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Safety News Roundup: August in Review

Aug. 27, 2021
A look at the month’s most popular news.

This month, we saw a few trends in our website metrics.

Stories about how to deal with COVID-19 continue to capture clicks. It’s not hard to understand why: Keeping up with the latest developments in a persisting pandemic is no easy feat.

The recent surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to revise its face mask recommendations at the end of July. That prompted confusion and concern for employers about how best to protect workers from the highly contagious delta variant. Fortunately for you, OSHA and NIOSH have revised their handbook on workplace health and safety for small businesses.

Many employers reinstated COVID-19 protocols and others, including big tech companies and firms on Wall Street, have pumped the breaks on return to the office plans. Contributing Editor David Sparkman spoke with some employment attorneys to offer guidance on ways employers can protect workers and reduce their risk.

One way is through vaccine mandates, which have been controversial. But they got a big boost this week following the FDA’s announcement that it has granted Pfizer-BioNTech full approval for its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 15 and up.

In August, we released the results of our 2021 National Safety & Salary Survey, which offers some insight into the daily lives, attitudes and demographics of about 900 safety professionals. This year, we expanded the survey to ask more about salary, budget and benefits.

Not surprisingly, many of you wanted to know how much your peers are making—and how your own salary compares. We also posed some open-ended questions about the biggest challenges to your organization (both COVID and non-COVID) and what you wish you could change about your job. You may be able to guess some answers, but many of them will surprise you. We invite you to take a look at these insights and get some new ideas and feel the camaraderie.

It’s clear that you care deeply about your workers, and we care about providing you actionable information. Drop us a comment or send us an email if there’s anything you want to see more (or less) of in EHS Today.

Amazon Sets Ambitious Safety Plans

Following months of record-setting growth and profits, the company is investing more heavily in worker safety.

FDA Grants Pfizer Full Approval for COVID-19 Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first COVID-19 vaccines, clearing the way for mandates.

How Much is a Safety Leader Worth?

The 2021 National Safety & Salary Survey identifies what a typical safety leader gets paid, and how satisfied they are with their jobs and the EHS profession.

Safety by The Numbers

Results from the National Safety & Salary Survey 2021.

The Biggest Challenge COVID-19 Poses to Your Organization

It’s clear that there is no shortage of challenges that have been brought about or exacerbated by COVID-19.

The Top Challenges Facing the Industry Today

Besides COVID-19, safety professionals reveal the many other problems that plague them.

What if You Could Change One Thing About Your Job?

Your thoughts on what would make your job better, easier or less frustrating.

OSHA, NIOSH Revise Handbook for Small Businesses

“Safety has to be a continuous process that involves preventing injuries and illnesses, and saving lives," says Jim Frederick, acting assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health.

New Mask Mandates Cause Confusion

Attorneys attempt to sort this latest COVID-19 mess out for employers.

Researchers Probe the Connection Between Sleep, Dementia and Death

A recent study underscores the importance of rest for our overall functioning and well-being.

The Biggest Danger in Construction Work is Poor Mental Health

While you can’t magically remove stress from the workplace, there are measures you can take to help reduce workers’ stress.

About the Author

Nicole Stempak

Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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