North America

• Date: 6 October, 2025
• Year: 2025

The US Senate has confirmed David Keeling as the new head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), according to multiple news sources.

On 3 October, senators passed S. Res 412 with a 51-46 vote. The resolution included over 100 nominations, among them Wayne Palmer as head of the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Keeling, previously a safety executive at UPS and Amazon, had been awaiting Senate approval since the Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee endorsed his nomination in a 12-11 party-line vote on 26 June.

During his June confirmation hearing before the Senate HELP Committee, Keeling outlined three primary objectives for OSHA.

Modernisation of regulatory oversight and rulemaking

Keeling emphasised leveraging technology and predictive analytics to shift from “mere regulatory compliance and post-injury response to injury prevention and informed design.”

He advocated adopting global industry consensus standards, which he described as undergoing “more rigorous review, regular updating, and continuous improvement” than many of OSHA’s current rules. Neither his testimony nor written statements specified which standards would be prioritised.

Enhancing OSHA’s collaboration efforts

Keeling highlighted the importance of cooperation with professional organisations, businesses, and trade unions. “We all share the same goal,” he noted, “though we may differ on the best path to achieve it. We must break down existing silos and self-imposed barriers to drive meaningful progress.”

Updating voluntary protection programmes

Keeling proposed modernising OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programmes (VPP). “The current VPP framework is a foundation, but only a starting point. Significant work is needed to deliver successful outcomes,” he said.

Keeling’s confirmation marks a significant step for OSHA as it seeks to modernise and strengthen workplace safety initiatives.

• Date: 6 October, 2025
• Year: 2025

As climate change intensifies summer swelters, a new study reveals a stark reality for American workers: extreme heat is not just uncomfortable, it is a hidden catalyst for on-the-job accidents.

Published this year in Environmental Health, researchers estimate that high temperatures contributed to over 1% of all workplace injuries reported in 2023, underscoring the urgent need for nationwide protections.

The study, led by epidemiologist Barrak Alahmad of the University of Kansas Medical Center and colleagues, scrutinised more than 500,000 injury reports submitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) via its Injury Tracking Application.

Focusing on large employers (100+ employees) in high-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, and agriculture, the team geocoded each incident to match it with precise weather data from the injury date

Using a sophisticated case-crossover analysis, scientists compared heat index on injury days against cooler control days for the same workers.

The verdict? Heat doesn't just raise tempers; it elevates risks non-linearly. Odds of injury ticked up modestly around 85°F but spiked dramatically above 90°F. At 100°F, workers faced 10% higher odds (odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07-1.13) compared to 80°F baseline.

By 110°F or hotter, that risk ballooned 20% overall (OR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.13-1.26). These patterns are held across industries, even indoors where air conditioning falters or does not exist.

"Exposure to heat leads to physiological and cognitive impairments that increase the risk of workplace injuries," the authors note in their abstract, pointing to heat's toll on alertness, reaction times, and decision-making.

The findings hit hardest in vulnerable spots. In states lacking OSHA-approved heat standards like Texas and Florida, the injury odds at 110°F+ jumped 22% (OR 1.22).

In contrast, states with rules, such as California's pioneering heat illness prevention mandate, saw a milder 9% uptick (OR 1.09), though statistical overlap tempers firm claims of causality.

Construction workers bore the brunt, with heat-attributable injuries clustering in sun-baked Southern states during peak summer months.

Extrapolating nationally, the study pins 1.18% (95% CI: 0.92%-1.45%) of 2023's reported injuries (roughly 5,800 cases) on heat.

That is a conservative tally, as it excludes smaller firms and unreported incidents.

Economic cost

Billions in lost productivity, medical bills, and workers' comp claims, experts say.

This comes amid escalating climate threats. The US endured its hottest summer on record in 2023, with heat waves claiming lives and livelihoods.

Yet federal heat safeguards lag; OSHA's proposed rule, announced in July 2024, remains mired in rulemaking.

Alahmad's team calls for swift action: mandatory water breaks, shaded rest areas, and acclimatisation training.

"These estimates contribute to the calculation of the benefits of standards, policies, and programs that reduce workplace exposure," they write, urging policymakers to quantify heat's human cost.

Labour advocates applaud the research. "It's a wake-up call," said Sara Gonzales of the AFL-CIO. "Workers aren't expendable in the heat."

• Topic: ESG
• Region: North America
• Date: 17 September 2025
• Year: 2025

To mark the USA’s National Preparedness Month, held in September every year to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) has highlighted the work of its Oil Spill Preparedness Division (OSPD)

The OPSD safeguards America's offshore energy infrastructure while protecting coastal waters and marine environments from the devastating impacts of oil spills. BSEE works closely with federal agencies, state partners, industry, and environmental organisations to ensure a unified national response framework to safeguard people, the environment, and the economy.

Three pillars of protection

BSEE implements its preparedness program through three interdependent roles which together form a comprehensive defense system:

1. Preparedness Verification – reviewing and approving spill response plans, and ensuring operators maintain the people, equipment, and processes to carry them out.

2. Oil Spill Response Research – advancing technologies and tactics to meet evolving offshore energy risks.

3. Ohmsett Testing and Training Facility –a wave and test tank for oil spill research, training, and equipment evaluation.

BSEE conducts rigorous training programs and equipment inspections, as well as Government-Initiated Unannounced Exercises (GIUEs), which require offshore operators to stop what they're doing and shift immediately into crisis mode, deploying personnel, equipment, and processes to tackle a hypothetical spill. These exercises are run in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and state governments, helping BSEE to identify gaps in order to be fully prepared for a real incident.

Spill risks and technical challenges are evolving as US energy development pushes into new environments, such as the Arctic, the Atlantic, and higher-pressure formations, as well as new offshore renewables like wind and wave energy. BSEE invests in research and development which takes into account

into these evolving areas.

Eric Miller, deputy assistant director for OSPD, explains, "The technologies and data produced from robust government R&D inform regulatory updates, improve contingency plans, enhance response tools, and support safe and environmentally sustainable operations." This R&D not only reduces spill impacts but also spurs innovation, lowers risks for private research, and strengthens the broader energy economy.

Through constant planning, training, testing, and research, the division ensures that America's offshore energy sector is not only compliant but also capable.

Miller says, "It's vital for industry and the government to be ready to respond to an oil spill immediately. That's how we keep ecosystems healthy, communities strong and energy production stable."

• 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.