October 27, 2023
OSHA’s updated hazcom standard may be published soon, latest OSHA top 10 list is announced and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Andrew Levinson, director of OSHA's Directorate of Standards and Guidance, announced during the 2023 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo that the finalized update to the agency’s standard on hazard communication could be published in the coming months. This update will align the standard to the latest version of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and has been under review by the White House Office of Information and Regulatory affairs since October 11.
OSHA announces latest top 10 list
During the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, Eric Harbin, OSHA’s regional administrator, announced the 10 most frequently cited regulations for fiscal year 2023. Fall protection topped the list for the 13th consecutive year while several other violations shifted positions within the list compared to last year. Harbin commented that roofing contractors are common violators of many regulations on the list.
The National Safety Council (NSC)
The 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo featured a panel discussion emphasizing the importance of integrating diversity, equity and inclusion in occupational safety and health. Speakers included Maj. General Jeannie Leavitt, the U.S. Air Force's first female fighter pilot, and other distinguished safety and health leaders. The panel discussed the correlation between socioeconomic issues and workplace injuries and fatalities and also explored strategies for creating a safer work environment for all.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
DOL announces new actions to protect migrant employees
The DOL announced a new interagency task force to protect the safety and security of migrant employees, who are often vulnerable to exploitation by their employers. The task force will focus on reducing employees' vulnerability to exploitation, empowering employees to know their rights and increasing the transparency and sharing of data between government agencies. More than a dozen actions will be taken across the federal government to further these goals.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC seeks input for plan-based audit
DWC is asking for feedback on a new audit as part of this year’s annual medical quality review process. The audit will evaluate the appropriateness of doctors’ decision-making and recordkeeping when prescribing two medications, gabapentin and pregabalin, when used with opioids. Suggestions must be emailed by October 31.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Report highlights mental health of health care employees post-pandemic
The latest issue of Vital Signs reports findings from an analysis of the CDC Quality of Worklife survey data from 2018 to 2022. It discusses the increased levels of stress, burnout and harassment that health care employees have faced since the COVID-19 pandemic. The article also provides six steps that employers can use to promote the well-being of health care employees.