Regulatory & Standards


Standards for Virtual Reality to Help Tired Truckers Stay Alert

A new virtual reality technology, developed with the help of standards, is allowing researchers to study trucker fatigue so that a system can be developed to prevent this all-too-common hazard.

EPA Seeks Comments on Greenhouse Gas Regulation

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that the Clean Air Act authorizes regulation of greenhouse gases because they meet the definition of air pollutant under the Act. EPA is trying to decide how to respond to that ruling.

Foulke to Address 2008 ACHMM National Conference

Themed "Navigating the Future of EHS&S," the event is scheduled for Sept. 7-10 at the Hyatt Regency at Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis.

Nevada Enforcing Stronger Fall Standard for Decking, Netting

Since Friday, the agency has followed Subpart R of the steel erection standard for these issues. Construction deaths at the Las Vegas City Center project, shown here, spurred congressional pressure to beef up OSHA fall standards.

Coalition Lauds Passage of Bill Mandating ATV Safety Standard

"Many non-traditional ATVs do not adhere to even minimal safety requirements, nor do the companies provide training or safety information," said coalition spokesman Ed Krenik. "The poor quality of many of these ATVs create a danger for all ATV riders, particularly young riders, who are being targeted by these companies."

West Virginia Clarifies Timely Report of Injury Rule

Beginning today, a workers' comp claimant's failure to report the injury within two working days cannot be the sole reason to deny compensability and self-insured employers can't transfer their accrued comp liability to the state when they terminate self-insured status.

Watching the Clock

OSHA has two significant rules due for release this fall. MSHA has a proposed rule and two final rules pending. Will any of the five see the light of day before the presidency of George W. Bush ends in January 2009, probably closing the book on one of the longest-serving Labor secretaries in history, Elaine Chao?

Fruit Packer to Pay EPA $81,193 for Risk Management Violations

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the most dangerous chemicals used in refrigeration and agriculture today, EPA noted. Those who work with it must be trained to follow exact handling procedures.



TSA Adopts Rule on Rail, Transit Background Check Disclosures

The regulation was enacted without notice because it adopts prohibitions verbatim from a 2007 law.

DOL Files Whistleblower Suit Against New Jersey Cabinet Maker

The lawsuit alleges Exclusive Decorators Inc., Interiors Furniture LLC, and its vice president, Garrett Ney, terminated a worker in violation of the whistleblower provisions of the OSH Act.

Group Pushes for 68 mph Speed Limiters on Big Rigs

"We hope that citizens will contact their representatives in Washington and demand that the Transportation Department take positive action on this common sense rule immediately," said Stephen Owings, founder of Road Safe America.

Journal Unit to Pay $200,000 to Settle Clean-Air Violation Claims

EPA's Region 5 alleged that the printing plant violated national emission standards for hazardous air pollutants for the printing and chromium electroplating industries.

Hormel Food Division Self-Discloses Violations, Has Penalties Waived

At its San Joaquin County facility, at least 16,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia used in the refrigeration system mandated a risk management plan, which the company quickly provided to EPA officials.

ASSE to Host Webinar on New Construction Safety Standard

A10 Committee members will lead the discussion and answer questions during the event, designed to introduce components of the new standard and how it can be implemented in construction and demolition operations. Last week, NAHB President Sandy Dunn said the standard, in it present form, "will be useless for the construction industry."

The Next Century of Hazmat Transportation: Workshop Looks Ahead

July 31 meeting in Washington, D.C., comes 100 years after the U.S. hazmat transportation safety program began with enactment of the Transportation of Explosives and Other Dangerous Articles Act.

AHA: Health IT Bill will 'Adversely Impact' Quality Initiatives

"[T]he sheer volume of information generated in direct care activities, payment and health care operations, and the storage capacity needed to hold the information and make it accessible and intelligible to patients, would divert already-scarce resources away from patient care," AHA Executive Vice President Rick Pollack wrote in a letter to Congress.

National Study Assessing Food Allergies' Prevalence in Canada

Food labeling requirements also are changing, with allergens, gluten sources, and added sulfites to be displayed.

Iowa Enforcing Higher Work Zone Speeding Fines

A state worker who had been hit four times by moving vehicles testified to Iowa legislators earlier this year about why the bill was needed.

Review of Silicosis Deaths Points to Continued Overexposures

In the era of legally enforceable exposure limits, deaths in the 15-44 age group should be lower, two NIOSH researchers concluded.

NAHB Accuses ASSE of Subverting ANSI Process

"In effect, ASSE has created its own version of consensus and has adopted an unworkable program, despite strong objection from the construction industry," said NAHB President Sandy Dunn.

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