Regulatory & Standards


Two Chicago Construction Firms Fined $280,200 for Asbestos Hazards

T2 Construction oversaw the activities of demolition contractor Gramek Construction, including the removal of floor tile and pipe insulation that allegedly contained asbestos.

$600,000 Fine Issued to Calif. Warehouse Firm for Improper Wage Statements

"We hope this citation sends a message to all employers in California that when the failure to keep and provide records as required by law is part of a concerted effort to deny workers their hard-earned wages, we will not tolerate it,” said California Labor Commissioner Julie Su.

OSHA Files Whistleblower Suit Against Colorado Medical Clinic

An employee had complained about safety and health hazards to the clinic's management staff before filing a formal complaint about the hazards with OSHA. The employee was later discharged and then filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA alleging retaliation by the defendants in violation of Section 11(c) of the OSH Act.

Road, Air Freight Shipments Rose in 2010

Although total trade value increased 22 percent in 2010, the value of trade freight shipment ($525 billion) between the two countries in 2010 was still below its recent peak ($596 billion) reached in 2008.

ASTM Magazine Launches New Website

It offers free access to news about standards activity in 10 specific sectors.

CPSC Maximum Civil Penalties Rising Jan. 1

An available enforcement action since the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 was enacted, the maximum penalties will be $100,000 for each violation and $15,150,000 for any related series of violations.

EPA Strengthening Underground Storage Tank Rules

The agency has proposed a rule that would add secondary containment requirements for new and replaced tanks and piping, as well as adding operator training requirements.

EU Members Agree to Ban Phosphates from Household Detergents

The agreement by EU member states' representatives is intended to reduce phosphorus compounds found in wastewater and algae forming in Europe’s waters.



Regs Piling Up at OIRA

AIHA recently sent a letter urging release of OSHA's crystalline silica proposed rule, which the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs received in February 2011. It's now one of 23 pending rules under extended OIRA review.

ASSE Launches New Safety, Health Online Resource

The goal of the resource is to provide competency models, professional guidance, best practices, and policies and procedures to help promote professional growth.

Ohio Construction Company Busted for Fall Protection, Eye Safety Violations

The company was cited for four willful safety citations for failing to provide fall protection and ensure workers operating nail guns wore safety glasses at two separate job sites in Findlay and Toledo, Ohio. Proposed fines total $48,400.

OR-OSHA Removing Immediate Abatement Credits

The agency said this change, among several proposed adjustments to its penalty structure that are set for Dec. 2 and Dec. 7 public hearings, would remove what could be seen as a reward for doing what is already required.

Electrical Hazards at Conn. Plant Spark OSHA Fine

"Our inspections found numerous electrical, chemical, mechanical, fire, and exit hazards at this plant," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.

NIOSH Sets Meeting on Carcinogens Classification

The Dec. 12 meeting in Washington, D.C., seeks stakeholders' comments on questions such as whether there should continue to be a carcinogen policy or, instead, a broader policy on toxicant identification and classification.

Paid Sick Days Would Decrease Emergency Room Visits, Study Says

Workers without paid sick days are 40 percent more likely than workers with paid sick days to delay medical care for themselves or a family member, according to the report.

BCSP Executive Director Named to ANSI Accreditation Committee

Thomas L. Adams is among four new members announced by the American National Standards Institute on Nov. 15.

Seventh Fully Networked Car Workshop Set for March 2012

Involving ISO and two other standards organizations, it will coincide with the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show, which is taking place March 8-18, 2012.

Metal Finishing Firm Hit with $151,400 in Fines for Physical, Chemical Hazards

OSHA opened an inspection after receiving a report that employees were performing small parts plating operations without protection against chemical and physical hazards.

VA Confirms Sprinkler Mandate for Nursing Homes

This affirms the agency's final rule last February concerning NFPA codes and standards with which various facilities must comply.

NIOSH Releases Food Services Safety Agenda

Comprehensive injury and illness prevention programs are recommended to reduce the risks for occupational injury, illness, and death in the food services industry.

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