Wednesday, February 10, 2021

SBA and lenders take more steps to improve Paycheck Protection Program

Loan data shows 1.3 million loans and significant increase

to underserved entrepreneurs

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration and lenders are taking more strides to improve the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) so that small businesses can access much needed PPP funds to persevere through the pandemic, recover, and build back better.  The Administration is working with the Agency to increase equitable access to underserved small businesses, to assure the integrity of the program, and to promote rapid and efficient distribution of funds.

This week, the SBA hit a major milestone of

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting

 Ned Price, Department Spokesperson

The United States in recent years has joined the international community on February 6 in observing the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). The United States remains committed to ending this egregious human rights abuse and supporting survivors of FGM/C, both at home and around the world.

According to the United Nations, more than four million women and girls are at risk of FGM/C globally each year, and the COVID-19 pandemic appears to have exacerbated the incidence of FGM/C due to economic drivers and loss of social protections. In this environment, it is more important than ever to renew our efforts to end FGM/C.

The United States recognizes that holding perpetrators accountable is essential both to punish human rights abusers and deter future instances of such abuse. That is why, on January 5, 2021, the United States signed into law the Strengthening the Opposition to Female Genital Mutilation Act (STOP FGM Act). This legislation strengthened the criminality of FGM/C and ensures that domestic violations of FGM/C can be prosecuted in federal court – and is one of the ways the United States can lead the world by example. Respect for women’s human rights is essential to sustained peace, prosperity, and security, and the United States will continue to work toward a future in which all women and girls are afforded enjoyment of their human rights.

Friday, February 5, 2021

US Department of Labor’s OSHA issues proposed rule to update hazard communication standard

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today issued a proposed rule to update the agency’s Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the seventh revision of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

OSHA expects the HCS update will increase worker protections, and reduce the incidence of chemical-related occupational illnesses and injuries by further improving the information on the labels and Safety Data Sheets for hazardous chemicals. Proposed modifications will also address issues since implementation of the 2012 standard, and improve alignment with other federal agencies and Canada.

Individuals may submit comments identified by Docket No. OSHA-2019-0001, electronically at http://www.regulations.gov, which is the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Read the Federal Register notice for details. The deadline for submitting comments is April 19, 2021.

OSHA has preliminarily determined that the proposed modifications would enhance the effectiveness of the standard by improving dissemination of hazard information so employees are more appropriately apprised of exposure to chemical hazards in the workplace. 

Established in 1983, the Hazard Communication Standard provides a standardized approach to workplace hazard communications associated with exposure to hazardous chemicals. OSHA updated the standard in 2012 to align with the third revision of the United Nations’ GHS to provide a common and coherent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.