In general, the public assumes that when “9-1-1” is dialed—whether from a wireline, VoIP, or wireless phone—the location information will be transmitted to the correct public safety answering point, but because of an aging infrastructure designed for wireline use in the 1970s, E911 coverage is inadequate for many of today’s commonly used communication technologies.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced Friday it has renewed the American Pyrotechnics Association's exemption from the hours of service regulation for 61 member motor carriers and about 3,000 of their drivers.
The Governors Highway Safety Association hailed Gov. Bev Perdue's signing of her state's new law today. It means in only the first six months of 2009, the number of states with such bans in place has doubled, GHSA says.
A Nevada company and its owners pleaded guilty in federal court on June 16 to distributing a tainted ingredient used to make pet food, which resulted in a nationwide recall of pet food and the death and serious illness of countless pets across the United States in 2007.
The new rule requires that mine-site and state-sponsored teams train semi-annually at small mines, rather than annually, and state employees who are members of state-sponsored teams participate in two mine rescue contests annually.
"While we share the goal of establishing permanent chemical security regulations, we are concerned several provisions in the legislation as introduced could undermine the important work that is already underway," said Marty Durbin, American Chemistry Council vice president of federal affairs.
They're winners in the fourth round of a year-old recognition program by the Minnesota Hospital Association. The Cuyuna Regional Medical Center, shown here, was honored for three of MHA's four safety campaigns: safe count, safe from falls, safe site.
The report featured in the June 12 edition of MMWR involved a 2007 Cryptosporidium outbreak confirmed at an Idaho splash park.
This special regional emphasis program will set targeted inspections in industries or workplaces where there is a potential for lead exposure, and also will cover complaints and referrals regarding lead exposure.
Secretary Ray LaHood and FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt joined representatives of pilots' unions and U.S. airlines to promise mentoring, a better system for checking pilots' records, and a review of existing training programs to see how to strengthen them.
"Our inspections identified a large number of mechanical, respirator protection, electrical, lead, fire, explosive, and other hazards that must be effectively and continuously addressed to protect the workers at this plant from potentially deadly or disabling injuries and illnesses now and in the future," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director in New Hampshire.
As the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adjusts its civil penalties for inflation, the maximum available would be $16,950,000 for a series of related violations under the school bus safety provisions.
The federal agency decided to retain the exemption for firefighters out of concern wearing compliant apparel that might not be fire-resistant could increase their risk during emergencies.
OSHA has cited East Central Machine & Tool Co., St. Clair, Mo., for alleged safety and health violations and proposed $117,900 in penalties following an investigation into an accident where an employee lost two fingers in a mechanical power press. The inspection found one alleged willful and 11 alleged serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Post-hearing comments will be due by Aug. 14. The agency's proposed rule addresses a new technology, a monitor to be worn by coal miners throughout a shift that reports dust exposure levels continuously.
Ten years ago today, Liam Wood, 18, Stephen Tsiorvas, 10, and Wade King, 10, died in a fireball from a leaking gasoline pipeline. The incident shocked the state and prompted a stronger federal law governing underground pipeline inspections and enforcement.
The Labor secretary is scheduled to speak June 29 during a General Session of the annual conference at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio.
Their conversation will call attention to June 12's 2009 World Day Against Child Labor, an international event to focus attention on the continuing problem of the exploitation of girls in child labor.
The Crom Corporation and Crom Equipment Rentals violated federal law when they allowed the racial harassment of black employees, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced recently. EEOC also says the Florida-based construction companies unlawfully suspended an African American employee for complaining about severe racial insults, threats, and physical abuse.