Regulatory & Standards


Food Safety Modernization Act Implementation Meeting Set

The Food and Drug Administration will hold the meeting March 29 to hear from stakeholders about the import safety provisions of the new law.

Heavier Passengers Bring Change to Transit Bus Testing

The Federal Transit Administration proposed a change in its bus testing protocols March 14 because its current assumption, 150 pounds per passenger, is no longer accurate.

Alabama Smelting Plant Cited for LOTO, Electrical Hazards

OSHA cited 17 serious safety violations, including failing to use lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, guard open-sided floors and platforms, and provide standard railings for fixed stairways.

Worker's Death in Trench Leads to Contractor's $159,600 Fine

One employee died and another was hospitalized after wet, heavy soil collapsed into a deep trench while the men were installing a sewer pipe.

The review indicated human error is the leading primary cause of incidents during loading and unloading operations.

Agency Wants More Hazmat Tank Truck Risk Assessments

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration proposed that every carrier or facility involved in loading or unloading a cargo tank motor vehicle perform a risk assessment and also receive training.

Contractor Fined $122,960 for Cave-In Hazards

The willful citation alleges that employees were working in a trench at a depth greater than 7 feet without cave-in protection during an October 2010 inspection.

UK Firm Paying $101,000 in Amputation Case

The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Coolrec Group BV, which is based in the Netherlands, for an April 2008 incident in England where a worker's arm was caught in a moving conveyor belt. The company is paying a $96,300 fine and $35,320 in costs.

FDA Approves First New Lupus Drug in 56 Years

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved Benlysta (belimumab) to treat patients with active, autoantibody-positive lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) who are receiving standard therapy, including corticosteroids, antimalarials, immunosuppressives, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.



OSHA Issues Final Rule on Nuclear, Environmental Retaliation Complaints

The rule covers workers who voice concerns related to nuclear and environmental safety or security under clean air and water, safe drinking water, solid waste, and toxic substances, among others.

Amputation, LOTO Hazards Add Up to $49,900 Fine for Steel Company

The serious violations involve failing to properly implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources, provide adequate guarding of belts and pulleys, and provide proper storage of flammable materials.

AIHA Releases AIHce 2011 Conference Updates

The American Industrial Hygiene Association recently announced that its 2011 AIHce opening general session speaker Gene Kranz, NASA Flight Control director and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, will be signing his recent book at the AIHA booth following his presentation.

OSHA Issues Cranes and Derricks Guidance for Small Businesses

This guide accompanies other OSHA compliance materials on crane-related topics available on the agency's website including a PowerPoint overview, Web chat transcript, Webinar, and fact sheets.

Worker Fatally Struck by Machine; Houston Firm Fined $79,400

OSHA's Houston South Area Office began its investigation on Sept. 14, 2010, at the company's South Freeway facility, where an employee died after a pallet-pulling machine came loose and struck him on the head.

Proposed Rule Would Require Emergency Notification Systems at Highway-Rail Grade Crossings

The proposal would require railroads to establish toll-free telephone numbers to allow the public to report malfunctioning highway-rail grade crossing warning signals, disabled vehicles blocking crossings, or any other unsafe conditions at crossings.

Pep Boys Penalized for Machine Guarding, Electrical Hazards

OSHA alleges that workers in the Hamden store's service area were exposed to electric shock hazards from damaged power cords, as well as to cuts and lacerations from a grinder that lacked a safety guard, a tongue guard, and guarding of its spindle end.

Alabama Company Cited for Ammonia Leak that Sickened 152 Workers

In August 2010, anhydrous ammonia leaked out of a 12-inch pipe located on the roof of a Millard Refrigerated Services facility, due to hydraulic shock within the pipe.

Agencies submitting documents will have to certify that their documents relate to emergency activities authorized under the Antideficiency Act.

If Government Shuts Down, Some Regs Can Be Published

The Office of the Federal Register spelled out how documents "directly related" to the government functions that address imminent threats to life or property will be published as required.

DOT Issues Tougher Hazmat Shipping Rule

The new authority allows Department inspectors to close down shipping companies with poor safety records. It also specifically authorizes inspectors to take immediate action when there is a significant safety problem with a package in transit.

ISEA Updates Hand Protection Standard with Cut-Resistance Criteria

Updates reflected in the current edition focus on distinct test methods to determine a glove’s abrasion resistance depending on the material type, and cited test methods to ensure they represent the state of the art in materials performance and technology.

VA Requires State Homes to Meet Current Life Safety Code

The final rule takes effect April 1. It tells State Homes that receive a per diem for providing nursing home care to eligible veterans they must meet certain provisions of the 2009 edition NFPA 101.

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