Weekly Safety News - October 6th, 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
FEMA freezes ~$300M in Emergency Management Performance Grants (EMPG). FEMA has paused EMPG disbursements until states certify updated population counts; local preparedness programs could feel near-term impacts. Reuters+1
NTSB issues Urgent recommendations to SEPTA after Silverliner IV train fire risk. Calls for immediate inspection/mitigation of resistor-grid failures on legacy fleet. NTSB
OSHA heat rule: post-hearing comment deadline approaches (Oct 30). Stakeholders have until Oct 30 to file final briefs and related submissions. OSHA
Regulatory & Enforcement Updates
Federal lapse notice: OSHA’s online communications show a “lapse in appropriations” banner; routine web updates and newsletters (e.g., QuickTakes) are paused. OSHA+1
Pipeline safety: LNG public meeting set for Oct 22. PHMSA scheduled a virtual public meeting on LNG facility siting and safety; registration due Oct 15. Federal Register
State plan highlight – MIOSHA Fall 2025 newsletter. Fresh enforcement case studies and emphasis on heavy-equipment hazards in construction. Michigan
Roadway & Transportation Safety Updates
October is Pedestrian Safety Month. NHTSA/TSM released 2025 campaign toolkits and messaging; leverage for employee commuting and community outreach. NHTSA
NHTSA approves >$800M for FY2026 highway safety grants. Funds support HVE operations (speeding, impairment, distraction), data systems, and Move Over enforcement. NHTSA
School Safety Updates
National Walk & Roll to School Day is Oct 8, 2025 (Wednesday). Event organizers offer talking points and registration. [Updated Sept–Oct 2025.] Walk & Bike to School
National School Bus Safety Week runs Oct 20–24, 2025. Dates and turnkey messaging assets available. [Updated Aug–Oct 2025.] napt.org
Consumer & Public Safety Updates
Kogalla portable power banks recalled (fire/burn hazard). Reports of lithium-ion batteries overheating/igniting; stop use and follow recall remedy. [Recall posted Oct 2, 2025.] U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
“Evermore Surprise Eggs” toy recall (lead). Internal toy airplane exceeds federal lead content limits; refund available. [Recall posted Oct 2, 2025.] U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Gunaito 10-drawer dressers recalled (tip-over/entrapment). Violates STURDY Act clothing storage unit standard; refunds offered. [Recall posted Oct 2, 2025.] U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Emergency Management & Preparedness Updates
Cybersecurity Awareness Month resources (October). CISA toolkits for workforce phishing awareness and K-12/SLTT partners. [Updated Oct 2025.] CISA
Fire Prevention Week is Oct 5–11, 2025 — theme: “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.” Use NFPA materials for home/office battery safety outreach. [2025 theme references.] utclermont.gov
FEMA NFIP (Oregon) – public comment period closes Oct 6, 2025. For jurisdictions in the affected plan area. [Posted Oct 2025.] FEMA
Heads Up Dates
Oct 8: National Walk & Roll to School Day. Walk & Bike to School
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. OSHA