Weekly Safety News - October 27th, 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
OSHA heat rule milestone this week: Post-hearing briefs and final submissions are due in the indoor/outdoor heat standard rulemaking docket, keeping the high-profile rule on track despite the federal shutdown. (Various docket pages across osha.gov remain accessible though broader site updates are paused.) Safety + Health Magazine
New OSHA chief confirmed: The U.S. Senate confirmed David Keeling as Assistant Secretary for OSHA, setting near-term priorities amid multiple open rulemakings. (Oct 21, 2025). J. J. Keller & Associates
NHTSA probes Waymo over school-bus safety behavior: Federal auto-safety regulators opened a preliminary investigation into ~2,000 Waymo AVs after a reported incident involving a stopped school bus. (Oct 20, 2025). Reuters
Regulatory & Enforcement Updates
OSHA web updates paused during shutdown: DOL safety/health sites note a lapse in appropriations; content updates are suspended until operations resume. (Notice updated Oct 1, 2025). Mine Safety and Health Administration
FMCSA: five ELDs removed from the registered list—motor carriers using these devices must transition to compliant units. (Oct 23, 2025). J. J. Keller & Associates
FMCSA extends paper medical-card waiver to Jan 10, 2026 (60-day acceptance of paper MECs), easing state system transitions. (Oct 9–10, 2025). FMCSA
MSHA “What’s New” highlights TRAM Conference and recent alerts; broader data updates may lag given federal shutdown impacts. (Oct 21, 2025). Mine Safety and Health Administration
Texas Spotlight: None posted by TDI-DWC/TCEQ/PUCT with clear new publish dates this week.
Roadway & Transportation Safety
Waymo AV probe (school-bus interactions): NHTSA investigation underscores scrutiny of AV behavior around vulnerable road users. (Oct 20, 2025). Reuters
FMCSA paper MEC waiver in effect (Oct 13, 2025–Jan 10, 2026): carriers/drivers can rely on paper certificates up to 60 days. (Oct 9–10, 2025). FMCSA
Five ELD models delisted: Compliance reminder for carriers using impacted devices. (Oct 23, 2025). J. J. Keller & Associates
NHTSA: Drowsy Driving resources ahead of next week’s national campaign. (Updated page; ongoing). NHTSA
Texas Spotlight: Waymo previously expanded operations in Austin; the current NHTSA probe keeps AV operations in Texas in focus. (Context page with Waymo coverage). Reuters
School Safety
U.S. ED: K-12 Cybersecurity GCC resource hub—federal coordination page for K-12 cyber resilience. (Sep 16, 2025; still current). U.S. Department of Education
ED accreditation/NACIQI meeting postponed due to the federal shutdown—watch for reschedule notice. (Updated Oct 2025). U.S. Department of Education
CISA school safety & cybersecurity landing resources remain available during shutdown. (Site updated Oct 15, 2025). CISA
REMS/ED grant & planning resources for emergency management planning in K-12. (Current portal). REMS
Texas Spotlight: Texas School Safety Center virtual trainings continue (e.g., Oct 23, Nov 6, Nov 20), useful for district staff development. (Dates listed on TXSSC). Texas School Safety Center
Consumer & Public Safety
NFPA: Halloween fire-safety advisory—press reminder to use flameless decor, avoid long trailing costumes. (Oct 22, 2025). NFPA
NFPA Halloween safety tip sheets—downloadable guidance for events and neighborhoods. (PDF updated 2024; still current). NFPA
CPSC Recalls dashboard—weekly recall listings and CSV downloads for trending hazards. (Ongoing; updated as recalls post). U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Recent product recalls of note (examples from CPSC): Goal Zero solar combiner cables (fire hazard, Feb 27, 2025) and Colsen tabletop fire pits (flame-jetting risk, 2025). Use dashboard for the newest posts. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Texas Spotlight: Check local fire department advisories and TxDPS Halloween safety messaging; many agencies push reminders this week (timing varies). (General advisory; verify locally.)
Emergency Management & Preparedness
NOAA/CPC 6–10 day and 8–14 day outlooks (issued Oct 27): temperature/precip trends into early November—helpful for outdoor work planning. (Oct 27, 2025). cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
NOAA ENSO discussion—La Niña present; transition to neutral likely by late winter, informing winter prep. (Oct 9, 2025). cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
NOAA Winter Outlook (posted mid-Oct): warmer/drier South, wetter North signals for winter planning. (Oct 16–17, 2025 references/updates). cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
NWS Fall Severe Weather Preparedness campaign—seasonal materials for local outreach. (Campaign dates late Sep–early Oct; resources remain available). National Weather Service
Texas Spotlight: Monitor TDEM and local NWS offices for late-week severe weather or flood outlooks; use CPC outlooks above for statewide planning. (Agency posts may be limited during shutdown.)
Heads Up Dates
Oct 30, 2025: OSHA heat rule—post-hearing briefs due (rulemaking docket milestone).
Oct 31, 2025: Halloween—expect elevated pedestrian traffic and open-flame risks; follow NFPA guidance.
Nov 2–8, 2025: Drowsy Driving Prevention Week (National Sleep Foundation).
Through Jan 10, 2026: FMCSA paper MEC waiver in effect (60-day acceptance).
Mid-Nov 2025: NOAA monthly/seasonal outlooks update—plan cold/precip operations accordingly.
Texas: Nov 6 & Nov 20, 2025—TXSSC virtual trainings on educator maltreatment mitigation (registration open).