OSHA Revises National Emphasis Program to Reduce or Eliminate Worker Exposure to Silica

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a revised National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and reduce or eliminate worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in general industry, maritime, and construction.

OSHA will conduct 90 days of compliance assistance for stakeholders prior to beginning programmed inspections for the NEP.

The NEP targets specific industries expected to have the highest numbers of workers exposed to silica and focuses on enforcement of the new silica standards, one for general industry and maritime (29 CFR § 1910.1053) and one for construction (29 CFR § 1926.1153). These standards became effective in June 2016, and construction employers were required to begin complying with their standard as of September 23, 2017. General industry and maritime employers were required to begin complying with their standard as of June 23, 2018.

Read more ...

50 Years of OSHA

U.S. Department of Labor Launches New Webpage to Observe 50th Anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a new webpage marking the 50^th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the landmark worker safety and health law that led to the creation of OSHA.

---

OSHA Quicktakes

Employers who electronically submit OSHA Form 300A must provide an Employer Identification Number as of Jan. 2, 2020.

Working Safely in Cold Weather - During the winter season, OSHA's winter weather webpage offers tips for staying safe while working outdoors.

---

2019 Pipeline Leadership Conference

The 2019 Pipeline Leadership Conference will take place November 6-7 at the Hyatt Regency Houston Intercontinental Hotel in Texas.

This annual event brings together pipeline operations, engineering and construction senior executives who are driving transformation and innovation in pipeline and distribution system design, construction, and operations. View the agenda and register.

APCA Signs onto Letter Opposing Trucking Mandates

On September 16, a coalition of 31 associations, including APCA, sent a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Senate and House transportation committees opposing four costly and burdensome proposals that are being floated for inclusion the next highway bill.

Click here to see the letter.

Hurricane Dorian Spares Baha Mar

While our prayers certainly go out to all those affected by Hurricane Dorian, we are happy to report that Baha Mar, home to the 2020 APCA Convention, was not directly impacted by the storm. The resort and the nearby Lynden Pindling International Airport are both fully operational, and the APCA Convention will go on as planned.

Read more ...