Tag: FDA

The Ongoing Battle Over EtO

The EPA’s proposed rules on regulating ethylene oxide (EtO) have sparked a catfight between the EPA and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to several sources. In April 2023, the EPA issued two proposals aimed at reducing EtO emissions, including more stringent air emissions standards and additional protections for workers who are exposed to […]

FDA Approves OTC Overdose Treatment

On March 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal spray for the treatment of opioid overdoses. Narcan, a 4 milligram (mg) naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, is the first naloxone product approved for use without a prescription. The National Safety Council (NSC) said it “is thrilled workplaces […]

Employer Group Demands Clarity on Vaccination Mandate

In a September 13 letter to President Joe Biden, the Consumer Brands Association called for immediate clarification on the president’s COVID-19 response plan, especially plans for employers to require vaccination or weekly testing of their employees. “Our country’s ability to increase vaccination rates hinges on federal agencies offering clear, detailed, and timely guidance in hours, […]

Check Your Respiratory Protection Compliance

How’s your respiratory protection compliance? Last year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) allowed inspectors to exercise enforcement discretion, especially in enforcing the agency’s annual fit-testing requirement, in response to respirator shortages. All those discretion directives have since been withdrawn. The time is now to check all components of your written respiratory protection program, […]

food product manufacturing

Food Manufacturing COVID-19 Safety Checklist Released by OSHA and FDA

On August 19, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the release of a checklist for food manufacturers that are continuing, resuming, or reevaluating operations during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The checklist covers ensuring safe workplaces, investigating exposures and testing for coronavirus infections, and configuring […]