WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is moving to strengthen air quality regulations in North Carolina by proposing approval of two related State Implementation Plan (SIP) revisions submitted by the North Carolina Division of Air Quality (NCDAQ). These revisions aim to eliminate exemptions that previously allowed emissions to exceed SIP limits during malfunctions, startups, and shutdowns at the discretion of state or local officials. On October 27, 2023, NCDAQ  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the period for public input on a proposal concerning occupational exposure to COVID-19 in healthcare settings. The agency will now accept comments until November 1, 2025. The extension, a full 60 days, is in response to requests from interested parties. The change provides these stakeholders additional time to analyze the proposal and collect the information and data needed to   more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration has lengthened the public comment period for a proposed rule regarding workplace standards. The rule would adjust the interpretation of the General Duty Clause, which governs employee safety. Specifically, the proposed change would prevent enforcement against hazards that are considered inherent and inseparable from the core functions of certain professional activities. Originally set to co  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration is considering revisions to its Respiratory Protection Standard and has extended the public comment period to allow more time for review and feedback. The proposal, initially released on July 1, 2025, focuses on amending the requirements for medical evaluations for certain respirators. The deadline for all comments has been moved to November 1, 2025. The core of the proposed rule seeks to e  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration is taking action to strengthen its worker protection standards against exposure to cadmium, a highly toxic metal. OSHA's proposal is a response to ongoing concerns about the health risks associated with cadmium, which is used in industries from battery manufacturing to welding and painting. Exposure to cadmium can have severe consequences for workers, as it is a known carcinogen linked to l  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing revisions to its standard on Benzene, a known human carcinogen. The proposal, published on July 1, 2025, aims to update safety protocols for workers exposed to the chemical. In response to requests from various groups, the agency has extended the public comment period to November 1, 2025. Benzene exposure is linked to serious health issues, including leukemia and other blood di  more

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration is extending the public comment period for its proposed changes to the Asbestos standard. The deadline is now November 1, 2025, giving stakeholders an additional 60 days to provide feedback. The decision was made in response to requests for more time to review the proposal and collect necessary data for comments. The proposed revisions are part of a broader effort by OSHA to update and stre  more