Regulatory & Standards


Plumbing Manufacturer Fined $16,000 for Not Providing Toxic Chemical Info

"Because exposure to high levels of copper, lead, and zinc compounds causes a wide range of illnesses and environmental damage, communities need to know if and when these chemicals have been released," said Enrique Manzanilla, Communities and Ecosystems Division director for EPA's Pacific Southwest region.

jetliner fire

Model Optimizes Aircraft Cargo Compartment Fire Systems

The simulation tool can identify worst-case locations for fires, optimal locations for detectors, and sensor alarm levels when fire systems are certified. The systems must alarm within one minute of the start of a fire.

Acting OSHA chief Thom Stohler

Foulke's Acting Replacement: Thomas M. Stohler

He's not a familiar name, but he's probably not long for the job anyway. The bio posted by OSHA says Stohler was DOL's chief congressional liaison for OSHA and MSHA and used to be Rep. John Boehner's legislative director.

ISO Secretary-General Robert Steele

ISO's Road Safety Standard Moving Forward

Also, the International Organization for Standardization, which is the world's largest developer of consensus standards, will have a new secretary-general beginning Jan. 1: New Zealand accountant Robert Steele, shown here.

NTSB Acting Chairman Addresses Underage Drinking and Driving Issues

National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker recently discussed the issue of underage drinking emphasizing the need to maintain the Age 21 law before the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National Symposium on Underage Drinking, in Washington, DC, Rosenker noted that each year, there are more than 40,000 highway fatalities, more than any other mode of transportation.

Second Valley Safety and Health Fair Starts Today

Employees, employers, and their families from the Hudson Valley and greater New York City area are invited to attend the second Hudson Valley Safety and Health Fair taking place today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, at the Westchester County Center in White Plains, N.Y.

EPA Revises Pesticide Container and Containment Regs

You may be affected by this action if you are a pesticide formulator, agrichemical dealer, an independent commercial applicator, or a custom blender. The final rule is effective Dec. 29.



NIOSH Announces NORA Competition Winners

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently announced the winners of the Fiscal Year 2009 Intramural National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) competition. Demonstrating a high level of scientific merit and a focus on translating research into practice, awards were given to 17 projects in diverse areas covering some of the many priority needs in each of the NORA sectors.

First Wireless Group to pay $435,000 to settle EEOC Suit

A New York-based company that refurbishes cell phones at its factory in Long Island will pay $435,000 to settle a wage discrimination and retaliation suit brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced recently.

OSHA Assistant Administrator Edwin Foulke Jr.

Foulke Reportedly Leaving OSHA on Sunday

The OSHA Underground blog reports he has accepted a job with Fisher & Phillips LLP, an employment law firm that has 19 offices. Foulke apparently will be working from its Atlanta headquarters.

2008 Major Injuries, Deaths Down Again in UK

Continued declines in major workplace injuries and deaths are good news, but the HSE's chair says she's concerned about agriculture, construction, waste and recycling industries, and slip-and-fall incidents.

Small Businesses' Compliance Challenges Addressed at OSHA Forum

Electronic tools helping small businesses evaluate workplace safety and health management programs was among the topics presented at a recent OSHA forum titled "Challenges Small Businesses Face in Complying with Regulations."

White Paper Calls for OSH Policy Change from New Administration

"We are frankly weary of the culture of confrontation that perennially pervades the debates over workplace safety and health policy, that leads to political stalemate and that has alienated much of the safety and health community," says ORC Senior VP Frank White, author of the report.

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm

Michigan's Governor Moves Energy into Labor Department's Role

A new director will be the state's Chief Energy Officer once the executive order signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, shown here, takes effect. Some expect Granholm to become the next U.S. labor secretary if Barack Obama wins today.

IT Company to pay nearly $1.7 million in Back Wages

GlobalCynex Inc., a Sterling information technology company, has agreed to pay $1,683,584 to 343 non-immigrant workers after a U.S. Labor Department investigation found the company violated the H-1B visa provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

NIOSH to Host 'International Conference on Road Safety at Work'

NIOSH and partners will hold the International Conference on Road Safety at Work on Feb. 16-18, 2009, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, Washington, D.C. Conference co-sponsors include the World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, International Labour Organization, U.S. Department of State, and the National Safety Council.

2008 Changes in the Z89.1 Standard

Whether or not it’s true that some forward-looking caveman started it all by strapping a turtle shell to his head, it’s certain head protection has been a matter of survival throughout human history.

2009 Starts Now

What OSHA hasn’t done has been much discussed this year, but I believe our focus is about to change. The 2009 shift to an active OSHA may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how the Nov. 4 elections affect congressional oversight and appropriations committees and then on how quickly a new president and Congress act.

Revisions Bring Registered Apprenticeship into the 21st Century

The Department of Labor's updates to the program lets employers use multiple training approaches, gives apprentices interim credentials and lets both use electronic media for technical instruction.

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