Weekly Safety News - September 22nd, 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.

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.

Top 3 Biggest Occupational Safety Stories

• Frozen‑pizza factory worker crushed to death by robotic machine — Worker Robert Cherone (45) died at Palermo’s Pizza facility in West Milwaukee, Wisconsin when caught in robotic machinery. OSHA has opened an investigation. People.com+2WLUK+2
  Why this matters: Highlights risks of automation and robotic machinery in food/manufacturing plants; a reminder of importance of machine guarding, regular maintenance, and training.

• NHTSA delays new car safety rating updates by one year — The U.S. agency pushed back implementation of enhanced NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) safety features (blind‑spot warning/intervention, lane‑keeping assist, pedestrian automatic emergency braking) from model year 2026 to 2027. Reuters+1
  Why this matters: Delays slow down the adoption of safety technologies that protect drivers, pedestrians, and vulnerable road users; may affect regulatory planning and auto industry compliance timelines.

• Large vehicle recalls due to seatbelt and safety issues — Hyundai issued a recall for ~568,580 Palisade vehicles (2020–2025) because seatbelt buckles may not latch correctly under certain conditions; also other major automakers involved in recalls. People.com+1
  Why this matters: Seatbelt failure is a fundamental risk in collisions; widespread recalls mean many people potentially exposed; manufacturers and dealerships need to act quickly for public safety.

Regulatory & Enforcement Updates

• OSHA is proposing the Standards Improvement Project 2025, which would revise or streamline multiple workplace safety regulations. National Law Review

• U.S. Department of Labor & OSHA updated their inspection program to focus enforcement on workplaces with the highest injury & illness rates (per required injury & illness data). OSHA+1

• OSHA renewed its alliance with the Recycled Materials Association to enhance worker safety in recycling industry. OSHA

Roadway & Transportation Safety Updates

• NCAP safety rating updates pushed back a year, affecting lane‑keeping assist, pedestrian safety, etc. Reuters+1

• Major vehicle recalls (Hyundai, Stellantis, others) over safety issues like loss of drive power, seatbelt buckles, etc. Reuters+2People.com+2

• NHTSA reports a sharp drop in traffic fatalities in the first half of 2025: an 8.2% decline — the largest since 2008. NHTSA

School Safety Updates

• In Maryland, Wicomico County schools are re-examining safety protocols after a student was found with a loaded handgun; the issue was raised in a Board of Education meeting to engage community response. WBOC TV

• St. Paul, MN (“SPPS”) released an updated safety protocol for its schools: required training in emergency response (Secure, Lockdown, Hold in Place), locked exterior doors, visitor sign-in, classroom phones and radios for emergency communication, annual review of emergency operation plans. BCMS

Consumer & Public Safety Updates (Recalls, Hazards)

• Hyundai seatbelt buckle recall for ~568,580 Palisade vehicles (2020‑2025) due to latching problem, especially in cold or slow insertion conditions. People.com

• Stellantis recalling ~92,000 vehicles due to loss of drive power issue. Reuters

• WorkTruckOnline lists several vehicle recalls in September 2025 including airbag, lighting, electronic brake booster problems affecting Ford/Ranger, F‑150, Lincoln, Bronco, etc. Work Truck Online

Emergency Management & Preparedness Updates

• City of Laredo to conduct an emergency preparedness drill at Laredo International Airport involving local/federal agencies (fire, EMS, airline partners) to test response coordination. Laredo Morning Times

Heads Up Dates

• Sept 29, 2025 — Owner notification letters for certain vehicle recalls (WorkTruckOnline’s recalls) expected to begin mailing. Work Truck Online

• Throughout late September — Seasonal hazard: heat illness reminders from Cal/OSHA and others for outdoor/indoor workers. Cal/OSHA

• Upcoming possibility: OSHA’s Standards Improvement Project 2025 public comment period/events (watch for notices). National Law Review

Curated by Safety Meeting Co. — #ConversationIsPPE