Safety+Health Magazine published additional responses from its State of Safety survey on advice for new safety and health professionals on August 24, 2026, after sharing some responses with the original survey results the prior year.
The magazine states that the biggest responsibility in the profession is to get out and talk with employees, hear their stories, and ask them about hazards they deal with each day. It notes this is not a job to sit at a desk, although at times professionals will.
A small community-based organization needed to replace a fleet vehicle for emergency responses. One leader found a low price on a local lot and completed the purchase quickly. The team added radios, mobile data terminals, lighting and other equipment, assigned a unit number, conducted in-service training and placed the pickup into service.
The truck lacked advanced driver assist systems such as collision avoidance or lane keep assist. Its gross vehicle weight rating was too low for the added equipment.
Safety+Health Magazine has published additional responses from a survey mailed last year that asked readers to share wisdom gained from their experiences in the occupational safety and health profession. One example of the advice states: “Discover your passion – safety is a vast field full of possibilities.”
The magazine previously highlighted some reader responses when it published the survey results.
A 44-year-old orchard laborer died after falling approximately 40 feet when a self-propelled boom lift toppled down a steep embankment. The Washington State Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Program issued case report 71-279-2026 on July 10, 2026.
The laborer had worked 10 years as a general laborer for a family-owned fruit grower and packer. On the day of the incident, he and a helper positioned the lift near a 20-foot wood post on the edge of an unpaved, uneven track road that abutted a steep embankment.
Workplaces in Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas, Hawaii, parts of the Southwest, Puerto Rico, the Pacific Coast, and the U.S. Virgin Islands and territories in the Pacific may be directly affected by heavy rains, strong winds, wind-driven rain, coastal and inland floods, tornadoes, and coastal storm surges resulting from tropical storms and hurricanes, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
OSHA recommends that employers develop an emergency response plan and train workers on it.
Organizations invest in leadership academies, executive education, coaching, succession planning and experiential learning to prepare leaders for positions of increasing responsibility. These investments have strengthened leadership capability and transformed how organizations identify and develop future leaders.
A recent article published by Training Magazine describes how personal connections outside formal work hours can shape career advancement on executive teams. The piece notes that one executive named Sarah, the only woman on her team at a family-owned business, learned that alignment occurred during weekend fishing trips she was not invited to join.
Sarah raised the exclusion with her manager.
Progress Residential operates the Technical Skills Academy as a comprehensive learning strategy for its field personnel, including service technicians, apprentices, and construction personnel. The program has trained 24 percent of the company’s workforce. It combines online assessment, pre-work, in-person practice on workstations, case studies, and skills verification.
The Technical Skills Academy begins with an online assessment that establishes a baseline for instructors before participants join the market.
Tumwater, WA — Employers in Washington state with a suspended minor work permit are prohibited from bidding on public works projects under a recently enacted state law. Employers must hold a minor work permit endorsement on their business license to hire workers younger than 18 and must follow state and federal child labor laws.
Under H.B. 1644, signed by Gov.
Washington — Construction Suicide Prevention Week is set for Sept. 14-18. The outreach event is scheduled during National Suicide Prevention Month and includes a national stand-down and moment of silence at 2:50 p.m. Eastern on Sept. 14 to honor all lives lost to suicide, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
The 2026 CSPW Steering Committee, a group of nearly 30 volunteers, invites employers to register for the event and encourage workers to pledge to help someone in need. The pledge asks participants to learn about at least one resource to support themselves or someone in crisis.
United Mine Workers of America President Brian Sanson is pressing the Mine Safety and Health Administration to immediately resume enforcement of its rule covering miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Sanson cites recent NIOSH research showing that nearly 1 in 3 coal miners in Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia with at least 25 years of experience have coal workers’ pneumoconiosis.
That percentage is 10 times higher than that for the rest of the country, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
MSHA includes a revised proposed rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica...
Ali Mohamad Al Bloushi, Senior Safety Engineer at Dubai Municipality in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been named to the NSC Rising Stars of Safety, Class of 2026 according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Al Bloushi serves as a technical catalyst at Dubai Municipality. He works to shift safety practices from mandatory compliance toward a shared cultural value across the city.
Al Bloushi initiated four specialized technical workshops at the DMX Training Academy.
Hussain Adnan Humaid Ali Al Hashimi, Chief Safety Inspection Officer at Dubai Municipality in the United Arab Emirates, has been named to the NSC Rising Star of Safety Class of 2026 according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Hussain initiated the 2025 Joint Fire Safety Campaign that connected six government entities to address compliance gaps in industrial warehouses. He led a task force that completed 4,920 inspections across 90 days.
Aaron Aragon, Senior Risk Control Consultant at Gallagher in Modesto, CA, has been named to the NSC Rising Star of Safety, Class of 2026 according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Aragon works as Senior Risk Control Consultant at Gallagher. The recognition highlights his contributions to multilocation organizations over the past two years.
Aragon supported development of repeatable, scalable emergency action plans and safety programs across several hundred locations.
Cole Ayres, Senior Industrial Hygienist at United Cleanup Oak Ridge LLC in Wartburg, Tennessee, was named to the National Safety Council Rising Stars of Safety Class of 2026. As respiratory protection program administrator, Ayres created an equipment tracking and event reporting system that digitized respirator failure reports tracking around 32,000 respirator issuances per year.
Leading and lagging performance indicators are based on the number and nature of manufacturer defects, equipment alarms and failures.
Michael Bonafede, industrial hygienist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in New York, has been named to the NSC Rising Stars of Safety, Class of 2026, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
The designation appears in the August 21, 2026 edition of Safety+Health Magazine. Bonafede holds the position of industrial hygienist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York district.
Bonafede developed curriculum modules to address virtual employee training challenges.
Hunter Burbidge, industrial hygienist at Boeing in Everett, Washington, was named to the NSC Rising Stars of Safety Class of 2026 according to Safety+Health Magazine. He led Enterprise Standard Gated Process EHS reviews for Gates 7, 8 and 9.
Burbidge's work enabled the safe launch of the first 737 production line outside Renton in Everett. He initiated a tailored approach to adapt the gated process for the unique site and established production line.
Jackie Cha, Patricia Flatley Brennan Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin – Madison Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was named to the NSC Rising Stars of Safety Class of 2026 according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Over 80% of surgical staff report work-related musculoskeletal pain, sometimes severe enough to force early career departure.
Training Magazine reports that many employees with sensory disabilities such as visual impairment or hearing loss remain silent about their support needs. The article states this silence stems from workplace cultures that make speaking up feel unsafe or ineffective.
According to Training Magazine, employees cite fear of being treated differently, stigma around tools like canes or hearing aids, past experiences of being ignored, and unclear policies or unsupportive line managers.
TechLearn 2026 will hold pre-conference certificate programs on September 14-15 in Austin, TX. The programs are led by industry experts and each participant receives a digital Training magazine certificate of completion and an eBadge.
The Story-Based Design in Articulate Storyline Certificate Program covers the Instructional Story Design process and performance-based story creation in Articulate Storyline using built-in and custom templates.
The AI for Learning Design Certificate Program uses the ADDIE framework and covers prompt engineering and application of AI to analysis, design, and...
HR Dive published the article "This week in 5 numbers: Employees struggle to find time for upskilling" at https://www.hrdive.com/news/employees-struggle-to-find-time-for-upskilling/828304/. The piece presents a roundup of numbers from the last week.
The HR Dive article states that employees struggle to find time for upskilling. According to HR Dive, the roundup focuses on this issue among other weekly figures.
The HR Dive roundup includes how many consecutive business days Bank of America employees are allowed to work remotely.
McCarthy, a St. Louis-based contractor, purchased a former hotel and convention site in January according to [Construction Dive](https://www.constructiondive.com/news/mccarthy-training-tempe-arizona-campus/828315/). The acquisition establishes an Arizona campus for training initiatives.
The St. Louis-based contractor bought the former hotel and convention site in January.
Washington — A Chemical Safety Board final report on a fatal August 2025 explosion at a coking plant emphasizes the importance of ensuring that facility buildings are designed to protect people and contents during incidents, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
The report details the incident at the U.S. Steel Clairton (PA) Coke Works Facility. CSB investigators found that the explosion occurred inside the Battery 13/14 transfer room after coke gas was released from process piping.
The blast killed two workers and injured 11 others, including five who sustained serious injuries.
The Chemical Safety Board issued a final report on a fatal August 2025 explosion at the U.S. Steel Clairton (PA) Coke Works Facility that killed two workers and injured 11 others.
The explosion occurred inside the Battery 13/14 transfer room after coke gas was released from process piping. Both deceased workers and two of the seriously injured workers were inside or near buildings in the area where the explosion occurred.
Legislation recently introduced in the Senate would guarantee federal employees paid family and medical leave. Federal workers currently have access to paid parental leave under the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act (H.R. 1534), signed into law in 2019. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) is the main sponsor of the new bill, known as the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act (S. 5168), according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Under the bill, the qualifying reasons for paid leave would match those covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Chesterfield, MO — The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the American College of Lifestyle Medicine released The Guide to Bringing Lifestyle Medicine into Workplaces on August 19, 2026. The guide supports efforts to help employers build healthier workforces from the ground up.
The resource targets employers, benefits leaders, occupational health professionals and lifestyle medicine clinicians. It focuses on moving beyond traditional wellness programs to create durable, systems-level approaches to workforce health.
A SurveyMonkey and CNBC survey found that only daily AI users feel positively about job security. Unclear AI policies and a lack of training are compounding employee concerns about the technology.
The survey results indicate that daily AI users hold positive views on job security. Non-daily users do not share these positive feelings according to the findings.
Unclear AI policies contribute to employee concerns about the technology. The SurveyMonkey and CNBC survey identified this factor as compounding worries.
A lack of training heightens concerns around AI according to the survey.
Gallup finds CHROs split on whether managers can lead through AI-driven change, according to [HR Dive](https://www.hrdive.com/news/chros-split-on-whether-managers-can-lead-through-ai-driven-change/828244/).
In addition to managerial training, HR leaders said their organizations are investing in centers of excellence and internal AI champions.
HR leaders reported that organizations are investing in centers of excellence.
Organizations are also investing in internal AI champions according to [HR...
A Training Magazine article describes how the absence of a highest performer through resignation, illness, or vacation can stall decisions and slow projects when employees ask what that person would do. This pattern reveals the Hero Trap, where organizations become dependent on individual brilliance.
The article states that the pattern begins in grade school with rewards for the first student to raise a hand. College and early career continue this by rewarding those who outperform others and solve problems peers cannot.
Silver Spring, MD — Chronic pain affects nearly 20% of construction workers according to new data from CPWR – the Center for Construction Research and Training. In 2023, 11% of construction workers reported experiencing pain every day and 9% had pain most days over a recent three-month period. Among workers who experienced pain, 11.8% reported being in a lot of pain and 51% had a little.
according to [Safety+Health Magazine](https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/one-in-five-construction-workers-report-chronic-pain-new-data-shows/).
Pain is associated with opioid use among construction...
Federal prosecutors have indicted four former managers of an Illinois coal mine for allegedly concealing a fire and attempting to interfere with a Mine Safety and Health Administration investigation. An Aug. 6 announcement from the Department of Justice states that Cory Humphrey, Ronald Koontz, Demitrios Macropoulos and Randy Nowland have been charged with multiple crimes, including conspiring to defraud MSHA after an August 2021 fire at the MC#1 Mine in Franklin County, IL.
DOJ alleges in the indictment that miners ignited an underground fire while using cutting torches to remove collapsed...
Federal prosecutors indicted four former managers of an Illinois coal mine for concealing a fire and attempting to interfere with a Mine Safety and Health Administration investigation, according to [Safety+Health Magazine](https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/justice-department-alleges-illinois-mine-operators-covered-up-fire-and-tampered-with-federal-investigation/). An Aug.
Researchers from the National Sleep Foundation examined more than 3,200 sleep-related studies published since the organization released updated sleep recommendations in 2015. The analysis found that a decade of new science continues to support the original recommendations, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
The National Sleep Foundation conducted the review of studies released after its 2015 guidelines. Researchers concluded the core message remains unchanged that getting the right amount of sleep is essential for health.
Workers report FOBO, a fear of becoming obsolete, according to [HR Dive](https://www.hrdive.com/news/workers-report-fobo-a-fear-of-becoming-obsolete/828115/).
Most workers told ETS and The Harris Poll that upskilling is no longer a choice but also that it was hard to get employer support on the matter.
The findings come from ETS and The Harris Poll as reported by [HR Dive](https://www.hrdive.com/news/workers-report-fobo-a-fear-of-becoming-obsolete/828115/).
Most workers stated that upskilling is no longer a choice.
Workers also reported difficulty obtaining employer support for upskilling...
Bootle, England — The Health and Safety Executive released the video *Taking Action Early to Prevent Work-Related Stress* to advise managers and supervisors on preventing burnout and other mental health-related issues through early intervention.
The United Kingdom government working group states that feeling pressure at work is normal due to busy schedules, tight deadlines and high expectations.
Executives develop strategic plans, communicate priorities and align resources, yet execution stalls six months later as departments move in different directions and initiatives lose momentum, according to Chief Learning Officer.
People make hundreds of decisions each day that determine whether strategy becomes reality, including how to prioritize demands, when to collaborate across teams, whether to raise concerns and where to focus time and energy.
Two shareholder groups filed a lawsuit alleging that UnitedHealth misled investors, shuttered an internal Medicare billing audit, and ignored cybersecurity lapses that led to the historic Change Healthcare cyberattack.
The complaint states that UnitedHealth misled investors. It further claims the company shuttered an internal Medicare billing audit.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced the Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act of 2026 (S. 5235) on Aug. 4 to ban the commercial and industrial use of asbestos, according to [Safety+Health Magazine](https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/senators-trying-again-on-bill-aimed-at-banning-asbestos/). The bill is co-sponsored by Sen. John Curtis (R-UT), chair of the Senate Chemical Safety, Waste Management, Environmental Justice and Regulatory Oversight Subcommittee.
Lansing, MI — The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging employers and workers to focus on hazard recognition, training and incident prevention after more than 20 workplace deaths were recorded in the state so far this year, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
MIOSHA Director Bart Pickelman stated that every workplace death is a tragedy and recent incidents are a reminder that conditions can change quickly.
Washington — Steve Dowling is the new chief safety officer at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In an Aug. 10 press release, the agency states that Dowling will help direct FMCSA’s safety programs and initiatives and brings more than 35 years of experience focused on enhancing commercial motor vehicle safety.
The agency announced the appointment on Aug. 10. Dowling served as senior director of enterprise safety at Chattanooga, TN-based Covenant Logistics from October 2021 until his appointment to FMCSA.
Performance management discussions can move from backward-looking annual reviews to continuous guidance when organizations adopt a mentorship mindset, according to Training Magazine.
The standard performance review has been an exercise in looking backward for decades. Managers document past achievements and shortcomings to deliver a verdict. Employees approach these meetings defensively to justify actions rather than absorb feedback. This judge-and-jury model creates a culture of fear and anxiety.
Washington legislation recently introduced in the Senate aims to bolster suicide prevention efforts in the construction industry. The industry has one of the highest rates of suicide according to a press release from the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). In 2023 almost a fifth of deaths by suicide with a reported industry code were tied to construction despite construction workers making up only 7% of the U.S. workforce.
The Constructing the Path to Suicide Prevention Act (S.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration has reopened the comment period for separate proposed rules covering approval criteria for mine roof control and ventilation plans. MSHA published the initial proposed rules in July 2025 and is reopening the comment period after a previous extension in response to a public request. The agency aims to rescind the power of district managers to add safety-related requirements that are not specified in regulations, revising the current rule. The deadline to comment on the proposals is Sept. 30.
MSHA published the initial proposed rules in July 2025.
Washington organizations that manage contractors or perform work as contractors can now respond to a new National Safety Council survey on serious incidents and fatalities. The survey seeks feedback on contractor-related SIFs according to Safety+Health Magazine.
The National Safety Council launched the survey to determine how employers address contractor-related serious incidents and fatalities. It targets organizations that manage contractors or perform work as a contractor.
The online survey requires no more than 10 minutes to complete.
Skanska met hiring goals on a Los Angeles International Airport project. DBE compliance officer Teresa Maxwell outlined how the firm connects with contractors local to its projects according to [Construction Dive](https://www.constructiondive.com/news/skanska-small-business-opportunity-dbe-lax/827888/).
Skanska reached its hiring goals on the Los Angeles International Airport project. The achievement occurred before Maxwell described the company's approach to local contractor engagement.
Teresa Maxwell detailed Skanska's methods for linking with contractors near project sites.
Good oral hygiene for pets prevents periodontal disease, infections and tooth loss, according to Safety+Health Magazine. Many dogs and cats resist cooperation during care. The Animal Humane Society states multiple methods exist to maintain healthy teeth.
Finger polishing uses a small amount of pet-specific toothpaste placed on the fingertip or a purchased finger brush. The pet sniffs the toothpaste before care begins. The lip is lifted and the finger moves over teeth and gums in a circular motion.
A pet-specific toothbrush or baby toothbrush follows the same steps as finger polishing.
Fatigue can make it tough to focus and leave people feeling less motivated, according to Safety+Health Magazine. When fatigue prevents someone from doing things they want to do, it is something to take seriously, Mayo Clinic physician Chris Aakre wrote.
When energy is low, exercising may be the last thing people want to do. For some, fatigue occurs because it has been too long since muscles were stressed. Those muscles are less conditioned to move and are not using energy in the best way.
Parents and caregivers must consider a child's age, personality and maturity when deciding if the child is ready for a phone, according to Safety+Health Magazine. The decision also depends on whether the child acts responsibly with homework and follows rules. The article appears in the Home/Community Off the Job section.
A child's age, personality and maturity should factor into any decision about phone access.
Weight-bearing exercises form the path to strong bones according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Strong bones support bodies and help movement without pain or injury. The source states there are two types of weight-bearing exercises: high impact and low impact.
During high-impact exercises feet may pound the pavement more than during low-impact activity. Low-impact exercises are more gentle on joints.
Homeowners facing yards covered in leaves can follow specific steps drawn from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American Chiropractic Association and other experts to lower injury chances while raking, according to Safety+Health Magazine.
Raking requires physical effort, so gentle stretches prepare the body beforehand.
