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AIHA Comments on Hearing Protector Labeling

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:35:00 EST

The American Industrial Hygiene Association has released the comments it made to EPA about 40CFR211 Subpart B, Hearing Protector Labeling, a proposed rule published in the Aug. 5 Federal Register that would de-emphasize the single number rating given to hearing protection devices.

9/11 Responders Twice as Likely to Have Asthma

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:17:00 EST

First responders who were exposed to caustic dust and toxic pollutants following the 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) terrorist attacks suffer from asthma at more than twice the rate of the general U.S. population, according to Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers.

OSHA Proposes Rulemaking for Combustible Dust Standard

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:35:00 EST

OSHA published an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust.

MSHA Notifies 10 Operators for Potential Pattern of Violations

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:23:00 EST

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced that 10 mine operators from around the country have received letters putting them on notice that each has a potential pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(e) of the federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act).

CSB Releases Imperial Sugar Dust Explosion Safety Video

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 16:10:00 EST

On Oct. 7, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released a new, 9-minute safety video on the combustible dust explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Ga., which claimed the lives of 14 workers, injured 36 and caused extensive property damage on Feb. 7, 2008.

Coal Mining Hazard Resembles Explosive Volcanic Eruption

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:01:00 EST

Worldwide, thousands of workers die every year from mining accidents, and instantaneous coal outbursts in underground mines are among the major killers.

Alabama Workers Overcome by Fumes; OSHA Proposes More than $360,000 in Fines

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:18:00 EST

OSHA is proposing $364,350 in penalties against Frit Car Inc. in Brewton, Ala., for alleged safety and health violations. The inspection began April 3 when four workers were overcome by vapors while working in a confined space.

OSHA Cites Cheektowaga, N.Y., Employer for Lack of Industrial Hygiene Measures

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:55:00 EST

OSHA has cited Superior General Contracting of Cheektowaga, N.Y., for 10 alleged serious violations of workplace health standards related to a lack of industrial hygiene measures at an Amherst, N.Y., job site.

OSHA Issues Proposed Rule to Adopt the Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication System

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Calling it the “first step in an aggressive regulatory agenda” for the Obama administration, acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab announced a proposed rule to align OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (hazcom standard) with provisions of the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The rule was published in the Sept. 30 Federal Register.

NIST Develops New Beryllium Reference Material for Occupational Safety Monitoring

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:23:00 EST

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in collaboration with private industry and other government agencies, have produced a new reference material for beryllium that more closely mimics the form of beryllium workers are exposed to in the field.

OSHA Awards $6.8 Million in Training Grants

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:32:00 EST

On Sept. 18, OSHA awarded more than $6.8 million in Susan Harwood Training Grants to 30 recipients, including labor unions, employer associations, colleges, universities and other nonprofit organizations, in support of workplace safety and health programs.

MSHA Awards $500,000 in Mine Safety Grants

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:43:00 EST

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced awarded $500,000 in grant funds to six organizations that provide education and training within the mining industry.

OSHA Releases Guidance for Silica Control in Construction

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:00:00 EST

OSHA recently published “Controlling Silica Exposures in Construction,” a guidance document that addresses the control of worker exposure to dust containing crystalline silica, which is known to cause the lung disease silicosis.

John Howard Reappointed NIOSH Director

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST

On Sept. 3, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced that John Howard, M.D., will return to his role as director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) effective immediately.

DOL Withdraws Risk Assessment Rule

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 11:41:00 EST

The Department of Labor (DOL) on Aug. 31 officially withdrew the controversial risk assessment rule that critics claimed could jeopardize worker safety by delaying rulemaking on occupational exposure to toxins and chemicals.