OSHA proposal to update hazcom standard under White House review.

OSHA proposal to update hazcom standard under White House review.

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs is in the process of reviewing an update to Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) hazard communication standard. This update aims to align OSHA's standard with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and includes changes like clarifying existing regulations, adding new hazard categories, and improving precautionary statements. These updates are expected to enhance worker safety by providing more accurate information on labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals, while also improving alignment with international standards and other federal agencies. To read…
Read More
Injury and illness rates in warehouses are too high, OIG tells OSHA.

Injury and illness rates in warehouses are too high, OIG tells OSHA.

A Nicaraguan immigrant, Marcos, embarked on a perilous post-hurricane cleanup job in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where he encountered toxic mold and contaminants that left him with health issues. This investigation reveals that the disaster-restoration industry, largely reliant on low-wage immigrant labor, exposes workers to dangerous toxins like mold, asbestos, and lead, with many suffering long-term health problems as a result. Despite the risks, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has failed to establish proper safeguards for post-disaster work and often prioritizes swift recovery over worker health, leaving laborers vulnerable to hazardous conditions. To read the article in…
Read More