Regulatory & Standards


OSHA Revises its Voluntary Protection Program

OSHA published in the Jan. 9, 2009 Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces. Changes are effective May 9.

NETA Charged Up for Electrical Safety Conference, March 9-12

Designed for power systems professionals, the event will offer educational resources and networking opportunities with leading industry authorities, manufacturers, and suppliers.

OSHA Renews Construction Safety Pact with Metro Denver HBA

More than 25 residential homebuilders, together employing more than 1,600 employees, participate in the program.

AIHA Releases 2009 Continuing Education Calendar

The American Industrial Hygiene Association has announced its 2009 continuing education offerings. AIHA professional development courses are designed to provide practitioners with specialized skills that enhance performance on the job while increasing knowledge and professionalism.

Training Guide Posted for Coal Mines' Atmospheric Testers

The Dec. 31 belt air final rule requires this training and says the air monitoring must be the sole priority during an emergency incident.

DHS Seeks Comment on New Private Sector Preparedness Program

Known as "PS-Prep," the program is intended to raise the level of employer preparedness by making DHS-adopted standards more widely available, among other measures.

FY 2008 is Record Year in Employment Discrimination Compensation

In fiscal year 2008, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) won a record $67,510,982 in back pay, salary, and benefits for an unprecedented 24,508 American workers who had been subjected to unlawful employment discrimination.



DOL Finds American Airlines Retaliated Against Sick Pilot

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered American Airlines Inc. to reimburse a pilot who was retaliated against for reporting that he was too sick to fly. American Airlines rejected medical documentation that the pilot provided in accordance with American's internal policy, and later deducted sick pay that had already been paid from the pilot's paycheck.

FDA Approves HIV Blood, Tissue Screen Test

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved the cobas TaqScreen MPX Test, the first nucleic acid test that screens for the presence of two divergent types of HIV in donated blood plasma and tissue.

NCOSH, APHA Urge New Agenda for Protecting Workers

The seven goals listed today start with making protecting workers on the job a top priority for President Obama and the 111th Congress. Goal 3: Count all occupational injuries and illnesses.

U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif.

Solis Sure to Be Confirmed, Chamber's Labor VP Predicts

The House of Representatives votes this week on equal pay for women and reversing the U.S. Supreme Court's Ledbetter pay discrimination decision. Labor secretary-designate Hilda Solis, shown here, has a confirmation hearing Friday and "I'm sure she will be confirmed," U.S. Chamber of Commerce Labor Policy VP Randy Johnson said today.

Lasko Products Pays $500,000 Penalty for Failure to Report Defective Fans

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa., has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, settles allegations that the company failed to immediately report incidents about its defective portable fans.

NSC Updates OSHA Walkthrough Training Program

The National Safety Council (NSC) is introducing two new versions of its OSHA Walkthrough for Industry training program. Like the original program, these versions are designed for educating new employees or refreshing the expertise of seasoned staff.

EPA Seeks 23 'Most Wanted' Fugitives for Environmental Crimes

The alleged violations include everything from the illegal transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and other pollutants to conspiracy and mail fraud.

Coast Guard Finally Sets Oil Vessels' Firefighting Response Times

The final rule will take effect Jan. 30. It ends a long period when the 24-hour response requirement was suspended and the industry was expected to develop salvage and firefighting capabilities on its own.

OSHA Cites Pa. Company for Safety, Health Violations

OSHA has cited Lloyd Industries Inc. for violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and has proposed a total of $140,760 in penalties. The Montgomery facility, which manufactures fire and smoke dampers, has 50 employees.

John Rapanos Agrees to Pay for Clean Water Act Violations

John A. Rapanos and related defendants have agreed to pay a civil penalty and recreate about 100 acres of wetlands and buffer areas to resolve Clean Water Act violations at three sites in Michigan.

Controlling Forklifts' Exhaust Emissions

Forklift engine tune-ups using carbon monoxide measurements reduce emissions and worker exposure.

Labor Secretary Elaine Chao with President George W. Bush

What Is Elaine Chao's Legacy?

Eight years after she took the job, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao leaves the safety and health community wanting more from her successor.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence

Webinars