A federal rule restricting workers’ compensation claims to black lung diagnoses based only on film radiographs has been updated to embrace the digital age. The U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs has published for public comment a direct final rule and a companion proposed rule adopting updated standards for administering and interpreting digital radiographs for the Federal Black Lung Program.

Manufacturers’ concerns over health care and insurance costs are mounting, according to the second quarter National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)/IndustryWeek Survey of Manufacturers released this week.

OSHA’s Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) meets this afternoon in Washington, D.C. to discuss changes to the GS-0018 and the Safety and Occupational Health Management job series, among other items.

Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., died Monday at the age of 89 from viral pneumonia. First elected to the Senate in 1982, Lautenberg was the oldest member of the Senate.

Scenario: I am an electrician with thirty years of experience.  Currently, I'm employed as an electrician by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, at Orlando International Airport, FL.  For the past ten years I have been wearing lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing while working in the heat and humidity.

Question (1): Scenario: Employees will be using an insulated device to verify that an electrical circuit that has been "turned off, locked, and tagged" is de-energized. Are these employees required to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) under OSHA's construction standard 1926.416(a)(1) and/or NFPA 70E?

The EPA this week proposed two rules that would require composite wood products produced domestically or imported into the United States meet the formaldehyde emission standards established by Congress.
 

At AIHce 2013, AIHA Director of Government Affair Aaron Trippler gave an informal assessment of the political side of occupational safety and health, circa 2014. The reason nothing is getting done in DC is both parties have lost control of their members, said Trippler.

OSHA requires employers to protect employees from electrical hazards, including arc flash. Yet OSHA does not specifically explain how to comply with these regulations. NFPA 70E is the bridge between OSHA regulations and compliance.

OSHA Standards 29-CFR, Part 1910. Occupational Safety and Health Standards. 1910 sub part S (electrical) Standard number 1910.333 specifically addresses Standards for Work Practices and references NFPA 70E.