Enforcement


EPA Elects Not to Amend Four Air Toxics Rules

The agency's recent residual risk assessment found that after application of the MACT standards the chronic cancer risks are below 1-in-1 million, and no further cancer risk reduction is required. The analysis also found that non-cancer and acute risks to humans, as well as ecological risks from these facilities are low and that no further controls are warranted.

FMSHRC to Weigh Kansas Quarries' Appeal

An ALJ assessed a total civil penalty of $11,090 last April after rejecting the mine operator's claim that its foremen were rank-and-file miners with no real supervisory control.

MSHA Lists Communication Alternatives for Underground Coal Mines

Fully wireless communications technology won't be ready or technologically feasible by June 15, 2009, when the MINER Act requires operators of those mines to have submitted a plan to use it, so MSHA's letter explains what will work.

Damage Prevention Council in Ohio Renews Pact with OSHA

The alliance will place special emphasis on emergency preparedness and response activities related to restoring utility services quickly and safely following a major disaster.

NY Contractor Faces $89,000 in Fines for Fall Hazards

"These employees were just one misstep or tumble away from a fatal or disabling plunge," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo, N.Y.

Pacific Northwest Supercenter to Pay $485,000 for Sexual Harassment, Retaliation

The company also agreed to provide anti-discrimination training for the owner, managers, supervisors, and employees and allow EEOC to monitor the work site for the next two years.

Obama Nominates a Certified Hazmat Manager as EPA Administrator

Lisa P. Jackson, CHMM, is the former commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and before that worked for 16 years in EPA's Superfund Program, developing key hazardous waste cleanup regulations, overseeing hazardous waste cleanup programs and directing multimillion-dollar cleanup operations.

ExxonMobil Pays Additional $6.1 Million for 2005 Clean Air Violations

The 2005 settlement and today’s penalty settlement with ExxonMobil were reached as part of a broader EPA initiative to reduce air pollution from refineries nationwide. To date, 95 refineries located in 28 states, representing more than 86 percent of the nation’s refining capacity, have been required to install new controls to significantly reduce emissions.



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

Obama Picks L.A. Congresswoman for Labor Secretary

U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis, 51, represents part of East Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley. She is vice chair of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on the Environment and Hazardous Materials.

An image of kids swimming in an indoor pool.

Pool & Spa Safety Law Goes Into Effect Tomorrow

Nancy Nord, CPSC acting chairman, said enforcement of the new law will focus on sites "where the greatest risk of drain entrapment to children exists, such as wading pools, pools designed specifically for toddlers and young children, and in-ground spas, particularly where these types of pools and spas have flat drain grates and single main drain systems."

NIOSH Seeks Technical Review of Asbestos Draft Document

NIOSH has engaged The National Academies' Institute of Medicine to review the draft NIOSH Current Intelligence Bulletin: "Asbestos Fibers and other Elongated Mineral Particles: State of the Science and Roadmap for Research."

FDA Requires 'Suicidality' Warnings for Antiepileptic Medications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently announced it will require the manufacturers of antiepileptic drugs to add to these products' prescribing information, or labeling, a warning that their use increases risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (suicidality). The action includes all antiepileptic drugs including those used to treat psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, and other conditions, as well as epilepsy.

BMW Recall Affects 28,450 Mini Cooper S Cars

NHTSA had cancelled a Dec. 17 public meeting, saying it was moot because BMW is going ahead with the recall of model year 2007 and certain MY 2008 Mini Cooper S (hardtop) vehicles demanded by the agency.

Optical Gas Imaging Technology Changes Leak Detection Rules

With the new technology, leaks are displayed on a video screen similar to the way night vision goggles are used to show the heat signature of objects.

New Entrant Carriers' ADA Compliance May Be Checked

A final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration raises the stakes for motor carriers that must go through the New Entrant Safety Assurance Program.

EPA Seeks Comments on 'Flaring' Process in Refineries

Based on proposed amendments, if a refinery relies upon flaring more than expected, the facility would be required to take corrective action.

IEC Renews OSHA Alliance, Develops Arc Flash Safety Presentation

The presentation, which includes slides, focuses on hot work and arc flash hazards and how to protect oneself against shock and arc flashes or blasts.

Mattel Reaches $12 Million Agreement over Tainted Toys

Attorneys general of 39 states reached a settlement agreement with Mattel Inc. and its subsidiary, Fisher-Price Inc., resolving a 15-month investigation into the events that lead to a voluntary recall of the companies’ toys for excessive lead paint in 2007.

2008 Labor Hall of Fame inductee Leonard F. Woodcock

Former UAW President to be Inducted into Labor Hall of Fame

Leonard Woodcock spent the first decades of his career working to improve the lives of America's autoworkers and the final decades constructing an enduring relationship between the United States and China that would serve the vital interests of both countries' citizens. He and Marriott founder J. Willard Marriott will be posthumously inducted Wednesday.

New Rule Aims to Reduce Ozone-Depleting Chemical by 75 Percent

The U.S. plans to reduce consumption and production of HCFCs by 75 percent in 2010 and completely eliminate the chemical by 2030.

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