Washington — NIOSH is seeking respirator manufacturers and other participants for a new project aimed at determining how well the devices protect workers who have facial hair when beard bands are used.

Boston — Intended to give small health care employers an “easy-to-use format” for a written exposure control plan, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has published sample written plans for a respiratory protection program and bloodborne pathogen exposure control.

Washington — NIOSH will continue to research how construction sites that use robotics can be kept safe for workers, agency Director John Howard says.

Albuquerque, NM — Even moderate outdoor temperatures may put construction workers at increased risk of heat-related illness, a recent study led by a University of New Mexico researcher suggests.

Silver Spring, MD — Thirty-nine workers died while performing trench/excavation work in 2022, up from 15 in 2021, according to a new report from CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Waltham, MA — The higher outdoor temperatures climb, the more likely it is that a worker will be injured, according to a recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute.

Silver Spring, MD — Nearly 1,100 construction workers died in 2022, according to a recent data bulletin published by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training.

Silver Spring, MD — Protecting workers who handle products containing nanomaterials begins by controlling exposures “like other potential hazards,” CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training says in a new fact sheet.

Washington — Three OSHA regions have continued or established a set of emphasis programs, the agency recently announced.

New York — Emphasizing that failure to follow construction codes and project-specific requirements can put both people and property at risk, the New York City Department of Buildings is reminding contractors about 17 procedures they need to follow during excavation and trench work.

The BullsEye™ digital fire extinguisher training system provides hands-on training that is realistic, interactive and safe for every member of the workforce. Rechargeable laser-driven extinguishers eliminate the cost and lost productivity associated with traditional training methods. Train more people in less time with BullEx.

How can I best protect my workers from on-the-job silica exposure?

Rancho Cordova, CA — More than 4 out of 5 Generation Z employees say they’re working longer hours – and most say their eye health is suffering as a result.

Chicago — A new online game developed by the Center for Healthy Work at the University of Illinois Chicago demonstrates how different workers in an organization are impacted by social determinants of health.

Washington — Employers can improve the on-the-job experience for workers affected by menstruation and menopause by providing protections and accommodations, and being flexible, the Department of Labor says.

Guaynabo, Puerto Rico — Seven out of 10 workers think employers should reconsider the 40-hour workweek, according to the results of a recent survey from job search website FlexJobs.

Ann Arbor, MI — University of Michigan researchers have developed and tested a set of knee exoskeletons that they say help counteract fatigue during lifting and carrying tasks.

Washington — Chemical facilities should be confirming that equipment can function within the safe operating limits documented in process safety guidance while ensuring quality during all situations – including emergencies, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Adopted on Dec. 14, the ETS is set to go into effect Dec. 29.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture says it’s extending a trial of faster line speeds at select pork-processing facilities so it can design a study to assess worker safety.

Washington — A long-standing Chemical Safety Board concern is no more: The agency has cleared its backlog of open investigations and incident reports.

Washington — Hazards related to combustible dust “must be controlled beyond the existing regulatory requirements,” says the Chemical Safety Board, which has renewed its call on OSHA to begin rulemaking on a general industry standard.

Washington — Onshore oil and gas wells need appropriate well planning and control measures in place to “mitigate the potential for the ignition of flammable material,” the Chemical Safety Board says.

Nanjing, China — A recent study highlighting the expected ties between exposure to cancer-causing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and a risk factor for heart disease could impact workers.

Washington — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has again extended a trial of faster line speeds at select pork-processing facilities, saying it’s continuing to study the effect on worker safety.

Washington — Protecting workers in the engineered stone industry from exposure to crystalline silica will be the topic of an OSHA webinar scheduled for March 14.

Washington — As the Environmental Protection Agency considers regulating the manufacture, processing and distribution of lead wheel weights, it’s seeking stakeholder feedback on how workers and families may be exposed to lead.

Sacramento, CA — The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health recently launched a campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of silica dust in the engineered stone industry.

Washington — Many chemical facilities “have not fully recognized that the effective remote isolation of equipment is critical to quickly stopping releases of hazardous materials” and protecting workers, the Chemical Safety Board says.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has published a final rule that restores pesticide application exclusion zone requirements intended to protect farmworkers, pesticide handlers and workers’ families.

Just Born, the maker of iconic brands, including PEEPS®, MIKE AND IKE®, HOT TAMALES® and GOLDENBERG’S® PEANUT CHEWS®, announced that Meenakshi Trehan will join the company as chief growth officer. In her role, Meenakshi will oversee the sales and marketing teams.

Sweets & Snacks Expo announced the winners of the 2024 Most Innovative New Product Awards, recognizing excellence in 13 categories, showcasing the most innovative ideas, concepts, and products across the candy and snack industries.

Mars Wrigley unveiled several new insight-backed offerings that deliver on shoppers' evolving requests for a wider variety of products. 

Motif will have exclusive access to these food technologies, which hold the promise to address two of the most significant challenges in plant-based foods: achieving melt and stretch in plant-based cheese, and healthier fat that marbleizes in plant-based meat.

Washington — The Federal Aviation Administration should make sure its strategy on safely integrating drones into the National Airspace System assesses how counter-drone technologies at airports affect its efforts, the Government Accountability Office says.

Vienna, VA — Registration is open for the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety’s annual conference, set for Oct. 8-11 in Atlanta.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency’s recent final rule banning methylene chloride for consumer use has advocacy groups and lawmakers concerned that continued commercial use of the hazardous chemical leaves workers at risk.

Iowa City, IA — A NIOSH-funded study of farm machinery found that the machine operators experienced whole-body vibration at levels that reached the European Union’s “action level” for exposure limit within two hours of operation on nearly 30 percent of the equipment tested.

Ingredion Incorporated has expanded its potato-based solutions with new ULTRA-TEX® 1311 modified potato starch. The waxy, instant starch offers food manufacturers a new way to create premium products with enhanced product appeal and cost savings potential.

Listen to a new Prepared Foods interview with Editor Bob Garrison and Carolina Sasson, Chief Operating Officer at Mission Field, recapping trends, tastes and technologies seen at Natural Products Expo West.

Prepared Foods explores the growing and dynamic topic of regenerative agriculture in a discussion with Ryan Slabaugh, founder of Think Regeneration.

Washington — Oil and gas extraction operators should include contract workers in site safety management plans, improve job and equipment hazard training, and reinforce safety practices, a recent study concludes.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a long-anticipated final rule that lowers miners’ permissible exposure limit to respirable crystalline silica.

Arlington, VA — Tires on mobile equipment may explode during equipment fires and after flames are extinguished, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is warning miners.

Arlington, VA — Prolonged exposure to diesel particulate matter can increase the risk of cardiovascular, cardiopulmonary and respiratory disease, including lung cancer, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is warning.

Upcycled cheese products are quickly gaining popularity with consumers, yet manufacturers face challenges achieving consistent firmness and meltability.

Join experts at GNT on Tuesday, May 23rd at 2pm EDT and discover why color is critical for a successful product launch and how you can unlock the limitless potential of consumer-friendly natural colors.

The food texture market is expected to reach $11,840.8 million by 2018.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the year subject to regulatory approval.

Newly Weds Foods’ goal is to make products stand out with versatile batters and tasty breadings that add culinary innovation to the mix. From crunchy goodness to light and airy crispiness, Newly Weds® Foods can help manufacturers create a new taste sensation that commands consumer attention and repeat purchases.