New OSHA enforcement program, EPA proposes asbestos ban and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

OSHA buckles down on electronic reporting

OSHA is initiating an enforcement program to identify employers who did not fulfill the requirement to electronically submit injury and illness data. The program will match new inspections against a list of potential non-submitters. Once establishments are identified, the agency plans to issue citations.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

EPA proposes ban on asbestos

The EPA has proposed a rule to ban the use of chrysotile asbestos, which is a known carcinogen linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Chrysotile asbestos is the only known form of asbestos imported into the U.S. and can be found in certain vehicle friction products. It currently kills about 40,000 people annually.

Studies, resources, trends, news

Three challenges facing the health and safety industry

An EHS Today article discusses three challenges to the health and safety industry due to the impact of the “Great Resignation.” Topics include the desire for improved workplace safety, the need to adapt training methods and the task of preserving legacy knowledge.

Survey highlights crisis of violence against school staff

A recent survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) showed that 33% of teachers and 37% of administrators have experienced verbal harassment or threats of violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of stress, about half of teachers wanted to or were planning to quit or transfer. APA offered guidance to help mitigate the issue centering around mental health and training support.

Courtesy of Texas Mutual