Regulatory & Standards


Novel German Acrobatic Aircraft Wins Approvals

Both the FAA and the European Aviation Safety Agency are issuing certifications for the Sbach 342, aka the XA42, which XtremeAir GmbH claims is the safest aerobatic aircraft ever.

NIOSH Research Cited in Recommendations for Improving Commercial Fishing Safety

NTSB recommendations to the U.S. Coast Guard include the requirement for training in stability for vessel owners and skippers, and mandatory use of flotation aids for workers while on deck.

FedEx to Pay $3 Million to Settle Hiring Discrimination Probe

The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs said it found evidence that FedEx's hiring processes and selection procedures discriminated on the bases of sex, race, and/or national origin against specific groups identified at 23 facilities in 15 states.

NHTSA Offers Tips for Safe Travel in 15-Passenger Vans

NHTSA research shows overloading 15-passenger vans both increases rollover risk and makes the vehicle more unstable in any handling maneuvers.

Two Workers Die from Hydrogen Sulfide Inhalation, Firm Fined $166,890

The workers died due to inhalation of hydrogen sulfide gas while cleaning an underground storm drain system at the recycling facility.

Worker Loses Thumb in Machine, Forging Firm Fined $75,200

The worker's thumb was amputated on Sept. 22 when a forging machine foot pedal, which was not adequately guarded, operated unintentionally.

Fatal Fall at Middle School Construction Site Leads to $167,580 Fine

Temporary employees working under the direction of the contractor were erecting scaffolding when the plank upon which the victim was working snapped, resulting in a 27-foot fatal fall to the concrete floor below.

Verizon Hit with $140,700 Fine Following Fatal Electrocution

An inspection by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office found that the employee and bucket were too close to the power line, the employee had not been adequately trained, and he lacked insulated gloves.



Former Exxon Valdez Being Scrapped

GMS, the world's largest cash buyer of ships for recycling, reportedly will scrap the ship now named the Oriental Nicety in India.

Foundry Faces $146,000 Fine after National Emphasis Program Crackdown

OSHA inspectors found that workers melting and pouring casts were exposed to mechanical, welding, electrical, and confined space hazards, as well as a lack of machine guarding.

Excessive Noise Levels Add Up to $118,000 Fine for Piping Firm

OSHA issued one willful and nine serious violations following a health inspection that found workers exposed to excessive noise levels and other hazards at the company's Houston facility.

GHS Rule Being Published March 26

"This will improve chemical hazard control programs across the country," OSHA Administrator Dr. David Michaels said March 20 as he and Secretary Solis described the "right to understand" final rule.

NRC Eyes Changes to Address Station Blackout Conditions

The ANPRM published March 20, to ensure licensees are prepared for the potential loss of all AC power at a nuclear power plant, stems from the March 2011 Fukushima Daiichi disaster.

Electrical, Mechanical Hazards Fermenting at Greek Yogurt Site, OSHA Finds

OSHA found numerous instances of unguarded moving machine parts and electrical hazards, including failing to train employees in electric safety-related work practices.

Dollar Tree Must Sell 121,000 Items to Pay This OSHA Fine

The fine involves obstructed exit routes and storing materials in an unsafe manner.

ECHA to Align Guidance with REACH Nanomaterials Reports

The agency will update its guidance on Information Requirements and Chemical Safety Assessment later this year. Its Committee for Risk Assessment also has adopted four opinions on proposed harmonized classification and labeling of industrial chemicals and pesticide active ingredients across Europe.

Michigan Agency Plans to Trim Hundreds of Workplace Safety Rules

"Elimination of duplicative and unnecessarily burdensome rules will reduce costs for businesses and allow MIOSHA to focus on enforcing rules that are core to their mission of workplace safety," said Steven H. Hilfinger, chief regulatory officer and Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs director.

OSHA Orders Railroad to Pay $18,830 for Interfering with Worker's Medical Treatment

OSHA found that the railroad, which provides commuter rail service in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, interfered with the worker's medical treatment and forced him to work in violation of his physician's orders.

OSHA Sues Charter School for Firing Worker who Complained about Safety Hazards

On June 20, 2009, the employee submitted a letter to his direct supervisor that addressed alleged safety hazards, specifically, improperly placed extension cords and a lack of sprinkler systems.

Fatal Crushing at Ala. Plant Leads to $120,600 Fine

OSHA's Birmingham Area Office initiated an inspection Sept. 12 in response to the fatality. The willful violation is failing to install guards to prevent access to the rotating and moving parts of a pre-plate boring machine used to drill holes into railroad ties.

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