November 3, 2023
OSHA signs agreement with NLRB, maritime advisory committee meeting is scheduled for Nov. 14 and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) have agreed to work together to protect employees who speak up about workplace safety problems. The two agencies will share information, refer cases to each other and collaborate on outreach efforts to ensure employees understand their rights.
Maritime advisory committee to discuss industry updates and reports
At its next meeting, OSHA’s Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) will discuss reports from Shipyard and Longshoring workgroups and receive presentations on OSHA’s social media and outreach, maritime fall protection and rulemaking for a heat standard. The hybrid meeting is open to the public and scheduled for 9 a.m. EST on November 14.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC is proposing multiple amendments and new sections to the Texas Labor Code affecting lifetime income benefits (LIBSs). The amendments would redefine physically traumatic brain injuries and expand the inclusion of first responders for the purpose of entitlement to LIBs. The agency is requesting comments on the drafted rule by November 20.
DWC requests input for rule that would expedite benefits for military members
DWC is proposing rules to implement changes required by House Bill 90. These rules would clarify workers’ compensation coverage for travel and expedite claims and claim disputes for members of the Texas military forces. Comments must be submitted by December 4.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH hosts webinar on decent work and its relation to safety and health
An upcoming webinar in NIOSH’s Total Worker Health series will discuss the safety and health implications of decent work, or work that is safe, secure and rewarding. The presentation and discussion will focus on defining decent work, relating it to occupational safety and health, The American Public Health Association policy on decent work and evidence-based strategies and opportunities. The webinar is scheduled for November 15.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Podcast discusses highlights of NSC Safety Congress & Expo 2023
A recent episode of OH&S SafetyPod highlights key takeaways from the National Safety Council’s Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans. OH&S editors discussed the NSC's new Respond Ready Workplace program, the diversity, equity and inclusion panel, a forum on training multi-generational workforces and OSHA's annual Top 10 violations announcement.