Regulatory & Standards


The OSHA review of state plans could result in a dialogue about the meaning of "at least as effective."

What Does 'At Least As Effective' Mean?

John Duncan, director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, says a meeting with OSHA's regional administrator could start a national dialogue to clarify what "at least as effective" means.

Changes likely to be made in the 2012 Editio, include HRC2 and arc rating requirements.

Dec. 15 Webinar: Get Ready for the 2012 NFPA 70E

In this webinar, e-Hazard.com's Hugh Hoagland and three other experts will discuss best practices for companies and will explain how they can comply with the new edition before it is published in October 2011.

Michigan Engine Manufacturer Fined $137,750 for Confined Space Hazards, More

"Conditions found during the MIOSHA inspection were very serious,” said Acting Director Andrew S. Levin. “They must fulfill their obligations under the MIOSH Act and provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

Roco Rescue conducts rescue training with this facility at its headquarters in Baton Rouge, La.

Getting Rescue Right

Fatal incidents where rescue capability is not standing by and available are all too frequent.

November 2010

Respirators: Function, Fit, and Comfort -- I Want It All!

These are the next hurdles to bridge, and manufacturers are doing just that as they develop next-generation respirators for an expanded base of users.

A metal shop worker is using the 3M Versaflo Respirator System, which combines respiratory, head, eye and face, and hearing protection.

PAPRs and SARs for the World

Loose-fitting powered and supplied-air respirators offer increased comfort and productivity -- a better experience for all concerned.

The grandfather clause that currently allows for 36-inch guardrail has been specifically excluded. (LJB Inc. photo)

OSHA Focuses on Fall Protection Regulations

A long-awaited modernization of the general industry regulations has good elements, as well as some bad features and some omissions.

Cesspool Violations Cause Stink for Hawaii Housing Corp.

Cesspools are used more widely in Hawaii than in any other state. Cesspools discharge raw sewage into the ground, allowing disease-causing pathogens and other contaminants to potentially pollute groundwater, streams, and the ocean.



Refuge Chamber Training Rule Remanded to MSHA

The United Mine Workers of America said annual hands-on training of underground miners to activate and use refuge chambers during emergencies is not enough, and a federal appeals court has told MSHA to explain why it did not require quarterly training.

OSHA Pounds Meat Manufacturer for Lockout Hazards

"C & F Packing has demonstrated a disregard for worker safety by placing workers at risk for serious injury from machine rotating parts," said OSHA Area Director Diane M. Turek in Des Plaines, Ill.

The opposition to the proposed change in interpreting "feasible" engineering controls for noise is reminiscent of the opposition to OSHA when it was created.

National Academy of Engineering Report Urges 85 dB PEL

OSHA has long used the 90 dB Permissible Exposure Limit to define maximum "safe" noise, although much of the rest of the world disagrees.

FDA Seizes $700,000 of Food from Rodent-Riddled Warehouse

An FDA inspection of United Food Service’s facility between Sept. 22, 2010, and Oct. 1, 2010, revealed “an active and widespread rodent infestation, including live and dead rodents within the warehouse where food products are stored,” according to the complaint.

U.S. Marshals Seize Unapproved Products from Tri-Med Labs

At the request of the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. marshals seized articles of prescription and over-the-counter drug products from Tri-Med Laboratories Inc. in Somerset, N.J. earlier this month. The seizure warrant, issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey and unsealed this week, shows the drugs are unapproved and adulterated new drugs.

DOL Approves National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards

The Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration has approved national guidelines for apprenticeship standards for the occupation of direct support professional. These standards will enable employers to use ETA's Registered Apprenticeship program to train workers for careers in the long-term care sector of the health care industry.

USDA Scientists Working to Keep Smoked Salmon Safe to Eat

Scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture are helping ensure the smoked salmon that's always a hit at festive gatherings is always safe to eat. They have developed a first-of-its-kind mathematical model that food processors and others can use to select the optimal combination of temperature and concentrations of salt and smoke compounds to reduce or eliminate microbial contamination of the product.

DOT, EPA Propose New Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks and Buses

“In addition to cutting greenhouse gas pollution, greater fuel economy will shrink fuel costs for small businesses that depend on pick ups and heavy duty vehicles, shipping companies and cities and towns with fleets of these vehicles," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.

Gov. Ed Rendell

Marcellus Shale Moratorium Means Little

Gov. Ed Rendell of Pennsylvania orders gas drilling halted in state forest lands after the legislature would not pass a severance tax. But the state already has issued hundreds of drilling permits.

Worker's Fatal Electrocution Leads to $119,700 Fine for Landscaping Firm

OSHA initiated an investigation April 21 when a worker made contact with a high-voltage power line while tree cutting. As a result of the investigation, the company was cited for two willful, seven serious, and three other-than-serious violations.

Gun Powder Manufacturer Fined $1.2 Million Following Deadly Explosion

"Even after a prior incident in which a worker was seriously injured, and multiple warnings from its business partners and a former employee, this employer still decided against implementing safety measures," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels.

The magazine includes articles about fall protection and hydrogen sulfide hazards.

ASSE Oil & Gas Practice Specialty Sharing Expertise

The new group has created committees representing upstream, midstream/pipeline, downstream, and international, and another committee will evaluate content for upcoming conferences and mini-symposia, Administrator Michael Farris writes in its latest online magazine.

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