Washington — In response to new data and updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, OSHA has updated its COVID-19 guidance in an effort to help employers protect at-risk or unvaccinated workers.

Sacramento, CA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 22 signed into law a bill intended to further protect the health and safety of warehouse workers.

Washington — OSHA has issued a proposed rule to update design and construction requirements in its powered industrial trucks standards for general industry and construction.

Washington — Forklift safety and operator training will be in the spotlight June 14 as part of the ninth annual National Forklift Safety Day, organized by the Industrial Truck Association.

Tampa, FL — COVID-19 mortality rates among adults with lower levels of education who worked in the labor, service and retail industries were nearly five times higher than other groups in 2020, results of a new study by the University of South Florida show.

Philadelphia — A new Regional Emphasis Program from OSHA is aimed at reducing worker injuries and illnesses in warehousing, storage and distribution yard operations.

Morgantown, WV — Researchers at West Virginia University are working on a project that uses robots to help reduce slips and falls in retail workplaces.

New York — Workers in the manufacturing, warehousing, construction and transportation industries need better support for their mental and emotional needs, results of a recent survey suggest.

Iselin, NJ — A recent survey of manufacturing and warehouse employees shows that 75% receive less than 30 minutes of safety training a week, while 20% receive no weekly training.

Vancouver, British Columbia — A new forklift safety video illustrates why the equipment’s operator should be the only rider.

Vancouver, British Columbia — Protecting workers from struck-by injuries related to heavy equipment or vehicles is the goal of new employed-aimed resources from the Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia.

Ann Arbor, MI — Most paper receipts at large retailers contain chemicals with possible links to hormone disruption and other adverse health effects, results of a recent study show.

Boca Raton, FL — Retail workers “are being asked to do too much,” and many are “leaving or throwing up their hands,” says a researcher from Florida Atlantic University.

Washington — OSHA will launch a National Emphasis Program “this summer” that will focus on high injury rates in warehouses, agency administrator Doug Parker said June 13.

Northampton, England — Prompted by workers’ safety concerns about the quietness of electric forklifts, British researchers are working to develop an audible alert.

Washington — OSHA has begun a National Emphasis Program that targets hazards in warehouses, distribution centers and “high-risk” retail establishments.

What does “sensor speed” mean, and why is it an important aspect of gas monitors?

The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists has set new recommendations around lower H₂S monitoring, and I have heard that OSHA may consider doing the same. How will these changes affect my gas monitoring program and safety audit?

What’s the difference between an incidental release and a hazardous substance release that requires an emergency response?

The recent update to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (CFR 1910.1200) changes the requirements for chemical labeling and mandatory employee training. The new Globally Harmonized System creates a universal standard to help keep workers safe and informed about chemical hazards. Because Hazcom is already one of the most frequently violated OSHA standards, it’s essential to know exactly what GHS is and how it affects your business.

Can I modify or handwrite GHS pictograms?

What are the necessary steps to take if I receive a shipment without a Safety Data Sheet?

The next and final GHS deadline is June 1, 2016. What does that means for me as an employer?

What are the criteria for determining if something is or is not an HNOC?

What are the most common challenges with GHS-compliant signs and labels?

Do all chemical containers need GHS labels?

What can HazCom-covered businesses expect from a proposed alignment with GHS Revision 7?

What are the new Environmental Protection Agency labeling requirements for hazardous waste containers?

Are HazCom-covered businesses permitted to use and distribute chemicals purchased from foreign suppliers?

What are the similarities between the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard and the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals?

What are the best practices, and proactive measures being taken, to ensure chemical safety in the workplace?

What needs to be included in my spill prevention control and countermeasure plan?

Providing secondary containment for containers, tanks, processes and waste storage areas limits the potential for hazardous chemical releases. It also minimizes the amount of time that will be spent cleaning up spills. In some cases, it can even allow spilled product to be recovered for reuse.

Does the color of an absorbent tell you anything about what it will safely absorb?

At my facility, many areas have small leaks and drips outdoors that represent either an environmental risk or a slip, trip and fall hazard due to the slick surface they create. When dealing with these small hydrocarbon spills in the rain or on waters, are there any products or solutions that absorb the oil while allowing clean water to filter through, or other solutions to keep my employees safe?

What does the updated OSHA silica regulation mean for spill control?

What is the difference between a “spill” and a “release”?

How often do I need to inspect my secondary containment devices?

What really matters when selecting an absorbent product?

Denios pop-up barriers are self-contained and passively powered. They are a self-closing solution that can save your facility – and even lives. No power, people or external sensors are needed.

Sometimes you don’t know your roof has sprung a leak until a rain or snowstorm hits. It’s an unwelcome surprise, but having the right tools on hand to stop leaks will help you keep your business rolling.

Washington – OSHA lacks sufficient controls to ensure worksites in the Voluntary Protection Programs maintain “exemplary occupational safety and health systems,” according to a Dec. 16 report from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez voiced his support for OSHA cooperative programs, as well as the need to increase the agency’s penalty limits, during a March 18 House hearing on the Department of Labor’s budget request for fiscal year 2016.

Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez tells congressional critics that OSHA must strike a balance between compliance assistance and enforcement.

Washington – OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs would become a permanent fixture, under bipartisan legislation introduced May 21 in the House.

Washington – The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General is currently conducting audits of three OSHA programs, with two other audits planned, OIG stated in its semiannual report to Congress.

Falls Church, VA – Virginia will become the first state in the nation to codify the Voluntary Protection Programs so that it becomes a permanent fixture of the state's workplace safety program, once recently approved legislation is enacted July 1.

A House bill would make OSHA’s Voluntary Protections Program a permanent fixture within the agency. Should it be? Stakeholders debate the merits of codifying the program in the face of recent criticisms.

Washington – Senators on both sides of the aisle have introduced legislation that would make permanent OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Washington – Several members of the House have joined forces to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that would make permanent OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs.