Regulatory & Standards


Dollar Tree Stores Hit with $56K Fine

The OSHA area director urged the company to evaluate all of its store locations for hazards after this latest filing.

Emergency responders need "complete and consistent access to information on chemical exposures and hazards," the report states.

Report Backs Safer Technologies Law

Recommendation #6 from the Chemical Emergencies Work Group supports a bill using an approach to inherently safer technologies (IST) that the U.S. chemical industry opposes.

The seminar will focus mainly on using NFPA 654 to manage dust explosion hazards.

October Events Focus on Preventing Dust Explosions

An Oct. 19 seminar and Oct. 20-21 symposium are in Kansas City, Mo., sponsored by the NFPA and its affiliated Fire Protection Research Foundation, will include a case study by Imperial Sugar's vice president of Manufacturing & Engineering.

Research Study Calls for Disclosure of Medical Mistakes that Affect Multiple Patients

Health care organizations should disclose medical mistakes that affect multiple patients even if patients were not harmed by the event, according to an AHRQ-funded research paper published in the September 2 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

MSHA: Don't Restrict Miners' Right to File Complaints

The Mine Safety and Health Administration recently announced the release of two new program information bulletins pertaining to the rights of miners who make hazardous condition complaints and request inspections, as well as miners' protections against discrimination.

Broad New Category Proposed for Inspecting SHARP Participants

Imminent danger investigations, fatality/catastrophe investigations, and complaint investigations are already in the regulation; the added category would be "other critical inspections as determined by the Assistant Secretary."

The petition sent to OSHA seeks a standard setting an 80-hour maximum per week for medical residents.

OSHA May Limit Residents' Work Hours

Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels issued a statement Thursday saying the agency will review and consider a petition seeking an 80-hour maximum per week.

Planned high-speed rail lines include these in the Northeast.

New Standards for High-Speed Railcars Unveiled

The Federal Railroad Administration has issued these to set a uniform design for new passenger cars on the lines being constructed. They will meet all current safety requirements and future regulations for crash energy management.



Brass Foundry Cited for 'Deliberate' Lead-Exposure Hazards

The citations allege, among other things, that the company did not take air samples as required for workers who were overexposed to airborne lead nor provide the required annual training associated with the hazards. An additional willful violation alleges that the company stopped providing hearing tests to employees overexposed to noise.

Hospital Visitation Rule in Trouble?

CMS proposed it in response to an April 15, 2010, presidential memorandum that says "every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindnesses and caring of a loved one at their sides."

OSHA Rings Up $4 Million Day

Announcing a $3 million fine against one employer and $1.2 million against another, the agency continues come down hard on violations even when no fatality is involved.

AirTran Fined $500,000 for Boarding Violations, Disability Complaints

An investigation by DOT’s Aviation Enforcement Office of disability complaints filed with AirTran and DOT revealed a number of violations of the requirement for boarding assistance. In addition, the carrier’s complaint files showed that it frequently did not provide an adequate written response to complaints from passengers.

The only way to determine the attenuation level for a given subject is with a fit test system.

Fit Testing: Questions and Answers

Many users in a group may obtain values close to the labeled NRR, but a substantial portion typically do not. The only way to determine a person's attenuation level is with a fit test system.

We Can't Quit

It appears we simply won't give up our phones.

Put Walkway Auditing to Good Use

You need to be proactive in floor safety. Walkway audits play a key role in establishing due diligence and in preventing slips and falls.

New Standards Guide Flashlight Selection

Professionals now can rely on a uniform rating system when evaluating lighting equipment.

Make sure you research the correct devices and locks for your facility before ordering.

Achieving Compliance in Large Companies

Finding the correct frequency for auditing the program is one of the key elements in ensuring long-term success.

A new HSE inspection initiative will check safety management plans to ensure aging oil & gas infrastructure is being taken into account.

UK Offshore's Stats Worsened in Past Year

The Health and Safety Executive last week said the combined fatality and major injury rate for offshore oil and gas in 2009-2010 almost doubled the previous year's rate.

TSA Tweaking Hazmat Endorsement Application Form

Collecting optional additional information, including U.S. passport numbers, will help state programs forecast driver retention, transfer rates, and drop rates, the agency predicts.

"We are under CSA right now and have been for the past two years," said Don Osterberg, Schneider National Inc. senior vice president of safety, driver training, and security.

The CSA 2010 Rollout

Motor carriers are coming to grips with the new federal safety measurement system. They've seen several changes in it already.

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