April 16, 2021

Cal/OSHA chief receives nomination to head federal OSHA, new resource to help employers and workers measure well-being and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

President Biden nominates Doug Parker to lead OSHA

Last week, President Biden nominated Doug Parker to be the new head of OSHA. Parker is currently chief of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) and previously held the role of deputy assistant secretary for policy in the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). A Senate hearing has not yet been scheduled to confirm the nomination.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

New survey identifies workers’ well-being

NIOSH has unveiled a new resource intended to help employers and workers measure well-being. The Worker Well-Being Questionnaire (WellBQ) is a 15-minute survey structured around work, home and health factors.

Studies, research, trends, news

Overdose deaths reach all-time high

After overdose deaths reached record numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration released a list of drug policy priorities. To support employers in addressing opioid use in the workplace, the National Safety Council (NSC) created a free toolkit containing fact sheets, presentations and other resources.

National Work Zone Awareness Week starts April 26

The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week will take place April 26-30. This year’s theme – “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.” – serves as a reminder that everyone needs to focus on safety around work zones. On April 28, participants are encouraged to wear orange in remembrance of those who’ve lost their lives in work zones.