The Obama administration announced long-awaited regulations Tuesday to improve labels on hazardous chemicals and make them conform with international guidelines developed by the United Nations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimated that such labels could prevent more than 40 deaths and about 500 workplace injuries and illnesses from exposure… Continue Reading Gov’t requires new labels for hazardous chemicals

Five hospitals are the first in the nation to receive The Joint Commission’s advanced certification for palliative care, a six-month-old program that the agency’s David Eickemeyer says “has taken off faster than any other advanced certification program we’ve ever introduced, including stroke.” The Joint Commission does not have a “regular” palliative care… Continue Reading Joint Commission Issues First Palliative Care Certifications

For years, so-called “conservative” politicians and their boosters have advocated the wanton abolition of federal regulatory agencies, as if it were a cure-all that will return the nation to prosperity and well-being for all. I’m reminded that the hero of most politicians who self-identify as conservative is Ronald Reagan, who… Continue Reading Federal government helps keep workers safe

Companies that run in a smooth and effective manner and have minimal constraints on worker performance can decrease injuries by 38 percent as worker opinions improve, according to survey results. According to a recent University of Georgia study, a worker’s perception of safety in the workplace and the work-life balance… Continue Reading Perception, Work-Life Balance Key Factors in Workplace Safety, Study Says

OSHA has added another 6 months to its temporary enforcement measures in residential construction. The temporary enforcement measures, now extended through Sept. 15, include priority, free, on-site compliance assistance; penalty reductions; extended abatement dates; measures to assure consistency; and increased outreach. Over the past year, OSHA has worked closely with… Continue Reading Efforts to Reduce Injuries and Fatalities in Residential Construction Extended by OSHA

Luck was with a worker on Sept. 28, 2011, when he fell 80 feet to a lower level from the top of a 118-foot-high scaffold and survived. The same can’t be said of masonry contractor Navillus Contracting Tile Inc., which was cited by OSHA for alleged repeat and serious violations… Continue Reading Worker Survives 80-Foot Fall: OSHA Cites Employer for Hazards

Could Google’s new privacy policy violate of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act? That’s the concern of several members of Congress, who late last week discussed their worries with Google Director of Public Policy Pablo Chavez and Michael Yang, the company’s attorney, according to an article on Search Engine… Continue Reading Health attorney: Google’s new privacy policy does not violate HIPAA

Emerging technologies are beginning to blur the traditional, clear distinctions around privacy and health data – this is especially true with mobile health (mHealth) solutions. Those involved in regulatory circles are trying to develop a cohesive framework that will encourage innovation, while at the same time protect consumer privacy. A… Continue Reading mHealth Challenges Around Privacy and HIPAA

Attorney Michael Taylor offers a tutorial to help you understand the litigation process required when your employer contests an OSHA citation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Despite the fact that the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, many employers still do… Continue Reading Litigating Workplace Safety and Health Disputes

Late last year, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee challenged regulators to step up enforcement of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act: “… the Subcommittee made clear that the [Office for Civil Rights’] efforts fell far short of its expectations, pointing out that, of tens of thousands of HIPAA Compliance received… Continue Reading HIPAA Compliance: 6 Audit Questions (and Answers) for Covered Entities