March 18, 2022

Upcoming OSHA webinar on electrical hazards, Grain Safety Week set for April 4 and more news

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Free webinar on electrical hazards on construction sites

OSHA is teaming up with the Associated General Contractors of America and The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) to raise awareness about electrical hazards on construction sites. The group will host a free webinar on March 22 to discuss electrical hazard protection.

OSHA receives $20 million budget increase

President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act on March 15, which scheduled OSHA for a $20 million increase in its fiscal year 2022 budget. A large amount of the increase is slated for enforcement, but compliance assistance efforts will also receive a $3.7 million increase.

Grain Safety Week begins April 4

The National Stand Up for Grain Safety Week will take place April 4 – 8 this year. The event is hosted by the Alliance, an OSHA cooperative program consisting of safety and industry leaders. Employers can register, view activities and download resources from the event’s website.

The Department of Transportation (DOT)

DOT proposes oral drug testing

DOT issued a proposed rule that would add oral fluid drug testing as an alternative to urine testing for commercial motor vehicle operators. The agency states that oral testing will help combat employee cheating and provide a more economical and less intrusive testing method. Comments on the proposed rule are due by Wednesday, March 30.