Search Results for keywords:"workplace safety"

The Department of Labor has requested public comments on a new information collection related to injuries from operating mechanical power presses. This request is part of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration's efforts in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They aim to gather data on incidents involving employee injuries, including details such as the cause and the number of people involved, to improve workplace safety. The public is invited to comment on the necessity, accuracy, and ways to minimize the burden of this information collection until January 13, 2025.

OSHA is asking for public comments on their proposal to continue requiring certain paperwork for the Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Standard. This is to make sure that information collection about workplace safety meets certain standards and doesn't become a burden for businesses, especially small ones. They are also planning to increase the estimated paperwork hours due to a rise in workers involved. Comments can be submitted online by May 19, 2025.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) of the Department of Labor is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of the "Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses." This survey helps measure work injuries and illnesses in various industries and contributes to improving workplace safety and health standards. The BLS has introduced changes like a new data series for cases involving job restrictions and updated classification systems starting in 2023. They are testing additional contact methods to improve the survey's response rates, which have declined recently. Interested parties can submit comments until June 17, 2025.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the Department of Labor is seeking comments on the possible extension of the "Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries" data collection. This program aims to gather complete and accurate information about fatal work injuries to help develop safety strategies. Comments regarding the necessity, efficiency, and potential burden of this data collection effort must be submitted by June 9, 2025. The BLS wants feedback on how gathering this data can improve workplace safety measures and the methodologies used.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is asking the public for feedback on extending the approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for collecting information related to the safety standards for special dipping and coating operations. They are focused on ensuring that the data collection helps reduce work-related injuries and deaths while being easy for businesses to manage. Feedback must be submitted by May 12, 2025, and can be given through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. OSHA is particularly interested in insights on the necessity, accuracy, and impact of these information collection requirements.

On December 17, 2024, the Acting Secretary of Labor appointed four new members to the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH). These members include John Stephen Frost as a public representative, Kirk Sander as a management representative, Rebecca Reindel as a labor representative, and Sarah Williams Ischer as an occupational safety professional representative. NACOSH advises on matters related to workplace safety and health, with members serving staggered two-year terms. The appointments are effective starting January 16, 2025, and will last until January 16, 2027.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is asking for public comments on its request to extend the approval for information collection related to a pilot study. This pilot study is examining a new safety and health program assessment worksheet, called Draft Revised Form 33 (DRF33), which would replace the existing form. The study, which includes analyses and multiple consultation visits, aims to ensure the new form is a useful and efficient tool for improving workplace safety. OSHA plans to continue the study until 2028 and invites feedback on the necessity, burden, and usefulness of the data collection.

OSHA has finalized a revision to its personal protective equipment (PPE) standard for the construction industry, specifically requiring that all PPE must fit properly to ensure the safety and protection of workers. This new rule is set to take effect on January 13, 2025, and aligns the construction standards with current requirements for general industry and shipyards. The revision aims to address concerns that standard-sized PPE may not fit everyone, particularly women and workers with smaller or larger body sizes, thereby enhancing safety and reducing risks of injuries from improperly fitting equipment. Although it may result in some costs for employers who need to update their PPE supplies, the rule is expected to improve workplace safety and is not anticipated to create significant economic burdens for the industry.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted an information collection request titled "Improving Safety of Human-Robot Interaction" to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval, as per the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This research aims to enhance the safety of workers interacting with robots in manufacturing settings by using virtual reality to study human-robot interaction. The study will collect data from 111 participants over three years and focus on perceived safety, workload, and trust concerning robots' speed, size, and movement. The public has an additional 30 days to comment on the information collection request.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for certain chemical substances identified in premanufacture notices (PMNs). These rules, known as Significant New Use Rules (SNURs), require companies to notify the EPA 90 days before beginning to manufacture or process these chemicals in ways considered a "significant new use," giving the EPA time to evaluate potential risks. The rules include specific requirements for workplace safety, such as ventilation and protective equipment, as well as guidelines for hazard communication. This regulation aims to prevent risks to human health and the environment before these new uses of chemicals are fully developed or used commercially.