April 2, 2021

Registration date for Texas Workers’ Compensation Conference, safety tips for riding lawnmowers, CDC guidance on employer-run COVID-19 vaccination programs and more

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)

Registration opens April 5 for workers’ comp conference

This year’s Texas Workers’ Compensation Conference will take place virtually June 28-July 1. Registration opens on April 5. The 2021 conference will focus on the human element within workplace safety, claim handling and medical treatment.

New fact sheet covers riding lawnmowers (PDF)

DWC published a new safety fact sheet on riding lawnmowers. The resource covers training topics, case study examples, safe operating procedures and more.

The Department of Labor (DOL)

Mayor Marty Walsh is confirmed as secretary of labor

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has been confirmed as secretary of labor with a 68-to-29 vote by the Senate. Walsh has a union background and has been a favored candidate by organized-labor groups.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Strategies for employer-operated vaccinations

The CDC has published guidance on employer-run COVID-19 vaccination programs. The agency provides several criteria to determine whether a work-site program is appropriate and expands on the responsibilities of doing so. Additionally, tips are provided for helping employees build confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

NIOSH tests effectiveness of face coverings

NIOSH has begun testing the effectiveness of several types of face coverings when it comes to blocking cough aerosols such as those that could spread COVID-19. So far, the agency has found three-ply cotton facemasks and polyester neck gaiters to be significantly more effective than faceshields. However, the study also found that any face covering is better than no covering.