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Online Model Code of Practice for Healthcare Industry

Safe Work Australia has released an online version of the model Code of Practice for the Healthcare and Social Assistance industry. This update makes the existing guidance more accessible and user-friendly for employers and workers across the sector.

Model Code of Practice on Biological Hazards at Work

Safe Work Australia has released the first Model Code of Practice globally on managing biological hazards at work. This guidance assists employers in protecting workers and others from exposure to biological hazards like viruses, bacteria, and mould, which can cause injury, illness, and disease across all industries.

OSHA Interim Enforcement Guidance on Handrail and Stair Rail Systems

OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance regarding handrail and stair rail system requirements under 29 CFR 1910.28(b) and 1910.29(f). This guidance provides a temporary compliance path for employers until a final rule is issued, addressing a formatting error in Table D-2 of the 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces final rule.

OSHA Clarifies Lead Contamination on Surfaces

OSHA has issued a clarification regarding the interpretation of "as free as practicable" for lead contamination on surfaces in its lead standard for construction. This guidance addresses employer responsibilities for maintaining clean work areas and lunchroom facilities to minimize lead exposure.

OSHA Guidance on Recordability of Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries

OSHA issued guidance clarifying that workplace injuries resulting from employees improperly carrying personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., in e-cigarettes) are considered work-related and must be recorded under OSHA's recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR Part 1904). The guidance addresses a specific scenario involving unprotected batteries sparking in a pocket.

OSHA Interpretation on Respirator Medical Evaluations

OSHA has issued an interpretation clarifying its Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR § 1910.134) regarding medical evaluations for respirator use. This interpretation addresses the extent of information employers must provide to healthcare professionals and the scope of the PLHCP's evaluation concerning an employee's ability to perform job tasks safely while using a respirator.

Labor Department Issues Apprenticeship Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has issued new guidance to streamline the Registered Apprenticeship system, reduce burdens for program sponsors, and improve transparency. The guidance aims to accelerate growth and clarify program design, roles, and completion rates, with a commitment to 30-day registration determinations.

HSE Reminds Employers of Health and Safety Duties for Home Workers

The UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding employers that they have the same health and safety duties for home workers as for office-based staff. The guidance highlights key risk areas such as stress, mental health, and display screen equipment, and emphasizes that these responsibilities are legal duties, not optional.