A significant change may be on the horizon for how we manage respiratory protection programs. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a proposed rule, “Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators,” that could eliminate mandatory medical evaluations for users of two common types of…

Language and cultural barriers continue to pose serious challenges to workplace safety in the U.S. construction industry, where Hispanic workers make up a large share of the workforce. Recent research highlights that enhancing communication practices—especially for Spanish-speaking employees—can be a crucial step in preventing injuries and cultivating a culture of trust. A comprehensive study surveying…

A New York City training provider and its former president have pleaded guilty to charges related to issuing tens of thousands of fraudulent construction safety certificates and OSHA training cards. On June 6, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that Alexander Shaporov, former president of Valor Security & Investigations, admitted to operating the scheme. The…

A strong safety culture isn’t just about wearing hard hats and harnesses; it’s built on a foundation of open and honest communication. When employees feel safe to speak up about potential hazards and near-misses, organizations gain invaluable insights that can prevent serious incidents before they occur. However, creating an environment where reporting is not just…