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DOE Site Celebrates VPP Honors

The Department of Energy's Y‑12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge, Tenn., is having a good month, as employees celebrated receiving its Voluntary Protection Program recertification from DOE at the Star level -- the site has held that since 2012 -- and also being presented NA-50 Excellence Awards.

Maryland Agency Will Deploy Smart Traffic Signals

The system uses real-time traffic conditions and computer software that adjusts the timing of traffic signals, synchronizes the entire corridor, and effectively deploys artificial intelligence to keep traffic moving.

OSHA Now Fully Enforcing Construction Silica Standard

A memo issued Oct. 19 says as of Oct. 23, 2017, the agency is fully enforcing “all appropriate provisions” of the standard.

Trump Announces Actions on Opioids Crisis

The president on Oct. 26 declared a National Public Health Emergency and outlined several actions his administration is taking and will take to address the opioids crisis, including new requirements from the Food and Drug Administration on the manufacturers of prescription opioids to help reverse over-prescribing.

Materials' Cost Increases Account for Spike in Proposed Bridge Rebuilding: BLS

Concrete, reinforced concrete, structural steel, granite, and asphalt paving material all have appreciated in price by at least 2,518 percent since the bridge was built, while labor costs for cement masons and other workers have risen by anywhere from 1,187 percent to 2,165 percent during the same time, the BLS analysis shows.

Canadian Forces Train for Maritime Emergencies

The exercise's scenario begins with a fire on BC Ferries' M/V Coastal Renaissance that causes passengers and crew members to evacuate. The two-day exercise simulates both search and rescue and a marine environmental response.

NRC Sets Nov. 2 Meeting on Watts Bar Work Environment

At the meeting, TVA is expected to provide an update on its corrective actions, and NRC officials will be present to ask and answer questions and discuss the agency's plans to continue to provide oversight on the issue.

Massachusetts Companies Agree to Penalty, Changes in OSHA Lockout Case

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Shield Packaging will pay $150,000 in penalties, provide documentation to OSHA that all hazards have been corrected, retain a professional engineer to approve the design and installation of a safety interlock on the machine that injured the worker, retain a qualified safety consultant to perform a comprehensive inspection of the plant, and develop a workplace safety and health program.



Higher Entry Fees Proposed for 17 'Highly Visited' National Parks

The National Park Service said the proposed new fee structure would boost national park revenue by $70 million per year, a 34 percent increase from the $200 million collected in fiscal year 2016.

IOSH Rail Conference Set for Nov. 9

Speakers at the event will include George Bearfield, director of systems safety and health for the Rail Safety and Standards Board; Johnny Schute, deputy chief inspector of railways for the Office of Road and Rail; and Gary Cooper, director for planning, engineering and operations for the Rail Delivery Group.

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