OSHA’s silica rule survives the Congressional budget process, the aviation industry bans a popular recreational item and an unsafe contractor could spend time in prison for an employee’s fatal fall. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

Citing media coverage of several recent fire incidents, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has issued a series of safety tips urging hover board owners to read product guidelines and be aware of potential fire hazards when using these trendy devices.

The fatal explosion at the Upper Big Branch mine in 2010 shocked the nation. It was the worst mine disaster in the United States in decades, with 29 coal miners losing their lives. Earlier this month, jurors in West Virginia sent a clear message that no mine operator is above the law when they found former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship guilty of conspiracy to willfully violate mine health and safety standards.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association® (AIHA) is celebrating Peter J. O'Neil, FASAE, CAE for his 16 years of service to the organization as he transitions into his new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer at ASIS International in Alexandria, Va.

An effort to derail OSHA’s silica rule – which is expected to be finalized in February of 2016 – was defeated in the appropriations bill released by Congress this week.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is commending the more than 190 world leaders who worked together on the adoption of the Paris Agreement. The long-term framework to reduce carbon emissions in order to address climate change is “a crucial investment in global health that will ultimately save lives and decrease health care costs,” according to a statement by the group.

Every so often as I walk down the halls of the BLS headquarters building in Washington, D.C., I notice a few drips of coffee or water on our otherwise shiny floors. My first reaction is to stoop down and wipe up the spill, or to grab one of the handy “caution” signs we have around the building, to avoid a slip or fall.

Roofing company owner James J. McCullagh pleaded guilty Dec. 9 criminal penalties, including willfully violating an OSHA regulation causing death to an employee, making false statements, and obstructing justice.

Sustainability and financial accounting will soon include critical occupational safety and health data in the continued evolution of integrated reporting.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has made it official: drone owners must register between December 21, 2015 and February 19, 2016. “Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.