AIHA head moving on after 16 years

O’Neil steps into new CEO role at ASIS International

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) is celebrating Peter J. O'Neil, FASAE, CAE for his 16 years of service to the organization as he transitions into his new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at ASIS International in Alexandria, Va.

New silica rule stays on track in budget deal

An effort to derail OSHA’s silica rule – which is expected to be finalized in February of 2016 – was defeated in the appropriations bill released by Congress this week.

Public health experts cheer climate change agreement

"A crucial investment in global health"

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is commending the more than 190 world leaders who worked together on the adoption of the Paris Agreement. The long-term framework to reduce carbon emissions in order to address climate change is “a crucial investment in global health that will ultimately save lives and decrease health care costs,” according to a statement by the group.

Why this counts: slips, trips and falls in the workplace

Every so often as I walk down the halls of the BLS headquarters building in Washington, D.C., I notice a few drips of coffee or water on our otherwise shiny floors. My first reaction is to stoop down and wipe up the spill, or to grab one of the handy “caution” signs we have around the building, to avoid a slip or fall.

Roofer faces 25 years in prison over employee’s fatal fall

Roofing company owner James J. McCullagh pleaded guilty Dec. 9 criminal penalties, including willfully violating an OSHA regulation causing death to an employee, making false statements, and obstructing justice.

Report foresees new focus on OSH in corporate reporting

Sustainability and financial accounting will soon include critical occupational safety and health data in the continued evolution of integrated reporting.

Drone registration deadline set

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made it official: drone owners must register between December 21, 2015 and February 19, 2016. “Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiasts are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Cancer prevention, treatment in people with mental illness

A new report calls attention to cancer in people with mental illness, suggesting that healthcare system and societal factors are just as critical as individual lifestyle factors— linked to smoking and obesity—that lead to health disparities among this group. The report appears early online in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians.

OSHA’s New Year’s resolution: A final silica rule by February, 2016

OSHA’s fall 2015 semiannual regulatory agenda projects that the final rule for occupational exposure to crystalline silica, which has been in development for more than 15 years, will be completed in February 2016.

Homeowner welding his truck burns down his house

A Utah man was welding underneath his truck when a fire started and destroyed his home. David Clay said he was working on his Toyota truck that he had spent more than 1,000 hours on when the fire sparked.

NYC considers tougher penalties for unsafe contractors

16 construction workers killed so far this year

In a response to New York City’s alarming construction fatality rate, the Big Apple’s City Council is considering tough new legislation that would punish contractors who violate safety regulations.

Major airlines ban hoverboards in luggage

Along with loaded guns and dynamite, hoverboards are now on the banned list for checked luggage for the “Big 3” U.S. airlines.