DOLI – Virginia Department of Labor and Industry - Safety and Health Codes Board Meeting

The Safety and Health Codes Board will hold a public meeting on September 17, 2025 at 10:30 AM at Libbie Mill Public Library (2100 Libbie Lake E Street, Richmond, VA 23230).

Exposure to heat is a serious occupational hazard, affecting both indoor and outdoor workers. Without proper training and protective measures, it can lead to severe—and sometimes fatal—illnesses. The good news: heat-related illnesses are preventable. Understanding the risks and solutions can make all the difference in safeguarding employees from harm. Learn how to protect your workforce. Working in Outdoor and Indoor Heat Environments

The University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service conducted a study to evaluate the economic effects of the VOSH compliance programs on workplace safety, health, and economic growth.

The study concluded that the VOSH compliance programs provide substantial economic benefits to the state of Virginia by reducing workplace injuries and illnesses, improving worker productivity, and generating positive fiscal impacts. The cost-effectiveness of VOSH inspections further supports the value of continued investment in workplace safety and health initiatives.

For more information and to view the study in its entirety, please visit: https://doli.virginia.gov/economic-impact-of-vosh/

Join the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s VOSH program at our annual conference featuring over 30 engaging educational sessions, innovative exhibitors, and endless opportunities to connect with top Safety and Health professionals. An injury-free career culture prioritizes employee safety and well-being, aiming to prevent incidents and injuries, rather than just reacting to them, by fostering a proactive collaborative approach to safety. Join other Safety and Health professionals and learn how you can inspire injury-free careers in your organization.

The 2025 VOSH Safety and Health Conference will be held from July 16-18, 2025, at The Hotel Roanoke (110 Shenandoah Ave NE, Roanoke, VA 24016). To learn more about the upcoming conference, please visit:https://doli.virginia.gov/voshconference/.

We are excited to announce the 2025 Virginia Trench Safety Summit, scheduled for April 22, 2025, at the Virginia Public Safety Training Center (7093 Broad Neck Road, Hanover, VA 23069).

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, under the VOSH Institute for Learning & Outreach (VILO), along with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs and the North American Excavation Shoring Association (NAXSA) are collaborating to provide state-of-the-art excavation and trench safety training and demonstrations to workers and contractors this spring. The Virginia Trench Safety Summit 2025 will kick off with keynote speaker Eric Giguere, sharing his dynamic story of survival after being buried alive in a trench collapse. He shares his experience and perspective in a powerful and compelling story, highlighting key elements of trench safety and rescue. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) staff will provide information on OSHA standard and key updates on trench safety best practices and compliance. The outdoor afternoon sessions include 3 live trench side demonstrations led by industry and safety experts. Demonstrations include hydraulic shoring, proper setting and use of aluminum and steel trench boxes, and a live trench rescue demonstration by the Virginia Department of Fire Programs in partnership with the Henrico County Division of Fire.

Registration is required for this free event, which includes breakfast and lunch. To learn more, please visit: https://www.naxsa.org/page/2025-virginia-trench-safety-summit

This event is key in DOLI VOSH’s mission to promote safe workplaces and employ best practices by creating a culture of Injury Free Careers (What IF?) in the Commonwealth. VILO supports that mission as Virginia’s Center for Excellence in the development of injury and illness free career culture. NAXSA is an OSHA Alliance Program Partner for Safe Trenching and Excavation Operations.

Due to recent winter weather, the City of Richmond and related counties in the Richmond Metro area encountered disruptions in their water supply. This event impacted water provisions and resulted in advisories. Official updates indicate that the City and local counties are working to abate the situation and we understand some water flow has been restored. During this temporary situation, it is important to be mindful of VOSH requirements related to water and sanitization.

The Department of Labor and Industry requires that employers provide potable water in the workplace for drinking, washing, and other personal needs. The water must be readily accessible, and employers cannot require employees to pay for it. 1910.141(b)(1)(i) requires that potable water shall be provided in all places of employment, for drinking, washing of the person, cooking, washing of foods, washing of cooking or eating utensils, washing of food preparation or processing premises, and bathrooms. This applies to the construction industry as well, per 16VAC25-160-10, the construction industry sanitation standard.

Here are some other requirements for drinking water in the workplace:

Water dispensers: Dispensers must be designed to maintain sanitary conditions, be closable, and have a tap. Water shall not be dipped from containers. Any container used to distribute drinking water shall be clearly marked as to the nature of its contents
Containers: Open containers like barrels, pails, or tanks are prohibited.
Drinking cups: Shared drinking cups are prohibited. The water shall be dispensed in single use drinking cups or personal bottles or containers. The use of the common drinking cup is prohibited.
Temperature: Water should be cool.
Quantity: There should be enough water to meet the needs of each employee.
Refilling: Drinking water containers should be refilled daily or more often as needed.
Cleaning: Drinking water containers should be regularly cleaned and kept covered.

RICHMOND – The Department of Labor and Industry has launched a new emphasis initiative aimed at preventing workforce fatalities across Virginia. The initiative, carried out through the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program, is designed to address the alarming rise in workforce fatalities. The initiative will run from January 2025 to July 2025. Throughout this period, VOSH will publish information to increase awareness and drive more focus on the top contributory hazards that yield workforce fatalities. Although VOSH works each day to prevent these tragic events, over the next several weeks, VOSH personnel will be driving awareness across Virginia and will begin with a heightened focus on work that is being conducted from heights that require fall protection. Should a VOSH Compliance Officer observe this type of work being performed, it is probable an inspection will be conducted. We kindly urge employers and employees alike to implement measures to ensure the safety of all elevated work and adhere to the applicable VOSH standards. VOSH is committed to preventing these serious and avoidable tragedies.

“Over the past few months, VOSH has conducted investigations into several preventable incidents related to a number of occupational hazards and our first focus area will be on fall hazards. These incidents can be mitigated through collaboration between employers and employees to establish and adhere to fall protection safety practices”, said Charles Stiff, CSP, Deputy Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. “Ultimately, protecting our workforce is a value and as a value, it is everyone’s responsibility to uphold safe work practices and conditions. We believe Virginia’s workforce can work injury-free and it is imperative that our workforce returns home safely each day.”

Falls are one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the construction industry. In the last two years, falls accounted for more than 30% of workplace fatalities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

VOSH strongly encourages employers and employees to engage in a Safety Stand Down to STOP and TALK about fall protection. This initiative aims to ensure that every employee has the best opportunity to return home to their loved ones in the same condition as when they started their workday.

What is a Safety Stand Down?

It is a voluntary event where employers can provide the workforce information and awareness to work injury-free by conducting: (more…)

RICHMOND – NIBCO of Virginia, located in Stuarts Draft, has received recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This is the site’s third recertification since 2014.

“We commend the dedication of the staff and management at NIBCO of Virginia for prioritizing workers’ safety and health,” said Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Commissioner Gary Pan. “This achievement demonstrates their commitment toward keeping workers safe.”

NIBCO of Virginia facility in Stuarts Draft, Virginia, is one of 37 current participants in the STAR program of public/private sector worksites to achieve and retain this recognition. The approximately 304,000-square-foot facility is the world’s largest producer of pure copper fittings for plumbing, heating, cooling, irrigation, and drainage applications. Currently, there are 460 full-time employees (27 salaried/ 433 hourly), with two contract workers at the site. The plant is one of two NIBCO VPP STAR sites in Virginia and one of five in the United States.

The Virginia VPP recognizes and promotes exceptional safety and health management systems for Virginia’s employers in all industries. In VPP, the participant’s management, workers, and VOSH establish a cooperative relationship that encourages continuous improvement in worksite safety performance.

Acceptance into Virginia’s VPP is confirmation and recognition that an employer has achieved safety and health excellence well above their industry peers. The VOSH VPP administers the Virginia STAR, Virginia Challenge, VADOC Challenge, Virginia BEST, and Virginia BUILT programs. For more information about this program or the other services we offer, visit our website at https://www.doli.virginia.gov/voluntary-protection-program/.

The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) program is financed in part by a grant from the U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), under §23(g) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Virginia State Plan is funded by a grant of federal funds, which constitutes 50% of the State Plan budget excluding any state overmatch funds. Zero percent, or $0.00 of the State Plan budget, is financed through nongovernmental sources.

RICHMOND – NAES Southampton Power Station in Franklin, Virginia, has received recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This is the site’s fifth recertification since 2004.

“We commend the dedication of the staff and management at the NAES Southampton Power Station for prioritizing workers’ safety and health,” said Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) Commissioner Gary Pan. “This achievement demonstrates their commitment toward keeping workers safe.”

NAES Southampton Power Station is one of 35 current participants in Virginia’s VPP STAR Program. The location is owned by Dominion Energy, Inc., operated by NAES Corporation, and has been in continuous commercial operation since 1992. The facility is located on approximately 30 acres and employs 30 workers in Franklin, Virginia. The station produces enough electricity to power approximately 51,000 homes, using biomass as a fuel in the form of wood chips, grindings, and slash as its primary fuel.

RICHMOND – The Babcock & Wilcox Company in Newport News, Virginia has received recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite under the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).

“We commend the dedication of the staff and management at the Luminant Hopewell Power Plant for prioritizing workers’ safety and health,” said DOLI Commissioner Gary Pan. “This achievement demonstrates their commitment toward keeping workers safe.”

The Babcock & Wilcox Company in Newport News is one of 37 current participants in Virginia’s VPP STAR Program. The facility is part of the Babcock & Wilcox Controls and Electrical Division which designs Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) Control Systems for worldwide use.

Safety and Health Codes Board Meeting – September 17, 2025