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MSHA: 2015 Mining Deaths Lowest Ever

"While record-low numbers have been achieved, we are mindful that things could change in a heartbeat if we let down our guard. There is still much more to be done to ensure that miners go home after every shift, safe and healthy," Assistant Secretary Joe Main said.

The onslaught of winter weather brought out seasonal safety tips from both NIOSH and the National Weather Service.

NIOSH Offers Tips for Working in the Cold

Given that northern states from Washington to Maine are expecting snow and rain this week, the agency’s timely tips can help workers steer clear of cold stress.

FDA Warns Puerto Rican Health Providers About Customed Packs

Health care staffers should not use the company's convenience packs and trays for any surgical procedure because adequate testing hasn't been completed, according to the agency.



Bridge Repair Company Named a Severe Violator after Fatal Trench Collapse

Susquehannah Supply Company has been cited for willful violations, OSHA announced. Proposed penalties in the case total $140,000.

NIOSH Skin Documents Focus on Dermal Exposures

There are 45 Skin Notation Profiles available on the NIOSH website.

Beryllium is an occupational respiratory hazard. It is a lightweight, strong metal used principally in the aerospace and defense industries, according to OSHA.

OSHA Sets Informal Hearing on Beryllium Rule

The agency published the proposed rule Aug. 7, 2015, and took comments through Nov. 5, during which the the Non-Ferrous Founders' Society requested that OSHA schedule an informal public hearing on it.

DOE Produces Plutonium-238 Fuel for Deep Space Missions

Researchers' production of 50 grams of plutonium-238 "marks the first demonstration in the United States since the Savannah River Plant in South Carolina ceased production in the late 1980s," DOE's announcement stated.

NTSB Releases El Faro Photos, Video

Thirty-three crew members were aboard the cargo ship when it went down Oct. 1 during Hurricane Joaquin near Crooked Island, Bahamas.

NYC Bike Share Ridership Topped 10 Million in 2015

Citi Bike riders have taken 10 million trips in 2015, shattering 2014's previous record of 8,092,952 trips, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced.

The UK Environment Agency in late December 2015 raised the Foss Barrier, which was built in 1987 to protect Yorkshire from floods caused by the River Ouse, after the barrier

UK Government Beefing Up Flood Defenses

Prime Minister David Cameron announced a $59 million package that includes reimbursement for fire and rescue agencies.

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, the mosquitoes that alos spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

First Zika Virus Case Confirmed in Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Department of Health reported the first locally acquired case of Zika virus infection there on Dec. 31, a case where the virus was confirmed in a resident of Puerto Rico with no known travel history. Health officials in Puerto Rico are monitoring for other cases.

By June 1, 2016, OSHA expects all employers to be fully compliant with GHS adoption.

Four Steps to GHS Compliance

The GHS compliance date of Dec. 1, 2015, has passed. Are you in compliance?

Companies often send out an all-staff email if bad weather is predicted, but would employees really know what to do in a serious emergency, be it related to nature or man-made?

Prepare for the Worst and Then Be Ready When It Happens

In many cases, businesses can't prevent a lot of the disasters that may potentially strike, but there's little excuse not to be ready when they do.

The key to ensuring success is participation. Your guidance team can help you determine encouraging and fun ways to keep the program goals top of mind and provide ideas on how to reward participation.

Taking the Work Out of Rewards and Recognition: Using Wellness, Safety, and Performance Incentives

Rewarding employees along the way to reaching their ultimate goal encourages long-term engagement.

"There is a strong public safety interest in ensuring that testing moves forward and that NHTSA has access to all test data," NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind said.

Taking Stock of 2015

One of the year's most significant enforcement developments occurred late in the year, in November: President Obama signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

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