Changes to OSHA’s beryllium and electronic recordkeeping rules, a new mine safety program and stories from Safety 2017 were among the top articles posted on ISHN.com this week.

NRDC: Heat deaths will rise sharply without U.S. in Paris Accord

In a little more than two decades, worsening summer heatwaves could kill 13,860 Americans a year, according to a new report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), in response to President Trump’s withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris climate agreement.

Health insurance expansion via Obamacare linked to fewer cardiac arrests

A sudden catastrophic loss of heart function, or cardiac arrest, occurred significantly less among adults who acquired health insurance via the Affordable Care Act (ACA), according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

OSHA wants to delay enforcement of electronic reporting rule

OSHA this week proposed delaying the compliance date for the electronic reporting rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, from July 1, 2017, to Dec. 1, 2017. The agency says this will allow it time to “further review and consider the rule.”
 

Newer miners the focus of MSHA safety initiative

A new initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is aimed at addressing the causes and trends in recent coal fatalities. Of special interest: miners hired within the last year, or in their current job for less than a year.
 

Texas co. logs a million man hours without a lost time incident

Houston-based EGC Critical Components, a designer and manufacturer of custom-engineered polymer components for performance-critical applications, has just announced a major milestone: one million hours without a lost time incident.

AIHA inducts new Board at AIHce EXP

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA®) welcomed its new Board of Directors and honored the contributions of Past President Daniel H. Anna, PhD, CIH, CSP, during its annual business meeting at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce EXP) in Seattle, Wash. 

OSHA moves to weaken beryllium exposure rule

Changes would apply to construction, shipyard sectors

OSHA’s announcement last week of a proposal to modify the agency's recent beryllium standards for the construction and shipyard sectors is being sharply criticized by safety advocates, who are calling it “a step backwards.”

NTSB: More weather info needed from pilots

Because they are in the best position to observe current weather conditions, pilots can help enhance aviation safety by providing weather updates – but few do, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which wants to change that.

2 CSX workers struck, killed by train near D.C.

Two employees of CSX Transportation died last night after being struck by an Amtrak train in Northeast Washington, D.C.

From Safety 2017

Are you ready for the “connected worker”?

 Dave Johnson

On the expo floor of Safety 2017, 28 vendors showcased mobile apps (tracking devices, mobile inspections, alarms and signaling devices, etc.). The new buzzword is “connectivity.” Safety pros are now using technology to respond to the exact location of an employee in distress of help while providing tools to account for the wellbeing of every worker.

From Safety 2017

Managing fatigue comes to the forefront

 Dave Johnson

On the expo floor at ASSE’s Safety 2017, Caterpillar displayed one of the latest tools in the battle against unsafe fatigue on the job. In-cab monitoring is a way to keep operators alert and safe.

New York State considering higher OSH felony penalties

A bill that would dramatically increase the maximum fines for occupational safety-related felony convictions has been passed by the New York State Assembly and is headed to the state Senate.

Acosta testifies today about DOL 2018 budget

Safety advocates are hoping to hear about stronger worker protections today when Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta testifies on the FY 2018 federal budget before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies.

How will new work-at-height standards impact equipment manufacturers?

ANSI (United States) and CSA (Canada) standards have, for almost four decades, provided best practices for safe, reliable access to work at height and have delivered a consistent benchmark for safe machine design in North America.

Va. worker falls, dies after machine guard is removed

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSH)issued $84,000 in penalties to Georgia Pacific in Big Island for safety violations discovered after a fatal incident in November.