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Dr. C. Everett Koop, the medical professional given credit for playing a major role in changing public attitudes about smoking died yesterday at his home in Hanover, N.H. at the age of 96.

A gas well fire that injured three workers has resulted in two serious citations against a West Virginia drilling company. OSHA inspected Hall Drilling LLC’s facilities following the August 2012 incident as part of its regional emphasis program for the oil and gas industry. Proposed penalties total $12,600.

Like other recipients of direct federal payments, black lung beneficiaries and medical providers must begin receiving their benefits by direct deposit or prepaid debit card by Friday, March 1.

A proposed “carbon tax” would have a “devastating” impact on manufacturing and jobs, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), responding to climate-change legislation introduced recently in the Senate.

Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.

Senators Barbara Boxer (D-California) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) have introduced in the Senate comprehensive climate change-related legislation that includes two measures: a Climate Protection Act which would impose fees on major greenhouse gas emitters and a Sustainable Energy Act that would end subsidies to fossil fuel companies.

The deadline for nominating people for Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Awards of Excellence (AoE) is coming up fast. Nominations must be postmarked by Thursday, February 28, 2013 to qualify.

Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.

President Obama’s rumored pick for Secretary Energy is drawing loud “boos” from a coalition of anti-fracking groups, who say the appointment of Dr. Ernest Moniz would be “a major step backwards” in addressing the problems caused by climate change.

OSHA has cited SER Construction Partners LLC with one willful violation for exposing workers repairing a water line to excavation hazards at its Conroe work site on State Highway 242. OSHA's Houston North Area Office began its December 2012 inspection as part of a national emphasis program on trenching and excavation.