Regulatory Roundup: Heat stress bill introduced, labor secretary resigns and more

Regulatory Roundup is a weekly compilation of employee wellness and safety news. You can read the full article by clicking the titles below.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

New bill would require heat stress regulation

A new bill in the House of Representatives would require an OSHA regulation for protecting workers in high heat environments. The Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act would require that employers provide paid breaks in a cool environment with access to water. Lawmakers also want the regulation to limit the time workers can be exposed to heat and require training on heat illness risk factors.

Acosta resigns as secretary of labor

Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta resigned on July 12 due to his involvement in Jeffrey Epstein's plea deal from a 2008 case. Deputy Secretary of Labor Patrick Pizzella will lead the Department of Labor on an interim basis beginning July 19. Pizzella previously served under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

The National Safety Council (NSC)

NSC hosts defensive driving webinar for employers

The National Safety Council is hosting a defensive driving webinar that will cover fundamental concepts to improve driving, identify hazards and reduce risks. The 30-minute presentation will take place on Aug. 29.

Studies, resources, trends, news

Six summer workplace hazards

According to an EHS Today article, there are six hazards that are prevalent during the summer months. A slideshow discusses each of the six hazards: falls, trenching, struck-by, electrical safety, workplace violence and agricultural hazards.

Safety program strategies for a diverse workforce

A diverse workforce can be challenging to cover under a single safety program. An EHS Daily Advisor article provides tips for considering challenges faced by young workers, older workers, immigrant workers and temporary workers.

Courtesy of Work Safe, Texas

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