Regulatory & Standards


DOL's Second Century Under Way

A new online portal is the Labor Department's gateway to activities associated with its 100th anniversary year. A century after President William Howard Taft signed the bill that created DOL, President Obama issued a proclamation honoring its work.

Some OTC Meds Being Added to Railroad Post-Accident Testing

The Federal Railroad Administration's March 5 final rule adds tramadol and sedating antihistamines to the testing panel. Because these drugs are legal rather than illicit, it will keep the test results confidential.

Four Steps to Protection

We have Frank run the machine during the morning hours and Jim run it in the afternoon. We have not cut down the noise of the machine, but we've cut their noise exposures in half.

Skylight Fall to Cost UK Firm $20,000 More

A remodeling firm was fined and ordered to pay court costs in connection with the February 2011 injury of a worker who fell about 20 feet and was seriously injured.

Talk with your comp provider to find out where head and facial injuries have occurred and, if possible, whether PPE was not being used by those workers or possibly was not right for the task being done. (J.J. Keller & Associates photo)

Staying on Top of the Problem

Occupational injuries are very costly, and not just to the affected party. They can drain the company's coffers, its employees' morale, and its standing in the community.

March 2013 OH&S

NFPA 654 2013 Edition Revised Requirements for Housekeeping

Although the strategies offered in the new revision can provide a benchmark for triggering housekeeping efforts, plant management should strive for zero dust accumulations.

FMCSA Wants Input on Entry-Level Driver Training Needs

The current federal highways and infrastructure funding law requires the agency to issue final regulations by Oct. 1. It will host a March 22 listening session to solicit ideas.

Madoff Victims to Receive More than $43 Million in Settlement

A Department of Labor investigation showed that Austin Capital Management mishandled retirement and benefit plan funds by indirectly investing with Bernie Madoff.



Tennessee Legislators May Relax Motorcycle Helmet Law

The state House and Senate transportation committees are considering HB 0894 this week. It would allow motorcycle drivers and passengers 21 and older not to wear a helmet.

HSE Revising First Aid Training Requirements

Starting Oct. 1, employers no longer need to utilize trainers approved by the Health and Safety Executive.

Cruise Line CEO Now Safe Work Australia Chair

Ann Sherry has been appointed to replace Tom Phillips by the country's minister for employment and workplace relations.

U.S. Supreme Court Accepts Donning & Doffing Case

The case involves time spent by U.S. Steel workers to put on and later take off protective clothing, hard hats, ear plugs, boots, and hoods and also traveling from locker rooms to their workstations.

Michaels Shares Vision at All-Hands Meeting

The text of his Feb. 4 speech is posted on OSHA’s popular website. He said 2012 was "a remarkable year, because as we were hard at work, we watched the empirical evidence continue to accumulate: OSHA inspections prevent injuries, and we do this without hurting employment or employer profitability."

FRA Raising Hazmat Penalties

The maximum civil penalty is $175,000 for a knowing violation that results in death, serious or severe injury to someone, or substantial property damage.

Pilots Associations Still Challenging Cargo Exemption

The Independent Pilots Association has filed new comments offering its own economic analysis that challenges FAA's cost and benefit estimates used to justify excluding cargo airlines from the fatigue regulation.

California Congressman Files Combustible Dust Bill

U.S. Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., said the bill would require enactment of a final standard within 18 months that would include requirements for hazard assessment, building design, and explosion protection.

CSB Cites Risk Tolerance, 'Running Equipment to Failure' in Carbide Industries Blast

The Chemical Safety Board's chair, Rafael Moure-Eraso, said the March 21, 2011, explosion that killed two of the Louisville company's employees is a textbook case. Repeated overpressure events and water leaks were not addressed, he said.

NIOSH, OSHA Release Bathtub Refinishing Alert

At least 14 workers have died since 2000 while using stripping products that include methylene chloride, according to the document.

OSHA's Broader Digger Derricks Exemption Withdrawn

Proposed last fall, it would have expanded the existing exemption for digger derricks used by electric utilities. One adverse comment was submitted, so OSHA has withdrawn it for now.

Cyprus Grants French Drilling Company Access to Offshore Gas

Working to loosen financial binds, Cyprus is giving foreign drilling companies access to vast amounts of offshore energy.

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