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US Department of Labor issues 7 letters of interpretation addressing workplace safety, health requirements

US Department of Labor issues 7 letters of interpretation addressing workplace safety, health requirements WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced today that it has issued seven letters of interpretation to ensure the consistent and transparent application of federal workplace safety and health standards.As part of the Trump Administration’s broader emphasis on compliance assistance, OSHA’s letters of interpretation provide official explanations of the agency’s requirements and how they apply to specific workplace situations and hazardous conditions posed by employers, employees, or other parties.“From construction to engineering, OSHA is providing decisive guidance after gathering feedback from employers, demonstrating our opinion letter program has already been effective,” said Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling. “This effort is a key component of the Trump Administration’s comprehensive strategy to educate the public ...

US Department of Labor, MEJA Construction partner to promote safety, health during construction projects in Henry, Clayton counties

US Department of Labor, MEJA Construction partner to promote safety, health during construction projects in Henry, Clayton counties ATLANTA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration signed two strategic partnerships with MEJA Construction Inc. to promote safety and health practices during the building of the Henry County school construction project in Stockbridge and the Riverdale Early Learning Center project in Riverdale.                                             These partnerships seek to prevent worker injuries and reduce exposure to hazards using a contractor-government collaborative approach. The initiative will assist contractors in developing and implementing safety and health management systems; training employee...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights President Trump’s successful first 200 days during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in 4 states

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights President Trump’s successful first 200 days during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in 4 states WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer last week completed a four-state swing through Idaho, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, as part of her America at Work listening tour where she met directly with manufacturers, miners, construction workers, business leaders, and local officials to discuss the Trump Administration’s efforts to expand workforce training and connect hardworking Americans with good-paying, in-demand jobs. “In just 200 days, President Trump has jumpstarted the American economy and ushered in a new Golden Age of prosperity by putting workers, families, and job creators back at the center of our economic agenda,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “That momentum is clear everywhere I go on my ‘America at Work’ listening tour. From celebrating apprentices in Idaho to meeting with construction workers in Wisconsin,...

US Department of Labor, Newark roofing contractor reach settlement agreement affirming $155K penalty for multiple violations

US Department of Labor, Newark roofing contractor reach settlement agreement affirming $155K penalty for multiple violations NEWARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor and a Newark roofing contractor have reached a settlement agreement resolving litigation stemming from investigations last summer that found the employer repeatedly exposed workers to fall and safety hazards at two worksites. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initially investigated RRC Home Improvement Inc. in June 2024 at a worksite in Dover, New Jersey after receiving reports of employees working on a roof without fall protection. In July 2024, investigations began at RRC worksites in Lodi as part of the agency’s National Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction. Inspectors again observed employees working without required fall protection. OSHA also uncovered violations involving lack of hard hats, eye protection, and fire extinguishers, as well as non-compliant pu...

US Labor Department cites Georgia counter manufacturer for exposing workers to hazardous levels of crystalline silica

US Labor Department cites Georgia counter manufacturer for exposing workers to hazardous levels of crystalline silica ATLANTA – U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors determined that Brazilian Stone Design LLC, a Powder Springs stone countertop manufacturer, exposed workers to respirable crystalline silica.The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the employer, which fabricates and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, with seven serious citations. The employer will pay $33,000 in penalties.The employer was cited for allegedly exposing workers to high airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and failing to require the use of respirators; perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators; conduct air monitoring; and administer an effective hearing conservation program.To help protect workers, OSHA has issued two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction and the other for general indus...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announces $5M in WANTO grants to expand apprenticeship opportunities, good-paying jobs for women

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announces $5M in WANTO grants to expand apprenticeship opportunities, good-paying jobs for women WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced a $5 million funding opportunity for up to 14 grants to attract and retain more American workers in Registered Apprenticeship programs and high-growth industries like manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity. Administered jointly by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration, the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeships and high demand occupations. This announcement follows a thorough evaluation and realignment of the program, which will ensure WANTO grants help the department achieve President Trump’s goal of reaching one million new active apprentices. “Under Pre...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer promotes One Big Beautiful Bill during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in Michigan, Indiana

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer promotes One Big Beautiful Bill during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in Michigan, Indiana GOSHEN, IN – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her swing across the country as part of her “America at Work” listening tour to promote President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the U.S. Senate today in a huge win for the American people. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Shafer, a ready-mix concrete supplier in Lansing, Michigan, and Brinkley RV, a manufacturing start-up in Goshen, Indiana, to hear directly from American workers who stand to benefit most from this legislation. “I continue to be inspired by the American entrepreneurial spirit shown by the hardworking men and women I’ve met on my listening tour,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From the concrete crews at Shafer in Michigan to the RV manufacturers at Brinkley in Indiana, these workers are exactly who this Administration is fighting for as we work to pass the One...

US Department of Labor awards nearly $84M in grants to expand Registered Apprenticeships

US Department of Labor awards nearly $84M in grants to expand Registered Apprenticeships WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $84 million in grants to 50 states and territories to increase the capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs, representing an important step toward meeting the Administration’s goal of expanding the program to 1 million active apprentices.Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, over 134,000 new apprentices have registered across the nation. Today’s awards represent the base formula funding and competitive funding to states to increase their ability to serve, improve, and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs. This represents the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. This investment will further accelerate Registered Apprenticeship programs, incentivize the creation and ongoing success of programs, reduce barriers to entry for new employer...