Weekly Safety News - December 8th, 2025

Dec 8

Safety Connection News is a complimentary service from Safety Meeting Co. that delivers links to timely articles and updates on workplace and public safety. It’s designed to help you start your day with informed conversations and a broader perspective on emerging safety topics. Please note: because different news outlets manage their website content in different ways, you may be asked to register or subscribe in order to view certain articles.

Regulatory & Enforcement Updates

OSHA extends contest due dates for certain citations and notifications impacted by the federal government shutdown, giving employers additional time to respond while normal operations resume. (Dec. 2, 2025) OSHA
DOL announces OSHA has resumed regular enforcement and compliance activities after the shutdown, reminding employers that inspections, investigations, and whistleblower activities are fully back online. (Dec. 4, 2025) AIHA
MSHA issues a safety alert on tensioner bolt failures in conveyor systems, warning mine operators that improper installation, inspection, or maintenance can lead to catastrophic equipment failures and worker injuries. (Dec. 1, 2025) MSHA
EPA finalizes updates to TSCA fees for chemical manufacturers and processors, clarifying fee structures and small business considerations for future chemical risk evaluations and reporting. (Dec. 2, 2025) epa.gov

Roadway & Transportation Safety Updates

Presidential message designates December 2025 as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, highlighting the toll of drug- and alcohol-impaired driving and calling for strong enforcement and prevention efforts. (Dec. 5, 2025) The White House
TxDOT launches a holiday campaign urging drivers to “keep the holidays happy” by planning a sober ride, emphasizing that alcohol-related crashes typically spike during December travel. (Dec. 3, 2025) Texas Department of Transportation
FMCSA Removes Three Devices from List of Registered Electronic Logging Devices. FMCSA
Federal Transit Administration Demands Chicago Transit Authority Address Transit Worker Assaults and Public Safety Concerns After Woman Set on Fire on Train. FTA

School Safety Updates

SchoolSafety.gov highlights a National Student Privacy & Data Security webinar on FERPA 101 and data security best practices, offering K–12 leaders guidance on protecting student records and responding to data breaches. (Event listing updated ~Dec. 2, 2025) School Safety
Texas School Safety Center promotes a workshop on addressing anxiety and depression in elementary students, aimed at helping educators recognize warning signs and connect students to mental health supports. (Dec. 10, 2025 offering) Texas School Safety Center
TxSSC offers Trauma-Informed Care trainings for school personnel, focusing on how trauma affects behavior, learning, and safety planning. (December 2025 sessions) Texas School Safety Center

Consumer & Public Safety Updates

CPSC warns consumers to immediately stop using Jobon butane torch lighters, noting the products can ignite unexpectedly, pose serious burn risks, and fail to comply with child-resistance standards. (Dec. 4, 2025) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
CPSC announces a recall of Little Pea Shop crib bumpers due to suffocation and entrapment hazards, reminding parents that padded crib bumpers are unsafe and should not be used. (Dec. 4, 2025) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Casaottima dressers are recalled for tip-over and entrapment hazards, following tests showing the units can fall forward when not properly anchored, posing a risk of serious injury to children. (Dec. 4, 2025) U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Mondelez Global recalls certain Ritz Bits Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers due to undeclared peanut protein in a raw material, posing a serious risk for people with peanut allergies. (Dec. 2, 2025) U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Emergency Management & Preparedness Updates

FEMA reminds residents in a recent disaster area that only one week remains to apply for federal disaster assistance, urging eligible households to submit applications before the deadline. (Dec. 2, 2025) FEMA
FEMA highlights that renters and homeowners may qualify for help with temporary housing and rent, outlining documentation requirements and stressing that assistance can support safe, sanitary living arrangements after disasters. (Dec. 3, 2025) FEMA
FEMA shares winter weather preparedness guidance, encouraging communities to build emergency kits, plan for power outages, and stay informed about severe winter storms. (Dec. 1, 2025) FEMA
The National Interagency Fire Center releases its December–March Wildland Fire Potential Outlook, noting elevated fire risk in parts of the Southeast and stressing the importance of mitigation and firefighter safety planning. (Dec. 5, 2025) National Interagency Fire Center

Heads Up Dates

Dec. 8, 2025 – TCEQ public hearing on proposed radioactive materials rule in Austin, TX, including discussion of underground injection control and environmental protections. TCEQ
Dec. 9–10, 2025 – TxSSC / TDI–DWC OSHA 10-Hour Construction class in Austin, TX, focusing on core construction hazards, worker rights, and employer responsibilities. Texas Department of Insurance
Dec. 9, 2025 – National Student Privacy & Data Security webinar: FERPA 101 and Data Security Best Practices, hosted via SchoolSafety.gov and ED’s Student Privacy Policy Office. School Safety
Dec. 10, 2025 – TxSSC “Addressing Anxiety and Depression in Students – Elementary” training, helping school staff identify early mental health concerns and support safer learning environments. Texas School Safety Center
Dec. 11–12, 2025 – Additional OSHA 10-Hour Construction training session (Austin, TX) hosted through TDI–DWC’s outreach calendar, covering hazard recognition and prevention. Texas Department of Insurance
Dec. 12, 2025 – Deadline to update TCEQ air emissions inventory contact information, ensuring facilities receive correct 2025 EI notifications. Hillco Partners

John Burkhardt