, CA – Drinking more water at work may help you avoid the temptations of “food altars” such as birthday cake, donuts or other junk food placed in common areas, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis.