Regulatory & Standards


PHMSA Proposes New Rule to Increase Enforcement of Pipeline Excavation Programs

The proposed rule will encourage states to strengthen their excavation damage prevention enforcement programs, provide more protection for underground pipelines, and allow for federal enforcement against violators in cases where state enforcement may not occur.

Regulations for Asbestos Work Tightened in Britain

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 took effect April 6. The changes concern recordkeeping, notification, and ultimately medical surveillance for non-licensed work.

DC Circuit Vacates Volks Constructors Citations

The unanimous decision by a panel of three judges is a significant decision because it wipes out the DOL argument that failing to maintain injury logs is an ongoing violation.

Auto Parts Maker Hit with $151K Fine for Lack of Personal Protective Gear

Willful safety violations are failing to train workers on safe electrical working practices for voltage testing and the use of required personal protective equipment.

MSHA Publishes Final Rule on Examinations in Underground Coal Mines

The rule is geared to enhance miners' health and safety by requiring mine operators to identify and correct hazardous conditions and violations of nine health and safety standards that pose the greatest risk to miners.

FRA Requiring Locks for Locomotive Cabs

A final rule being published April 9 includes a requirement for "securement devices." It was requested by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen after a conductor was killed during a 2010 robbery.

OSHA Soaks Truck Wash in Fines for 14 Safety Violations

Two repeat health violations, similar to violations cited in 2007, include failing to provide eye protection for workers using aluminum brightener and other corrosives and provide access to an emergency eyewash station.

OSHA Opens Nursing Care NEP

Focused on specific hazards including workplace violence and ergonomics injuries, the three-year emphasis program may allay some of the concerns that OSHA is not sufficiently involved in health care industries.



Fire Protection Research Foundation Releases Report on Water Consumption for Fires

The study found that an owner of an unsprinklered building received the full benefit of unlimited water through the public water system during a fire without an increased cost.

OSHA Whistleblower Investigation Finds Window Factory Retaliated Against Worker

The employee raised concerns verbally and in a letter about vehicle defects, including broken side-view mirrors, a driver's door that couldn't be opened properly, a broken window handle, and a deficient steering mechanism.

A Century of Safety at Sea

Beginning April 8, National Geographic Channel promises to show the Titanic's wreck in more detail than viewers have ever seen. The April 15, 1912, sinking triggered a sweeping new international treaty governing safety equipment and procedures aboard such ships.

Smoking-Materials Fire Deaths Drop to 30-Year Low

Several factors, including a decline in smoking and stricter fire-resistant standards on mattresses and upholstered furniture have been credited with the decrease in smoking-material fire deaths over the last 30 years.

Ship Owners Reminded of Engine Room Fire Dangers

The focus on preventive measures required since July 2003 "may have diminished somewhat," marine insurer Gard says in a new loss prevention circular.

Chocolate Company Fined $84K after Candy Machine Injures Worker

OSHA opened an inspection after a worker sustained head injuries while setting up operations on a machine that started up inadvertently.

ASSE Transportation Group Offers New Website, Tips for Avoiding Distracted Driving

Statistics show that 500,000 people are injured each year and another 6,000 are killed by drivers who are distracted, particularly by their phone.

Meat Processor Slapped with Fines for Repeat Violations at Chicago Plant

Three repeat health violations involve failing to mark chemical containers with their contents and hazardous warning labels, as well as to provide an emergency eyewash station for employees working with corrosive chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite and anhydrous ammonia.

MSHA: Advance Notification of Mine Inspectors Still a Problem

There have been several recent instances in which MSHA has been able to detect the occurrence of advance notice.

OSHA in Health Care: Out of Sight & Out of Mind?

Health care might feel exempt, but it looks like we finally got OSHA's attention.

Caring for Your Greatest Asset

Follow these steps to develop a comprehensive safety program that fully protects workers on the job.

Dangerous Fumes, Fire Hazards Lead to $83K Fine for Auto Parts Maker

An Oct. 4, 2011, inspection—initiated based on a complaint—determined that the facility's plating line had caught fire during production earlier in the year.

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