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New Chair Approved for Nanotechnology Advisory Panel

Dr. Ajit Jillavenkatesa, Ph.D., of NIST has been approved as chair of the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 229, Nanotechnologies. ISO TC 229 has five working groups, including health, safety, and environment (WG 3).

Vehicle-to-vehicle communication promises to prevent thousands of collisions and injuries annually, DOT and NHTSA believe. (Image downloaded from NHTSA August 2014 report)

Microsoft Unveils Connected Vehicle Platform

Renault-Nissan is the first auto manufacturer to commit to the platform to build connected cars.

DOT Announces $1.07 Billion in Funding for Rail Transit in Chicago

The funds will be used for the first phase of the Red and Purple Modernization Project.



HHS Takes First Enforcement Action Over Reporting of HIPAA Breach

The HHS investigation showed Presence Health failed to notify, without unreasonable delay and within 60 days of discovering the breach, each of the 836 individuals affected by the breach, prominent media outlets (as required for breaches affecting 500 or more individuals), and OCR.

U.S. Mining Deaths Dropped to New Low in 2016

Twenty-five U.S. miners died in work-related accidents last year.

EEOC Issues Regs on Federal Agencies' Affirmative Action for Disabled Workers

"These new regulations provide concrete steps and accountability mechanisms to promote employment and advancement opportunities for people with disabilities across the government," said EEOC Chair Jenny Yang.

OSHA Issues Beryllium Final Rule

The rule will cut the eight-hour PEL from the current level of 2.0 micrograms per cubic meter to 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter. Above 0.2, employers woiuld have to take steps to reduce the airborne concentration of beryllium, and the rule requires additional protections that include personal protective equipment, medical exams, other medical surveillance, and training.

AFL-CIO Pushing for Health Care Violence Standard

Two AFL-CIO representatives will be taking part in the Jan. 10 public meeting: Rebecca Reindel, a senior safety & health specialist, and Peg Seminario, the AFL-CIO's director of Safety and Health.

Killer Whale Involved in Big OSHA Case Dies

Tilikum, the orca that killed whale trainer Dawn Brancheau in February 2010 at SeaWorld of Florida, died Jan. 6 "surrounded by the trainers, care staff and veterinarians that provided him around-the-clock world-class care," the company reports.

Record Number of Women Become New South Wales Firefighters

All 24 recruits in the Australian department's most recent class received advanced training in firefighting, road crash rescue procedures, advanced first aid, community risk management, fire science, and hazardous materials response.

DOL Gives $4 Million to California 2015 Wildfire Relief

The 2015 wildfire season was especially bad: The National Interagency Fire Center reports there were 60,984 fires that burned 9,937,863 acres in all, the most acreage consumed by wildfires during the 2006-2016 decade.

DOL Sues Manufacturer After It Fired Employee Who Tried to Call 911

The company's owner insisted the worker drive the injured employee to an urgent care clinic instead, according to OSHA.

Illinois Roofing Contractor Cited After Exposing Workers to Deadly Fall Hazards

Four willful and two serious safety violations were issued to Barringer Brothers Roofing.

National Training Standards for New Truck, Bus Drivers Take Effect Feb. 6

When the rule is fully in effect, applicants seeking a CDL will be required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge training and behind-the-wheel training on a driving range and on a public road, with training obtained from an instructional program that meets FMCSA standards.

Jersey City Medical Center Fined After Worker Fatality

OSHA has cited the medical center for one willful and four serious safety violations. The case involves $174,593 in proposed penalties.

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