Regulatory Roundup
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA resumes normal operation in Texas In the wake of Hurricane Harvey, OSHA ceased most enforcement actions and focused on compliance assistance and outreach to affected counties. Now, the agency is resuming regular enforcement operations in most of the impacted counties. OSHA will continue to provide compliance assistance and outreach in the most heavily impacted areas…MORE
New information on OSHA’s silica webpage OSHA updated their silica page to include information on where silica is found and the associated health hazards. The page also contains tabs with information on compliance assistance for the construction, maritime and general industries…MORE
OSHA releases two fact sheets OSHA released new fact sheets on the Zika virus and shipyard competent persons. The Zika virus fact sheet focuses on biomedical laboratory workers and discusses how exposures can occur, best practices and tips for what to do if an exposure occurs. The shipyard competent person fact sheet includes information on determining the safety of a confined space as well as knowledge and skill requirements, and expected tasks for the competent person…MORE
Studies, resources, trends, news
Coalition against increase in poultry production meets with USDA The poultry industry’s injury rate is currently two times the national average of all industries. However, an industry petition has been brought forward that would increase production speeds from 140 to 175 birds per minute. Poultry workers and officials from nonprofit organizations and unions recently met with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service to urge a denial of the petition based on worker safety, animal suffering and consumer protection…MORE
NFPA releases new edition of electrical safety code The newest electrical code from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 70E 2018, is now available. The new version clarifies accountability for electrical safety and addresses job planning, hierarchy of risk controls and risk assessment. The code also includes modified definitions to align with OSHA standards and clarifies terms…MORE
