Eighteen states filed three separate lawsuits Friday, October 29 to stop President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for federal contractors, arguing that the requirement violates federal law, reported the Associated Press. 

Record-breaking heat in the U.S. in 2021 endangered millions of workers exposed to heat illness and injury in both indoor and outdoor work environments. Workers in outdoor and indoor work settings without adequate climate-controlled environments are at risk of hazardous heat exposure, and workers of color are exposed disproportionately to hazardous levels of heat in essential jobs across these work settings.

The U.S. Senate on Monday voted along party lines to confirm California workplace safety chief Doug Parker to lead OSHA. The post was filled for the first time in more than four years by a vote of 50-41.

National Safety Apparel (NSA) continues to increase their House of Brands with the launch of their newest line of safety products, AG Safety™. This new electrical safety line features products that protect against arc flash and voltage hazards to complement their existing ArcGuard® safety apparel.

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) maintains data-driven and solutions-based positions on issues that impact occupational safety and health. ASSP has developed new policy statements on anticipated federal standards related to heat stress and COVID-19 as it aims to inform government officials and key stakeholders in improving the regulatory approach to workplace safety and health.

OSHA announced its preliminary Top 10 most frequently cited workplace safety standards for fiscal year 2021 at the 2021 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida. Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement Programs, presented the list virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 12. 

Corrie Pitzer, a regular speaker at the National Safety Congress & Expo, kicked off Tuesday’s agenda with a “preview” of the opportunities and risks confronting safety and health professionals in a post-Covid world.

John McBride knows what executives are looking for when hiring EHS pros. He’s the director of national recruiting for Consentium Search LLC and was one of the first workshop speakers Monday afternoon, October 11 at the 2021 National Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Staying focused and on task in the age of constant chatter – social media and cell phones – is a challenge that must be met, said Richard Hawk, who presented a session on mindfulness Monday, October 11 at the 2021 National Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida. 

OSHA has recommended that Tootsie Roll Industries pay more than $136,000 in fines after a machine at its Chicago plant cut off part of an employee’s finger this year, according to The Associated Press.