North America

• Date: 10 September, 2025
• Year: 2025

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is offering free and confidential black lung disease screenings throughout September at multiple locations in Ohio and West Virginia.

Six new sites have been added this month, including Ohio University in Zanesville on 15 September, the UMWA Wheeling Office in Wheeling on 16 September, the Municipal Building in Woodsfield on 17 September, the Volunteer Fire Department in Hopedale on 18 September, Bass Pro Shop in Triadelphia on 19 September, and Price Cutter in Mannington on 23 September.

All current and former coal miners, whether working underground, on the surface, or under contract, are encouraged to participate.

The screenings provide early detection of black lung disease, a preventable yet serious respiratory condition caused by inhaling coal mine dust.

Each screening takes roughly 30 minutes and includes a work history and respiratory questionnaire, chest X-ray, blood pressure check, and breathing test.

Participants will receive a confidential report of their results within eight to ten weeks.

While walk-ins are welcome, appointments are recommended to ensure timely service.

These mobile screenings reinforce NIOSH’s commitment to preventing work-related illnesses and promoting better occupational health outcomes:

• Zanesville, OH – Ohio University, Zanesville (15 September, 9 AM–4:30 PM)

• Wheeling, WV – UMWA Wheeling Office (16 September, 9 AM–5:30 PM)

• Woodsfield, OH – Municipal Building (17 September, 9 AM–4:30 PM)

• Hopedale, OH – Volunteer Fire Department (18 September, 8 AM–3:30 PM)

• Triadelphia, WV – Bass Pro Shop (19 September, 8 AM–5 PM)

• Mannington, WV – Price Cutter (23 September, 8 AM–3:30 PM)

• Topic: Industrial
• Region: North America
• Date: 8 September 2025
• Year: 2025

Blackline Safety’s EXO 8 portable area monitor has won seven awards this year,  making it one of the most recognised health and safety innovations in the industry

The EXO 8 with gamma detection is a next-generation connected area monitor that advances gas detection and early hazard identification for companies and emergency responders. It launched in September 2024 and combines gas and gamma detection in a single connected unit — a capability that’s critical in high-hazard sectors such as oil and gas, mining, decommissioning, emergency response, and even public safety.

Most recently, the product was recognised in the 2025 Occupational Health & Safety New Product of the Year Awards in the categories of Emergency Response & Preparedness and Industrial Hygiene: Gas Monitors/Instrumentation. These Awards, now in their 15th year, celebrate the most impactful innovations in workplace safety. The program highlights manufacturers whose products demonstrate exceptional advancements in design and functionality, with a proven ability to enhance worker protection and overall safety outcomes.

Other awards this year include the internationally renowned Red Dot Design Award, the Preventica Paris Innovation Award and three OH&S Industrial Hygiene Awards. 

“EXO 8 continues to set the bar for innovation in area monitoring,” said Cody Slater, CEO and chair, Blackline Safety, a global leading in connected safety technology. “Being recognised across multiple award programs underscores the monitor’s real-world impact and validates our mission to ensure that every worker gets home safely, no matter what hazards they face.”

"EXO 8 with gamma detection has an even wider application beyond industrial use,” said Chris Johnson, deputy chief for the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services in New York State. “It allows hazmat teams to use the device for public safety as part of event protection. It will also keep our people more protected because we can detect more gases."

EXO 8 has already been deployed at a high-profile awards show and during a large public gathering for a renowned religious leader, and security teams for global sporting events are also considering it.

• Topic: ESG
• Region: North America
• Date: 5 September 2025
• Year: 2025

SLB’s Methane LiDAR Camera has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an alternative test method (ATM) for methane detection, enabling it to be used as a standalone methane detection solution

This eliminates the need for labour-intensive traditional methods such as Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) surveys.

The SLB Methane LiDAR Camera is an autonomous measurement tool with component-level spatial resolution capabilities that clearly distinguish between fugitive leaks and permitted emissions, without requiring secondary measurements.

“Advanced technology solutions are crucial to address the industry’s emissions of methane — a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) with a near-term warming impact up to 80 times that of CO2,” said Ravi Peddibhotla, emissions business manager, SLB.

“Unlike other EPA-approved technologies, the Methane Lidar Camera's spatial resolution allows it to identify emissions sources precisely, preventing false alarms from permitted methane vents. This will enable our U.S. customers to improve their compliance and more efficiently mitigate fugitive emissions from their operations.”

SLB’s Methane LiDAR Camera operates effectively in diverse conditions. Unlike OGI cameras, it is not affected by the temperature difference between the gas and the surrounding environment — a crucial factor for accurate detection. The camera features built-in laser imaging technology which visualises and quantifies emission rates, duration, location, persistence and timing. Operators can access measurements and images remotely via a digital platform, facilitating efficient management of Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) activities and reporting.

To date, 100 LiDAR Cameras have been deployed by SLB’s customers across four continents.

According to Momentick’s 2024 Methane Emissions Report, 68% of global methane emissions stem from upstream facilities. However they are relatively easy to tackle. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that over 75% of the methane emissions in the oil and gas sector could be reduced today using existing technologies. There is a high level of commitment in the industry to reducing methane emissions, with more than 50 companies, representing almost 45% of global oil production, signed up to the COP28 Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) which includes a commitment to reduce methane emissions to near zero by 2030. The majority of signatories are on track to meet its goals, according to a progress report.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 4 September 2025
• Year: 2025

Two strategic partnerships with MEJA Construction hope to instil a stronger attitude towards health and safety on two projects in Henry and Clayton counties in Georgia

The construction projects include the demolition of two school gymnasiums and the construction of their replacements, and the construction of a premises encompassing a kitchen & cafeteria, gymnasium, media centre, classrooms and collaboration spaces.

OSHA will lead training around injury prevention and hazard exposure to workers set to take part in the projects, assist contractors in establishing health and safety management systems and conducting inspections, and monitor potential chemical risks.

The Georgia Institute of Technology On-site Safety and Health Consultation will also be involved in the partnership and projects in a stakeholder capacity.

OSHA's Strategic Partnership Program (OSPP) has been estimated to protect two million workers thus far.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 27 August 2025
• Year: 2025

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration renewed its alliance with the National Waste & Recycling Association and the Solid Waste Association of North America with the aim of improving the safety and health of workers in the solid waste and recycling industry

Over the term of the three-year agreement, OSHA, NWRA and SWANA will focus on safety issues, including transportation hazards such as backovers and distracted driving, slips, trips and falls, as well as needlestick and musculoskeletal injuries. They will also address potential health issues associated with lithium battery hazards in waste and recycling collection and processing.

The participants will collaborate to develop resources such as educational articles, fact sheets, and toolkits aimed at preventing and mitigating hazards and will share information at industry conferences, forums and meetings. Particular attention will be paid small- and medium-sized employers, to ensure that all businesses within the waste and recycling industry have access to essential safety information and resources.

The initiative takes place under OSHA's Alliance Program, whereby the agency develops voluntary, collaborative working relationships with organisations committed to workplace safety and health. They include trade and professional associations, labour unions, educational institutions, community and faith-based groups, and government agencies.

Alliance participants work with OSHA to provide workers and employers with information, guidance, and resources to promote safety and health in workplaces in order to prevent workplace fatalities, injuries and illnesses. Alliances also ensure that workers know their rights and employers understand their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 21 August 2025
• Year: 2025

The US Department of the Interior is updating oil and gas commingling rules to align with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

'Commingling' means combining oil or gas production from two or more sources into a single stream for measurement and processing.

The updates, led by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), provide clear standards that support safe operations, improve efficiency and maximise recovery of America’s energy resources. BSEE has finalised a rule to clarify expectations for offshore commingling, ensuring production methods protect well integrity, safety and ultimate recovery. The BLM is also issuing interim guidance to broaden commingling authority on public and tribal lands until updated regulations are complete. Field offices are directed to process applications quickly and consistently under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act’s expanded provisions.

According to the Department of the Interior, these updates support the Trump administration’s energy and regulatory priorities by advancing the goals of Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” which seeks to maximise the USA’s energy resources while reducing ‘burdensome and ideallocailly motivated” regulations which impede developemtn of these resources and put up costs. They also align with Secretary Burgum’s orders emphasizing safe, efficient and predictable oversight of oil and gas operations, reinforcing policies that remove unnecessary regulatory barriers while ensuring maximum resource recovery and environmental protection.

“From day one, the Trump administration has worked to cut red tape, strengthen America’s energy dominance and ensure responsible resource development,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “We’re delivering on that by aligning our regulations with the law, streamlining approval processes and giving operators a clear framework rooted in sound science and engineering. These updates make it easier to produce American energy without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, while at the same time protecting taxpayers, tribes and our shared energy future by ensuring production is safe, efficient and maximises the long-term value of our resources.”

• Date: 13 August 2025
• Year: 2025

The Voluntary Protection Programs Participants’ Association (VPPPA) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at helping companies enhance workplace safety and health performance.

Named the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence,” the programme was announced at the 2025 Safety+ Symposium in St. Louis in Missouri and provides organisations with a structured improvement plan.

The initiative offers a combination of self-assessments, mentoring, and customised guidance to support companies in strengthening their safety management systems. The programme is set to officially launch on 1 September.

Terry J. Schulte, Chairperson of VPPPA, explained that the initiative is designed to help employers achieve the performance standards seen at top-tier OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites.

To support this, the association has developed a free gap analysis tool that enables organisations to identify strengths and weaknesses within their existing safety and health practices. Participating companies can sign a letter of commitment and work alongside experienced mentors to create tailored improvement plans.

The launch of “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” follows OSHA’s announcement of its new “Pathways to Safety and Health Success” programme, which expands the core elements of VPP from four to seven and aligns them with OSHA’s recommended best practices.

Schulte noted that the VPPPA initiative is intended to complement OSHA’s programme, offering additional resources and support for companies striving to achieve excellence in workplace safety.

Established in 1985, VPPPA represents over 1,400 companies and worksites across the United States. The association promotes workplace health and safety through collaboration, mentorship, and educational programmes.

Further details about the “Journey Toward Safety Excellence” initiative are available on the official VPPPA website. 

• Date: 8 August 2025
• Year: 2025

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is joining forces with businesses nationwide to celebrate Safe + Sound Week from 11-17 August 2025.

This annual campaign highlights the achievements of workplace safety and health programmes and provides valuable information to help keep workers safe across the country.

Safe + Sound Week encourages organisations to adopt effective safety measures that enable them to identify and manage workplace hazards proactively. By doing so, businesses can prevent injuries and illnesses, enhance overall sustainability, and improve their financial performance.

The 2025 event will focus particularly on emergency preparedness and response. Emergencies can occur unexpectedly anywhere and at any time, posing risks not only to workers but also to customers and the public.

Such incidents can disrupt operations, cause physical harm, or result in environmental damage.

During the week, OSHA will offer resources aimed at helping businesses stay informed about potential risks, develop robust emergency action plans, and prepare employees to respond quickly and effectively if an emergency arises.

These tools are designed to support organisations in building resilience and protecting their workforce.

Safe + Sound Week is open to all organisations regardless of their size or industry sector. Participation demonstrates a company’s dedication to workplace safety and provides an opportunity to strengthen existing safety and health programmes.

Last year, over 5,000 businesses took part in Safe + Sound Week, working together to raise awareness of the importance of safety in the workplace.

The initiative continues to grow each year, reflecting a shared commitment to creating safer and healthier work environments across the United States.

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: August 7th
• Year: 2025

A two-day workshop launched the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE)'s new 'Dominance by Design' initiative, which unites experts and government representatives to develop future offshore resource strategy.

The workshop was held at the BSEE's Gulf of America regional office, and was described as "a unique opportunity to engage directly with the experts who operate in the field every day... this engagement has provided BSEE with invaluable insights to ensure our oversight is not just robust, but also agile and efficient," by the bureau's assistant director Seong Kim.

Evan Zimmerman, the Offshore Operators Committee's executive director, praised the new initiative.

"This session was highly valuable, providing a constructive platform to identify and address challenges in our offshore energy permitting processes.

"By focusing on the permit-related data, we can take a practical approach to improving efficiency and streamlining pathways for important offshore energy projects, supporting American energy goals."

The BSEE has confirmed plans to hold additional 'Dominance by Design' sessions to ensure a smart and strategic approach to developing the offshore energy sector.

• Date: 28 July 2025
• Year: 2025

Honeywell has been selected to upgrade the fire alarm system at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 4, the busiest terminal at the airport with over 80 gates across eight concourses.

The project will replace the original 2003 Honeywell system with advanced fire safety technology that meets the latest UL standards.

As part of the upgrade, new automated devices and enhanced system modules will improve emergency response and operational efficiency.

A digital dashboard will provide real-time insights, helping to cut maintenance costs and reduce manpower amid ongoing labour shortages.

Updated maps through Honeywell’s Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) platform will also improve alarm visualisation and guide emergency responders more accurately.

The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will ensure full protection for the terminal, which serves nearly 94,000 passengers daily, throughout the process.

The project highlights Honeywell’s role in delivering safety-critical infrastructure upgrades while supporting broader megatrends in automation, aviation, and the energy transition.

“This award to enhance the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport's fire alarm system reflects our commitment to delivering innovative and reliable automation solutions that protect this busy airport while also helping ensure uninterrupted operations for passengers and staff,” Sudhakar Janakiraman, president, Honeywell Building Solutions.

“We are honored to work on this vital safety initiative that builds on a long-standing and valued relationship.” 

• Date: 24 July 2025
• Year: 2025

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has announced that it will offer free and confidential black lung screenings for coal miners throughout July and August 2025.

This mobile screening initiative is designed to help detect coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease, at an early stage.

The disease is a serious but preventable occupational condition caused by prolonged exposure to coal mine dust.

To ensure easy access, NIOSH will deploy a mobile testing unit across various communities and mine sites in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland.

The programme is open to all coal miners, including current and former workers from underground, surface, and contract mining operations.

Participants will receive a private lung health report at no cost. All results will remain confidential and are protected under federal law.

The screening process takes approximately 30 minutes and includes a work and respiratory history, chest x-ray, blood pressure check, and a breathing test (spirometry).

While walk-ins are welcome, miners are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Test results are generally sent to participants within 8-10 weeks.

In West Virginia, screenings will take place at the NMRA Post 5 Mine Rescue Contest at Mylan Park, Morgantown, from 29-31 July, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Another session will be held at Price Cutter in Mannington on Tuesday, 5 August, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

In Maryland, screenings are scheduled for Wednesday, 27 August, at the Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

NIOSH completed its screenings in Pennsylvania at Greene County Fairgrounds in Waynesburg on 16 and 17 July. 

• Topic: HSE
• Region: North America
• Date: 23 July 2025
• Year: 2025

The U.S. Department of Labor has updated its policy on penalty and debt collection procedures with the aim of minimising the burden on small businesses and encouraging prompt action to address hazards

The new policy, outlined in the Penalties and Debt Collection section of OSHA’s Field Operations Manual, increases penalty reductions for small employers, making it easier for small businesses to invest resources in compliance and hazard abatement. For example, a penalty reduction level of 70%, which was previously only applicable for businesses with 10 or fewer employees, will now be extended to include businesses who employ up to 25 employees. The revisions also include new guidelines for a 15% penalty reduction for employers who immediately take steps to address or correct a hazard.

Additionally, the updated policy expands the penalty reduction for employers without a history of serious, willful, repeat, or failure-to-abate OSHA violations. Under OSHA’s revised policy, employers who have never been inspected by federal OSHA or an OSHA State Plan, as well as employers who have been inspected in the previous five years and had no serious, willful, or failure-to-abate violations, are eligible for a 20% penalty reduction.

The new policies are effective immediately, and investigations in which penalties have not yet been issued are covered by the new guidance.

OSHA retains the right to withhold penalty reductions where they do not advance the goals of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

"All employers should be offered the opportunity to comply with regulations that help maintain a safe working environment,” said deputy secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “Small employers who are working in good faith to comply with complex federal laws should not face the same penalties as large employers with abundant resources. By lowering penalties on small employers, we are supporting the entrepreneurs that drive our economy and giving them the tools they need to keep our workers safe and healthy on the job while keeping them accountable."