News from the Safety Industry

Construction Safety Week returns May 4–8, 2026, with the theme “All In Together,” emphasizing unity, trust, and shared responsibility across all levels of the construction industry to strengthen safety culture and reduce preventable incidents.

A new ISEA report warns that tariffs on personal protective equipment enacted in 2025 could increase costs, reduce access to safety gear, and put millions of U.S. workers at risk. The study highlights how even small increases in injury rates could cost billions and threaten national economic stability.

AI-driven predictive technology is reshaping warehouse safety. From smart cameras and sensors to wearables and VR training, new tools are helping managers detect risks early, prevent injuries, and create safer, more efficient workplaces.

J. J. Keller & Associates and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) have launched their 2025 PPE Pain Points Survey to better understand the daily challenges EHS and safety professionals face in PPE selection, training, and compliance. The survey is open through December 1, 2025.

The world’s leading safety and health trade fair drew 67,000 visitors and 2,340 exhibitors to Düsseldorf, showcasing advances in PPE, ergonomics, AI, and digital safety solutions alongside a 3,000-attendee congress.

Retired Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety professionals continue to shape the field through mentorship, teaching, and advocacy—ensuring that the next generation carries forward a legacy of prevention, ethics, and worker protection.

The Connecticut Department of Labor will use new federal funding to expand workforce development and integrate occupational safety training across construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation sectors.

OH&S SafetyPod welcomes Columbia Southern University’s Dr. Travis Smith and Bobby Oberlechner to discuss the university’s new maritime safety degree program and how it’s preparing future leaders for complex, high-risk maritime operations.

The U.S. Department of Labor has appointed new leaders to direct the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, and the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The appointments are aimed at strengthening workplace safety, compliance, and worker protection across industries.

Pennsylvania is leading a multi-state coalition urging OSHA to withdraw a proposed rule that would limit enforcement authority and weaken long-standing workplace safety standards.