Seyfarth Synopsis: Today we will begin posting a monthly summary of our Workplace Safety and Environmental blogs posted over the month, as a way to keep you connected and aware of the latest thought leadership. As always, readers are encouraged to reach out to our authors with and comments or questions raised from the blogs.

First Employer Cited For Violating Washington’s Safe Start Order

Seyfarth Synopsis: The Department of Labor and Industries issued its first citation against an employer for violating Washington’s Safe Start Order.

EPA Ends Enforcement Discretion Policy for COVID-19 Pandemic on August 31

Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 29, 2020, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a memorandum regarding termination of the COVID-19 temporary enforcement policy. EPA has selected August 31, 2020 as the termination date for its temporary enforcement policy. Also updated were EPA’s Frequent Questions About the Temporary COVID-19 Enforcement Policy.

OSHA Updates FAQs on Face Masks in the Workplace

Seyfarth SynopsisThe Occupational Safety and Health Administration has updated its frequently asked questions and answers to advise employers about the use of face masks in the workplace.

EPA Proposes Amendments to Air Toxics Standards for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters NESHAP

Seyfarth Synopsis: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a pre-publication copy of its proposed amendments to the Air Toxics Standards for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Boilers and Process Heaters at Major Source Facilities, 40 CFR Part 63. The proposed rules establish new emissions limits for a large number of chemicals, and impose significant obligations on affected parties utilizing a variety of boilers.

Virginia Adopts Emergency Workplace Safety Regulations

Seyfarth Synopsis: In late May, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam directed the state’s Department of Labor and Industry to develop emergency temporary standards to prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19. Those rules were adopted on July 15, 2020.