Regulatory & Standards


OSHA Blasts N.J. Construction Firm for Trenching Hazards, Issues $158,400 in Penalties

The willful violations involve failing to ensure that the excavation spoil pile was at least 2 feet from the edge of the excavation, ensure that the ladder extended 3 feet above the level being accessed, and provide cave-in protection for employees working in the excavation.

Coast Guard Opts for PFDs Rulemaking

The agency announced that one adverse comment caused it to withdraw a direct final rule to harmonize its standards with current industry consensus standards.

EMSA Fishing for New Executive Director

The European Maritime Safety Agency opened its doors in 2003 after two major oil spills occurred about three years apart off the coasts of France and Spain.

Washington L&I: Reforms Create Opportunity to Restore Workers' Comp Reserves

"It's critical that we restore the workers' comp reserves. Savings from the reforms create an opportunity to do this without large rate increases," said L&I Director Judy Schurke.

Many Iraq/Afghanistan War Veterans Need Lung Function Testing: ACOEM

The researchers suggest a number of possible explanations for lung injury in soldiers with IAW-LI, such as inhaling sharp and coarse dust grains, toxins, and allergens in the in the harsh, polluted combat environment.

Final Report on Deepwater Horizon Fixes Chief Blame on BP

The BOEMRE panel released its report Sept. 14, dedicating it to the 11 workers killed in the explosion and praising rescue work by nearby vessels and crews that helped 115 survivors evacuate safely.

Party Rental Firm Fined $154,000 for Plethora of Safety Violations

Two willful violations involve failing to train employees in the use of powered industrial trucks and causing a potential electrocution hazard by providing damaged extension cord sets to be used in wet locations without ground fault circuit interruption protection.

OSHA Issues Compliance Directive to Address Workplace Violence

Workplace violence is a serious recognized occupational hazard, ranking among the top four causes of death in workplaces during the past 15 years.



USPS Puts Lithium Battery Limits on Hold

The U.S. Postal Service has withdrawn a rule that would have set new limits on outbound mailing of lithium batteries to international, or APO, FPO or DPO locations to await action by the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel.

NFPA Cites Safety Improvements Rising from 9/11

Communications and interoperability for emergency responders, high-rise building safety, and emergency preparedness have improved as "a direct outgrowth of 9/11, and each is central to that event's legacy of safety," NFPA Journal Staff Writer Fred Durso Jr. reports.

Grain Elevator Hazards Add Up to $229,000 in Fines for Montana Firm

Serious violations involve unguarded platforms, walkways with uncovered holes, improper design of ladders, and a lack of implementation of a housekeeping program for combustible dust.

OSHA Serves Rite Aid $121,100 in Fines for Hazardous Conditions at Brooklyn Store

The inspection identified several hazardous conditions similar to those cited by OSHA during inspections of Rite Aid stores in the Bronx and Rome, N.Y., in 2007 and 2008.

New Tool Proposed for Assessing Chemical Risks

The American Chemistry Council proposed it, with CEO Cal Dooley saying the new system would improve public confidence in EPA's regulation of chemicals.

FDA Pilot Projects Aid Tracing of Foodborne Illness Outbreaks

They were required under the Food Safety Modernization Act and will lead to a rulemaking.

Commercial Diving, Disorientation Hazards Lead to Firm's $83,160 Fine

OSHA cited Trenton, N.J.-based IEW Construction Group Inc. for 12 serious safety violations found while the company was doing repair work on the Alexander Road Bridge in Princeton, N.J.

Smoking Leading Cause of Fatal Residential Building Fires: Report

“By preparing for a home fire emergency, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a fire casualty,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines.

Commenters Debating Changes in Human Subjects Research Rules

As HHS prepares to revise the Common Rule for the first time since its enactment 20 years ago, a host of scientific organizations are filing comments ahead of the Oct. 26 deadline.

Tough UK Dog Control Laws Aim to Protect Workers

The Communication Workers Union fought for enactment of new laws in Northern Ireland and Scotland that mean owners of attacking dogs can be imprisoned and fined.

Worker's Chain Saw Injury Leads to $153,600 Penalty

Three willful violations with penalties of $147,000 involve not providing protective leg coverings and eye or face shields to employees who operated chain saws, and not providing hard hats to employees working on the ground under trees.

MIT Fined $175,000 for Air Cargo Package Fire

FAA alleges that MIT offered a fiberboard box containing 33 electronic devices to FedEx for transportation by air from Cambridge, Mass., to Seattle on Aug. 25, 2009.

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