Top Stories


DOL Takes Major Actions to Boost Apprenticeship Programs

DOL published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish a process to advance the development of high-quality industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs) and is awarding $183.8 million to 23 academic institutions partnering with companies that provide a funding match component. DOL also will make available an additional $100 million for efforts to expand apprenticeships and close the skills gap.

NTSB Issues Scathing Final Report on Amtrak Crash

The board's conclusions, recommendations, and statements from individual board members are riveting, starting on page 120 of the report. They cite multiple failures by the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak, the Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Central Puget Sound Regional Transit Authority.

The Kulamanu was towed from Pier 6 at Honolulu Harbor on June 20, 2019. (Hawaii Department of Transportation photo)

Hawaii DOT Clearing Derelict Vessels from Honolulu Harbor

Three vessels that could have posed a risk of sinking during a severe storm recently have been removed, and others have been readied for removal.



OSHA Signs Alliance with NUCA of South Florida

The new alliance between OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office and NUCA of South Florida will focus on cave-in protection, silica, heat stress, and atmospheric hazards associated with confined spaces.

NRC Approves License Transfer for Oyster Creek Plant

The commission's order approving the license transfer takes effect immediately, but the license transfer won't be finalized until the successful completion of the transaction involving Exelon, OCEP, and HDI.

MSHA Extends Deadline for Grant Applications to June 28

The Brookwood-Sago grants will help recipients develop training materials, provide mine safety training or educational programs, recruit mine operators and miners for the training, and conduct and evaluate the training. MSHA has indicated it will give special emphasis to programs and materials that target miners at smaller mines.

Cleveland Designated a DEA 360 City

The agency is offering additional resources focused on preventing drug abuse with a particular emphasis on education about the dangers of opioids. The effort includes a website, a public awareness campaign, after-school activities, and free presentations to schools and workplaces.

FMCSA Chief to Deliver Automated Vehicle Symposium Keynote

The symposium is co-hosted by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Transportation Research Board and will be held at the Orlando World Center Marriott during July 15-17.

WorkSafeBC Strengthens PFD Regulations for Fishing Vessels

"Commercial fishing is one of the most dangerous occupations in British Columbia, and drowning is the leading cause of death among B.C. fishermen," said Patrick Olsen, manager of Prevention Field Services for WorkSafeBC. Between 2007 and 2018, there were 24 work-related deaths in the commercial fishing industry, and 15 of those were drownings, the agency reported.

NFPA Reports 64 On-Duty Firefighter Deaths in 2018

Overexertion, stress, and medical issues accounted for by far the largest share of deaths. While cardiac-related events have accounted for 44 percent of the on-duty deaths over the past 10 years, 2018 represents the third consecutive year they were below 30.

Nominations Due June 28 for ANSI 2019 Leadership and Service Awards

"ANSI's annual awards program is a tribute to the dedicated professionals who make up the diverse U.S. standardization community, and we are pleased to expand that recognition to workforce development and conformity assessment activities with the new awards," said S. Joe Bhatia, ANSI president and CEO. "We look forward to honoring outstanding contributions that help to strengthen the economy and the workforce, protect the environment, and improve the well-being of people around the world."

Cannabis Edibles to Be Sold in Canada by Mid-December

A limited selection of products will appear gradually in physical or online stores no earlier than mid-December 2019, Health Canada reported. Federal license holders must provide 60 days' notice to Health Canada of their intent to sell new products.

U.S. Signs Agreement to Cooperate on Hydrogen, Fuel Cell Technologies

Representatives of DOE, Japan, and the European Union have signed a joint statement promising future cooperation on the technologies, which could bring significant benefits to the energy sector, the economy, and the environment.

NTSB Calls for Fire Suppression Systems in School Buses

The safety board's report on a 2017 school bus fire that killed a 74-year-old school bus driver and a 16-year-old student passenger near Oakland, Iowa, includes recommendations concerning safety equipment on school buses, physical performance tests for school bus drivers, and a recommendation that the state of Iowa require twice-yearly, documented school bus evacuation training and drills.

U.S. Road Deaths Fell Just 1 Percent in 2018

"While any drop in the overall numbers is encouraging, the ongoing daily carnage on our nation's roads eliminates any sense of celebration. We can – and must – do more collectively to accelerate this downward momentum," Jonathan Adkins, executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, said in a June 17 statement.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence