October 13, 2023

Advisory council to discuss workplace safety, OSHA extends comment period for inspection representation rule and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The next Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health (FACOSH) meeting will explore ways to enhance workplace safety. The meeting will focus on updates from the FACOSH subcommittee, how to better use federal reports to improve employee safety, OSHA regulatory updates and a presentation on new construction safety helmets. The virtual meeting is open to the public and scheduled for 1 p.m. EST on October 19.

OSHA is extending the public comment period on a proposed rule that would let employees designate someone who doesn’t work for their employer to represent them during an OSHA walkaround inspection. The agency is open to feedback on all parts of the rule but also has specific questions for the public. The comment period will remain open until November 13.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)

To help employees protect their hearing while working, DWC offers five tips about recognizing dangerous noise levels and using personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to these tips, the agency provides free resources, including safety videos, a sample hearing conservation program and a fact sheet.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

For protection against serious illness from the COVID-19 virus, the CDC is recommending one dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines to everyone who is 5 years of age or older. Separate recommendations are made for children younger than 5 years of age and people who are immunocompromised.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)