Regulatory & Standards


NSC Journal Study Seeks Enhanced Workplace Safety Approach

A new study in the National Safety Council's Journal of Safety Research advances the field and effective use of behavioral safety by identifying key knowledge gaps that warrant additional research. The study, by Oliver Wirth, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and Sigurdur Oli Sigurdsson, pinpoints areas where increased data can enhance behavior-based injury-prevention interventions and improve occupational safety and health.

EPA Proposes Lowering 'Code Orange' Particle Pollution Level

The proposal also would set a “significant harm” level, which states use in developing emergency episode plans

FDA Issues Guidance on Regulating Genetically Engineered Animals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a final guidance for industry on the regulation of genetically engineered animals under the new animal drug provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

OSHA: Employee Access is Key to Having Digital Versions of Written Programs

This interpretation reflects the agency's understanding that computers are more common in the workplace now than when most OSHA standards were written.

OSHA Fines Roofer $50K for Repeat Fall Hazards

The agency initiated an inspection as part of a local emphasis program in New Jersey, where the South Carolina-based company had two employees working approximately 13 feet above the ground without proper protection, according to OSHA.

Diacetyl Regs on Occupational Exposure Reach Pre-Rule Stage

OMB has 90 days to review and approve OSHA's proposal before publication in the Federal Register.

FDA Launches Pilot Program To Improve Drug Import Safety

The Food and Drug Administration today announced the launch of a voluntary pilot program that would help promote the safety of drugs and active drug ingredients produced outside the United States.

International Safety Equipment Association President Daniel K. Shipp

ISEA Hopes for Consensus on New OSH Approach

The time is right for all parties -- including the National Association of Manufacturers and the U.S. Chamber -- to adopt a new approach, ISEA President Daniel K. Shipp said Wednesday.



IRS Finalizes Disaster-Related Tax Postponement Rule

Federally declared disasters after today are covered by the final rule. Taxpayers who aren't within a covered disaster area are eligible if the records they need to meet a deadline are within the area.

OSHA Issues 35 Citations to Mass. Concrete Products Manufacturer

OSHA has cited Flagg-Palmer Precast Inc. for 35 alleged repeat, serious, and other-than-serious violations of workplace health and safety standards at its Oxford, Mass., manufacturing plant. The concrete products manufacturer faces a total of $76,900 in proposed fines following an OSHA inspection prompted by employee complaints.

OSHA Cites Arms Plant for Lead Exposure, Firing Range Hazards

OSHA has proposed $115,500 in fines against Kahr Arms of Worcester, Mass., for alleged willful and serious violations of workplace health and safety standards at its Goddard Memorial Drive manufacturing plant and testing facility.

Federal Agencies Issue Importer Practices Draft Guidance

A draft guidance was issued recently that is designed to provide guidance to importers on steps they can take to help ensure imported products are in compliance with applicable U.S. statutes and regulations. Titled "Good Importer Practices," the document was created through the combined efforts of the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, Homeland Security, and Transportation; the Consumer Product Safety Commission; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass.

Democrats to Hold Three-Vote HELP Majority

The congressional committee assignments in the new 111th Congress haven't been announced, but the Democrats are tripling their one-vote committee majority on Sen. Ted Kennedy's HELP Committee from the last Congress. And we'll know House Education and Labor assignments Friday.

Study Connects Worker Lead Exposure to Later Cognitive Problems

Both the developing brain and the aging brain can suffer from lead exposure, according to a report that appears in the January issue of Neuropsychology, titled "Association of Cumulative Lead and Neurocognitive Function in An Occupational Cohort" and published by the American Psychological Association. For older people, a buildup of lead from earlier exposure may be enough to result in greater cognitive problems after age 55, according to a follow-up study of adults exposed to lead at work.

DOT Rule Requires Stronger Railroad Hazmat Tank Cars

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters said the final rule will reduce the risk of hazmat spills from train accidents.

CBP Offering Info Sessions about '10+2' Importer Security Filing Rule

The sessions are intended to give the importing and filing community a basic understanding of how to fulfill the new requirements of the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements interim final rule.

OSHA Revises Compliance Officer Manual

OSHA has revised its Field Operations Manual to provide OSHA Compliance Officers with a single source of updated information and guidance to more effectively protect employees from occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

Tobacco Foe Picked for HHS Deputy Director

William V. Corr, currently executive director of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, has worked for Tom Daschle and Henry Waxman, who will lead the new administration's health care reform efforts.

a health clinic

Big Changes Coming in NFPA Health Facilities Standard

A major rewrite of NFPA 99 is under way, with proposed changes in the 2010 edition to be up for adoption this June at the NFPA Conference & Expo in Chicago.

CPSC Clarifies New Product Safety Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding the public that in February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws.

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