Weekly Safety News - October 13th, 2025
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.
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Top 3 Biggest Occupational Safety Stories
The U.S. Senate confirmed former UPS/Amazon safety executive David Keeling as the new head of OSHA. (Oct. 8, 2025) — Construction Dive Construction Dive
A massive explosion at the Accurate Energetic Systems munitions plant in Tennessee killed at least 16 people, prompting multiagency safety investigations. (Oct. 10, 2025) — Department of Military TN
A 26‑year‑old worker was found pinned beneath a concrete mixer at a cement plant in Tucson, Arizona; state OSHA and local authorities opened investigations. (Oct. 6, 2025) — People People.com
Regulatory & Enforcement Updates
Because of the federal funding lapse beginning Oct. 1, most OSHA enforcement, compliance assistance, training, and rulemaking functions are suspended, with only imminent danger and fatality inspections proceeding. — NatLaw Review / OHS Online National Law Review
OSHA revealed the Top 10 most cited violations for FY 2025: fall protection remains dominant among violations across general industry and construction. — First Call Environmental firstcallenvironmental.com
The post‑hearing comment period for OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury & Illness Prevention rule is extended to October 30, 2025. — OSHA official rulemaking page OSHA, Offit Kurman Offit Kurman
OSHA’s “Standards Improvement Project 2025” would remove medical evaluation requirements for filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and loose‑fit PAPRs. — NatLaw Review National Law Review
OSHA issued a final rule to change the procedure in 29 CFR 1911, allowing the Assistant Secretary to modify construction‑related rules without ACCSH approval. — Safety Equipment / ISEA ISEA
Cal/OSHA denied an extension request on new fall protection rules for residential framing/roofing, but established an advisory committee to review clarifications. — Ogletree Insights Ogletree
Cal/OSHA is also working on revisions to its proposed Workplace Violence Prevention in General Industry regulation, incorporating feedback from advisory committees. — Cal Labor Law blog CDF Labor Law
OSHA extended the comment period to Nov. 1 for its proposal to remove remaining COVID‑19 rule recordkeeping/reporting requirements for healthcare employers. — AHA news release American Hospital Association
Roadway & Transportation Safety
October “Pedestrian Safety Month” is spotlighted in OSHA Online Center’s safety topics for October. — OSHA Online Center blog OSHA Online Center
School Safety
October Safety Topics include seasonal hazards, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and pedestrian safety — relevant for school settings as well. — OSHA Online Center
Consumer & Public Safety
A new research review reconfirms that basic protections — water, shade, rest breaks — significantly reduce workplace injuries related to extreme heat, renewing calls for a federal heat standard. — Grist / LPM (Oct. 2025) Louisville Public Media
OSHA is probing the death of inventor David Monroe, whose workplace accident at Port San Antonio involved a 5,000‑lb jet engine rolling from a dock. (Sep. 26, 2025) —San Antonio Express-News
Emergency Management & Preparedness
The federal government shutdown halted many OSHA emergency response rulemaking, outreach, and assistance efforts. - ISHN
Heads Up Dates
Oct 20–24: National School Bus Safety Week (toolkits available). Traffic Safety Marketing
Oct 21–24: International Symposium to Advance Total Worker Health® (NIOSH). CDC
Oct 22: PHMSA LNG Facilities Public Meeting (register by Oct 15). Federal Register
Oct 30: OSHA heat rule post-hearing briefs due. OSHAOct 30, 2025 Deadline for post‑hearing comments on OSHA’s Heat Injury & Illness Prevention rule. OSHA
Nov 1, 2025 End of comment period for OSHA’s proposed removal of COVID‑19 recordkeeping/reporting requirements in health care. American Hospital Association