May 23, 2025
OSHA revises inspection program, NSC addresses heat stress and more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA has announced updates to its Site-Specific Targeting (SST) program, which directs enforcement resources to establishments with the highest injury and illness rates. The program uses OSHA Form 300A data from 2021-2023 to select non-construction workplaces with 20 or more employees for inspection. Selection criteria include high injury rates, upward trending rates, rates below industry averages and failure to submit required forms. This update replaces the previous SST directive issued February 2023.
The National Safety Council (NSC)
NSC grants fund innovative heat stress solutions
NSC has awarded over $140,000 through its Work to Zero Heat Stress Pilot Grant program to help employers combat occupational heat stress. The program enables organizations to test and evaluate technologies designed to protect employees from heat-related illness and death. Recipients will partner with leading technology providers to trial various innovative solutions, including wearable safety technology, drone-based precision mapping and rapid body cooling solutions.
Registration opens for National Safety Month in June
NSC has opened registration for National Safety Month, observed annually in June. This year's weekly safety topics include continuous improvement, employee engagement, roadway safety and well-being. Participants will receive free resources such as campaign posters, safety talks, quizzes, videos and articles to help prevent leading causes of injury and death. NSC members will have access to additional exclusive content.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
Hundreds of NIOSH employees reinstated amid deep budget cuts
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reinstated 328 NIOSH employees following a federal lawsuit and congressional pressure. The rehired employees are based in Morgantown W.Va. and Cincinnati as well as at the World Trade Center Health Program. While this decision did return many occupational safety and health employees to their jobs, significant budget cuts still remain.
The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC)
DWC shares 10 tips for keeping young employees safe
DWC has released a guide with ten essential tips for supervisors to ensure the safety of young employees in the workplace. These tips include providing thorough safety training, pairing teens with experienced mentors and fostering open communication about safety. The guide also emphasizes the importance of close supervision, proper equipment inspection and adherence to child labor laws.
Studies, resources, trends, news
Mental health in safety programs
A recent article in EHS Today highlights the importance of integrating mental health into workplace safety programs. NSC recommends a systems-based approach, including treating well-being like any other risk, partnering across departments and creating flexible, human-centered work policies. The article emphasizes the need to address unseen mental distress, which can increase physical injuries. It also outlines strategies for cultivating supportive work environments and making cultural adjustments to prioritize mental well-being in safety programs.