Regulatory & Standards


Tougher DOT Drug Testing Rules Now in Effect

Meant to curb the use of adulterants and cheating devices, the rules require observed collections for all return-to-duty and follow-up drug tests.

Black Lung DVD Shows New Face of the Disease

Cases have doubled in the past decade, and severe cases in younger miners are a cause for concern. A NIOSH mobile health screening unit will visit six states in FY09.

OSHA Metal Industry Focus Leads to $114,000 in Fines for Ohio Foundry

The site was charged with one willful LOTO violation and 39 serious violations, including 23 safety and 16 health regulation issues.

OSHA Proposes Clarification of PPE, Training Requirements

Yesterday, OSHA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to clarify the individualized nature of the requirement to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for workers. This proposal affects PPE and training in general industry, maritime, and construction. The public comment period on the proposed regulation will be open for 30 days.

OSHA Clarifying Per-Employee Duty in Standards

Today's proposed rule responds to OSHRC decisions and makes explicit employers' duty to train and provide respiratory protection in particular to each employee.

OSHA Conformity Sought in Proposed Furniture Sustainability Standard

The American Chemistry Council said the 100 ppm chemical assessment floor should be made consistent with OSHA standards.

European Chemicals Agency Sets First REACH Stakeholder Day

Europe’s chemical classification scheme is moving into a higher gear with this Oct. 10 event in Helsinki.

N.C. Law to Prevent Agriculture Pesticide Exposure

North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley on Aug. 13 signed into law Senate Bill 847, which protects agricultural workers and directs the Pesticide Board to adopt rules requiring a record of the specific time when pesticide applications are completed.



UL, AQS Aid Compliance with California's Ozone-Limiting Reg

Between 60 and 80 consumer appliance manufacturers of indoor air products are likely to be affected by the new CARB regulation, expected to become effective in October.

North Carolina Passes Pesticide Exposure Bill by a Landslide

"Requiring employers to keep more detailed records of pesticides being used and forbidding retaliation against those who might complain about exposure to these chemicals are important steps toward safety in agricultural workplaces," said Gov. Mike Easley, after signing the bill into law.

AAOHN to Air Webcast on Genetic Testing, Screening

Scientific advances in the field carry both the promise for early disease detection and the potential for misuse in employment discrimination or insurance coverage limitations. There also may be a significant regulatory and legal impact on employers.

Bush Signs CPSC Reform Bill into Law

Maximum civil penalties for violations now can top $10 million, and the agency can ban toy imports made by a company whose products persistently present substantial product hazards.

ASSE Urges Negotiated Rulemaking on Combustible Dust

The complex technical and policy issues involved and having so few OSHA inspectors trained in the subject make a cautious approach necessary, the association has told Congress.

Washington State Sets Hearings on Crane Certification Rules

Proposed changes would require operators to be certified. The rules must be in effect by Jan. 1, 2010, according to a law passed last year.

OSHA Launches Local Construction Emphasis Programs

OSHA's Region VI office in Dallas, Texas, has established a Regional Emphasis Program covering employees in the construction industry who perform crane operations. The program conducts safety inspections of workplaces in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and sites in New Mexico that are under federal OSHA jurisdiction.

Sprinklers Required in All Long-Term Care Facilities by 2013

This strengthens the existing requirement, which applies to newly built facilities and renovated sections of existing ones.

Ariz. Utility Settles Clean Air Violations, Promises Millions in Retrofits

"This settlement marks a significant step in controlling harmful nitrogen oxide emissions in the Western United States," said EPA's Granta Nakayama.

Fishing Industry, Citizens Tell NMFS to Throw Back Proposal, Try Again

"NEPA has played an important role in protecting critical habitats for ocean fish," said the Pew Environment Group's Lee Crockett. "If NEPA is undermined, fishermen will suffer yet another blow to their ability to make a living."

NY Governor Sends Message of 'Zero Tolerance' to Crane Inspectors

Legislation signed last week establishes the crime of impairing the integrity of a government licensing examination and provides means to revoke a crane inspector's license due to various offenses, including accepting a bribe.

Greyhound Seeks Exemption to Place Video Recorders Lower

An FMCSA notice published yesterday seeks comments on the application, which would affect the company's fleet of about 1,650 buses.

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