Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the effectiveness and integrity of USDA’s procedures to develop and advance a controversial proposed rule that would remove maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants, according to a letter obtained by multiple media outlets.

Washington — More than 3 out of 5 Americans are against a U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed rule to remove maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants, according to the results of a recent survey.

Washington — A controversial U.S. Department of Agriculture final rule unveiled Sept. 17 removes maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers.

Minneapolis — A coalition consisting of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, three local affiliate unions and watchdog group Public Citizen is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over a controversial final rule that removes maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service in April approved 15 poultry processing plants’ requests to increase line speeds 25% – despite reported cases of COVID-19 among workers and at least one fatality related to the ongoing pandemic, according to a new policy brief from the National Employment Law Project.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture “did not take adequate steps to determine whether the worker safety data it used … were reliable” when proposing a controversial rule that removes line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers, the USDA Office of Inspector General concludes in a report released June 25.

Washington — A new online toolkit from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is intended to assist safety professionals and health officials in assessing COVID-19 pandemic-related prevention and control measures at meat and poultry processing facilities.

Washington — A controversial U.S. Department of Agriculture rule that would permit line speeds at certain poultry processing plants to increase to 175 birds a minute from the current 140 is under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Washington — President Joe Biden on Jan. 22 signed an Executive Order withdrawing a controversial U.S. Department of Agriculture proposed rule that would have permitted line speeds at certain poultry-processing plants to increase to 175 birds a minute from the current 140.

Washington — Legislation reintroduced March 11 by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Bennie Thompson (D-MS) would prohibit line speed increases in meat and poultry-processing plants during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic.

Minneapolis — The U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota upheld a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture on March 31, ruling that a controversial final rule that removes line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers compromises worker health and consumer welfare.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has indicated it will accept a March ruling of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota that prohibits the removal of maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service, in collaboration with OSHA, will allow select pork-processing facilities – on a trial basis – to operate at increased line speeds for up to one year while gathering data that “measures the impact of line speed on workers.”

Washington — Seeking to “best assess” the impact of increased line speeds on worker safety in poultry-processing plants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service plans to study the effects.

State College, PA — Workers who play a role in the U.S. food supply chain are at high risk for being hospitalized with severe injuries, results of a recent study show.

Washington — A trial that allows select pork-processing facilities to operate at increased line speeds will continue, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service says.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising dairy and poultry facilities to take steps to protect their workers and the public from exposure to bird flu.

Here's why cellular backup security has become essential in ensuring continuous protection among the various options available.

As the smart home market continues to expand, security dealers are seeking reliable and innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of homeowners and businesses.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency wants to lower emissions of ethylene oxide – a gas that’s used to sterilize medical devices and has been linked to cancer and neurological problems.

Utrecht, The Netherlands – On-the-job exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields may double men’s risk of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, according to a new study from researchers in The Netherlands.

Denver – On the heels of a recent Purdue University study suggesting that a popular method for repairing water pipes can release hazardous chemicals into the air, the National Environmental Health Association will host a one-hour webinar on Oct. 5 to discuss potential risks to workers and the public.

Oxnard, CA — Workers in the utilities industry are at an increased risk of serious injuries and fatalities (also called SIFs), according to a recent study from safety consulting firm DEKRA Insight.

Boston — Falls to a lower level were the leading a cause of fatal worker injuries in Massachusetts from 2014 to 2015, representing nearly 17 percent of the state’s workplace fatalities, according to a report released Oct. 16 by the state’s Department of Public Health.

Watertown, SD — Workforce expansion in the communication tower industry has created “a huge untapped potential for women” while enhancing the need for proper safety training for all workers, Andrea Lee, the National Tower Erectors’ Women of NATE committee chair, said during a recent Federal Communications Commission podcast.

Silver Spring, MD — A new hazard alert from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training highlights ways to recognize and control hazards associated with radiofrequency radiation exposure.

Washington — The American Wind Energy Association is offering free resources in October in conjunction with its annual monthlong worker safety awareness campaign.

Washington — A new NIOSH safety advisory highlights the importance of training firefighters and dispatchers on the use of portable radio emergency alert buttons during mayday events.

Toronto — A damaged harness can be the difference between a near-miss incident and a catastrophic fall when working at height, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association says.

Why should establishments develop and implement a safety and health program?

J. J. Keller’s Top EHS Practices white paper is a must-read for anyone looking to improve safety practices at their company. It offers real-world tips and insights on essential topics, including: Training; written safety plans; chemical management; audits and inspections; and more.

Changing traditional approaches can change safety culture for the better, experts say

In Episode 29, the S+H editorial team discusses the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities, or SIFs, as well as hazard communication with consultant and expert Chandra Gioiello, a vice president and senior consultant at Industrial Health and Safety Consultants.

In Episode 30, the S+H editorial team dives into the August issue’s feature story on effective incident investigations, and discusses the legal issues surrounding impairment in the workplace.

From keynote sessions to the announcement of OSHA’s Top 10 most cited standards in fiscal year 2022 and a history lesson, the Safety+Health team breaks down what’s ahead at the 2022 NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

The S+H editorial team interviews OSHA Administrator Doug Parker live at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo in a special episode of the magazine's "On the Safe Side" podcast taped Sept. 19 in San Diego.

“Don’t let the fear created by peer pressure dominate your behavior,” says safety pro turned motivational speaker Richard Hawk.

In Episode 34, the S+H editorial team dives into the December issue’s feature story on head protection. Additionally, veteran safety expert and keynote speaker Richard Hawk discusses how safety professionals can enhance their listening skills.

In Episode 35, the S+H team dives into the January issue’s feature story on adoption and acceptance of safety technology. Additionally, senior safety consultant and keynote speaker Jack Jackson discusses how safety professionals can use storytelling to spread safety messages.

In Episode 37, the S+H team celebrates the third anniversary of the podcast by diving into the March issue’s feature story on the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Additionally, Reginald Jackson, a safety and health specialist in OSHA’s Office of General Industry and Agricultural Enforcement, discusses loading dock safety in an expanded “5 Questions With …” interview.

In this special episode, the Safety+Health team previews the 2023 NSC Spring Safety Conference & Expo – set for May 17-19 in Indianapolis – and interviews keynote speaker Brandon Schroeder.

In Episode 41, the S+H examines the July issue’s feature story on influence in safety. Also, Mike Kassman from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training discusses trenching and excavation safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment.

In Episode 42, the S+H team examines the August issue’s feature story on math for safety professionals. Also, Kenna Carlsen, research associate for the National Safety Council Work to Zero initiative, joins the podcast to discuss wearable technologies in the “Five Questions With …” segment.

In Episode 43, the S+H team examines the September issue’s feature story on aerial lifts. Also, Ryan Pietzsch, a program technical consultant for driver safety at the National Safety Council, joins the podcast to discuss fleet safety in the “Five Questions With …” segment.

From keynote sessions to the announcement of OSHA’s Top 10 most cited standards in fiscal year 2022 and a history lesson, the Safety+Health team breaks down what’s ahead at the 2022 NSC Safety Congress & Expo.

In a special episode live from the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans, the S+H editorial team interviews Jane Terry, National Safety Council vice president of government affairs, on pending OSHA regulations, NSC's naloxone initiatives, and more.

In Episode 47, the S+H team examines the January issue’s feature story on how the safety and health professional’s job has changed over the years. Also, National Safety Council colleague Rich Fairfax joins the podcast to discuss changes to OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements.

In Episode 49, the S+H team examines content included in the March issue, such as a quiz on ladder safety, advice on having difficult conversations at work and issues for women in construction. Also, National Safety Council colleague Amy Artuso joins the podcast to discuss Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the “Five Questions With …” segment.

In Episode 50, the S+H team celebrates a milestone and examines content from the April issue, including the results of the annual Training Survey, safety and health for remote workers, and work zone safety. Also, SafeStart’s Tim Page-Bottorff joins the podcast to preview his presentation on Safety I vs. Safety II, in partnership with Corrie Pitzer, to be made at the 2024 NSC Spring Safety Conference and Expo.

In Episode 51, the S+H team examines content from the May issue, including a feature story on five reasons why falls in construction have remained persistent, and what to do about it. Also, National Safety Council senior consultant Richard Flynt joins the podcast to discuss the four weekly themes of National Safety Month – coming in June.