The need for (reducing) speed, big changes in OSHA training grants and a start date for electronic reporting of injuries and illnesses. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

A post from The Pump Handle blog

Bangladesh Accord extended three years – worker protections strengthened, proponents promote an “alternative to standard CSR programs”

Garrett Brown MPH, CIH

Two global unions, four labor rights organizations and 23 apparel brands and retailers agreed in late June to amend and extend the ground-breaking Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety that has led to safer working conditions for 4 million garment workers in the world’s #2 apparel producer.

"Slackers" may be sabotaging their own health

People who think they’re less active than others their age have a greater chance of dying younger than people who perceive themselves as more active, even if their actual activity levels are the same, according to research published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

Mich. contractor killed in electrical accident

A contractor for a Michigan utility company died Wednesday after being electrocuted during what was apparently a routine pole change procedure.

Oil industry fatality data shows need for “Life-Saving Rules”

A report published recently by the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) shows the need on the part of some companies to make changes, according to the organization.

A Confined Space Blog post

OSHA to get political leadership

 Jordan Barab

Loren Sweatt, Senior Policy Advisor for the House Committee on Education and the Workforce will reportedly be named Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. Pending a nomination and confirmation of an Assistant Secretary (rumored to be Scott Mugno from FedEx), Sweatt will be the OSHA’s highest official and in effect (if not in name) Acting Assistant Secretary.

Transportation experts to discuss driver-assistance tech in trucking

The barriers and safety benefits of using advanced technology in heavy-duty trucks will be the focus of a roundtable discussion hosted by the National Transportation Safety Board and the National Safety Council on Monday, July 24, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel, Schaumburg, Ill.

Inside NIOSH:

Rapid progression of black lung disease highlights need for regular screening

Many coal miners who initially had a normal imaging test developed the most severe form of coal-dust—related lung disease within 21 years, and some within 10 years, according to a recent NIOSH study published in the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 

Three workers die in Fla. confined space

A confined space tragedy in South Florida claimed the lives of three workers – two of them would-be rescuers – and resulted in citations and penalties against two companies.

New guide will help with silica rule compliance

OSHA has released a Small Entity Compliance Guide for General Industry and Maritime to help small business employers comply with the agency's Final Rule to Protect Workers from Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica.

Calif. worker injured in explosion

Cal/OSHA has cited explosives manufacturer Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company $293,235 for multiple serious and willful accident-related workplace safety violations following an investigation of an explosion in Hollister that seriously injured a worker.

NTSB holds first investigative hearing since Exxon Valdez

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has scheduled an investigative hearing for Aug. 17, 2017, in Anchorage, Alaska, as part of its ongoing investigation of the Oct. 2, 2016, fatal crash of flight 3153 near Togiak, Alaska.

Report from Europe

EU moves to limit occupational exposure to carcinogens

A draft document approved recently by a European Union (EU) committee “represents a genuine step forward” toward reducing occupational cancers, according to the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI).

FAA shares data on new safety standards

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) met with members of the aviation community earlier this week to share data on new standards the agency developed to improve safety at U.S. airports during inclement weather.

OSHA says electronic reporting will begin on Aug. 1

OSHA has announced that Aug. 1, 2017, will be the start date for employers to electronically submit required injury and illness data from their completed 2016 OSHA Form 300A. They’ll do so through the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), a web-based form that will be accessible from the ITA webpage.

A Confined Space blog post

Harwood’s last gasp? OSHA announces cruel and bizarre grant round

 Jordan Barab

OSHA released a grant announcement last week for its Susan Harwood Worker Training Grants. No, the Trump administration did not wake up and suddenly realize how important job safety and health training is to high risk and vulnerable workers. These grants are funded by FY 2017 money which has already been appropriated and must be spent.