April 5, 2024
OSHA publishes inspection rule, construction committee discusses heat illness more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA issued a final rule allowing employees to choose non-employee representatives during OSHA inspections. This clarifies an existing rule and allows employees to bring in another employee or non-employee who has expertise relevant to their workplace to an inspection. The new rule goes into effect on May 31.
Construction safety advisory committee to discuss heat illness
The next Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health meeting will discuss heat illness prevention, infectious diseases in the workplace and other safety topics. Comments and requests to speak at the meeting are due by April 18. The virtual meeting is open to the public and scheduled for 12 p.m. CDT on April 24.
The National Safety Council (NSC)
NSC partners with OSHA to address traffic fatalities
Nearly 40% of workplace fatalities in the U.S. involve driving, with distracted driving as a major contributing factor. To address this, OSHA and the NSC will host a panel discussion on April 10th during Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The event will focus on employer responsibility in promoting safe driving practices for employees. The virtual event is open to the public and scheduled for 1:30 p.m. CDT on April 10.
NSC increases efforts to combat workplace overdoses
The NSC is launching new initiatives to fight workplace overdoses, a growing problem in the U.S. These programs include free online training and resources to improve workplace well-being through the NSC’s Workplace Wellbeing Hub. The agency will also provide easier access to bulk purchases of opioid overdose reversal medication for employers.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
DWC proposes streamlined rules for dispute resolution (PDF)
DWC is proposing changes to rules on dispute resolution for worker's compensation. The agency aims to simplify the process by removing outdated sections and clarifying the language. Comments will be accepted until May 6.
Studies, resources, trends, news
How to prepare for the upcoming eclipse
The total solar eclipse on April 8 is expected to bring many visitors to Texas. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extensions’ Disaster Assessment Recovery unit encourages Texans to plan ahead for increased traffic and disruptions such as decreased cellular service. Texans are also urged to pack essentials for the event, such as appropriate eclipse viewing glasses, plenty of drinking water, a first-aid kit and more.