Deadly incident leads to new permitting standard

• A deadly crane collapse in Seattle, Washington, six years ago has led to regulatory reform in the Emerald State.
• The state Department of Labor & Industries filed the rules this month. They require general contractors to follow strict guidelines when operating, assembling, dismantling or reconfiguring tower cranes on construction sites. They also must obtain a permit and follow manufacturers’ instructions.
• In 2019, a 300-foot crane fell across a Seattle street as crews were dismantling it, killing four people and injuring several others.
• The regulation is based on a 2024 law passed by the state legislature.
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Nevada officials dispute claims of political influence in Boring Co. citations

• Nevada state officials have issued a lengthy rebuttal to a Fortune Magazine story that suggested political pressure led to the state quickly dismissing hefty citations against The Boring Co.
• The Nevada Department of Business and Industries, in a 2,000-word statement, said the citations and more than $400,000 in proposed penalties were dropped due to legal insufficiency.
• Two firefighters suffered chemical burns during a training exercise after being exposed to “muck” from the boring process.
• Fortune says it stands by its reporting and the facts included in the story.
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Chemical Safety Board cuts could limit OSHA’s reach

• Safety experts are warning that the proposed elimination of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) would remove a critical investigative partner to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• CSB plays a distinct role that OSHA cannot fulfill, says a certified industrial hygienist and safety professional. The board is proposed for elimination in the federal fiscal year 2026 budget.
• The board conducts inspections to ensure workplace compliance with federal safety standards and performs root-cause investigations.
• The loss of CSB also would stall progress in standards revisions, hazard recognition and industry-wide training.
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 Proactive Workplace Violence Prevention

• Workplace violence is on the rise, with more than 57,000 injuries from assaults in 2021-22 and more than 500 fatalities, and one in 10 workplace deaths due to homicide, according to workers’ comp experts.
• Prevention can no longer be reactive, they say. Proactively working to prevent and address escalating situations is key.
• One school district has implemented virtual training, not just for staff but also for students.
• A culture of safety is paramount in both preventing violence and after-care if a violent event does occur.
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