Regulatory & Standards


Grainger Gets Serious About Services

The 2009 downturn didn’t stop W.W.Grainger, Inc. from hosting two “Total MROSolutions” events in Orlando for thousandsof customers in January 2010, and the companyliked what they were saying. “Wethink it’s a great time for Grainger topick up share for a lot of the reasonsthat David mentioned,” GraingerChairman, President and CEO JamesT. Ryan said after the second event’sJan. 21 keynote speaker, David Manthey,focused his remarks on consolidationamong distributors and signs ofa slow recovery.

A company needs to accurately identify the quantity of product affected and all suspect ingredients, packaging materials, and associated products.

Recalls: Are You Prepared for the Worst?

Establishments should test their ability to make and execute a plan by carrying out periodic recall simulations. This allows personnel to become familiar with recall procedures.

FDA: Heartburn Drugs May Increase Fracture Risk

FDA’s warning and decision to revise the labeling of proton pump inhibitors are based on the agency’s review of several epidemiological studies that reported an increased risk of fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine in patients using proton pump inhibitors.

Barab to Regale Builders at AGC Conference in Ohio

The event will include subcommittee and taskforce meetings on government, education, and construction industry performance, as well as an exclusive reception at Cincinnati's Newport Aquarium.

OSHA Fines Contractor $61,000 Following Worker's 30-Foot Fall

"Falls are the leading cause of death in construction work, and employers must take all required steps to prevent and minimize this potentially deadly hazard," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts. "Safe working conditions must not and can never be a matter of luck."

OSHA chief David Michaels

Michaels Outlines Big Agenda, Cooperative Plans

The OSHA leader and Dr. John Howard, director of NIOSH, are working together on a broad front to make important changes in OSHA's approach and effectiveness, they said Wednesday in a joint AIHce appearance.

OSHA proposes limiting the use of spiral stairs

OSHA Proposes Sweeping Fall Protection/PPE Rule Revisions

The agency is seeking comment on, among other things, whether it should include an explicit reference to combustible dust or other hazardous material in the regulatory language of the final rule.

FAA Proposes $1.55 Million Civil Penalty Against FedEx

During a routine surveillance from March 14-20, 2008, FAA inspectors determined that FedEx had failed to incorporate Technical Standard Orders (TSOs) into its Continued Airworthiness Maintenance Program for 14 cargo Unit Load Devices.



OSHA Seeks Experts to Fill Seven ACCSH Vacancies

The agency needs nominees with experience and expertise in construction-related safety and health issues to fill two employee, two employer, one state safety and health agency, and two public representative seats to advise DOL on developing standards affecting the construction industry.

Ohio Utility to Shut Down Plant, Pay $850,000 for Air Violations

The agreement resolves violations of the Clean Air Act’s new source review requirements at the company’s Gorsuch Station, which has a sulfur dioxide emission rate in the highest three percent of coal-fired utility sources in the country.

FMSHRC Proposes Streamlined Procedures

The flood of contested cases -- about 9,200 each in 2008 and 2009, more than twice the usual number of previous years -- must be addressed, the commission says.

Alexis Herman, was U.S. secretary of Labor from May 1, 1997, to Jan. 20, 2001.

Former DOL Secretary Herman to Give World Workplace Keynote

The 2010 IFMA conference will take place in late October at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Alexis Herman, who was secretary of Labor during Bill Clinton's administration, is the keynote speaker.

California Car Washes Soaked with $771,050 in Citations

“As part of the underground economy, illegal businesses often do not pay state taxes and take advantage of employees by not providing workers’ compensation coverage or paying proper wages," said California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet.

Proposed Rule Prohibits Electronic Devices for Railroad Operators

The rule would prohibit the use of an electronic device—whether personal or railroad-supplied—if it interferes with an employee’s or another employee’s performance of safety-related duties.

The amendment alerts contractors working on National Highway System construction projects that FHWA requires them to comply with AASHTO standards, including one that requires a Registered Engineer for some bridge drawings.

OSHA Adds FHWA Reference to Steel Erection Standards

The technical amendment was added as a result of the May 15, 2004, collapse of a steel bridge beam onto an interstate highway in Colorado, killing three people in an SUV passing below.

FAA Cites Continental Airlines $325,000 for Landing Gear Lapse

“Air carriers cannot let maintenance issues lapse,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “When a problem is discovered, it needs to be corrected immediately.”

This CSB photo shows the aftermath of the Little General Store propane explosion in Ghent, W.Va.

Third Ghent Firefighter Dies from Explosion Injuries

USFA announced Lt. Donnie Caldwell, 74, of the Ghent Area Volunteer Fire Department died May 13 as the result of complications from injuries he sustained in the Jan. 30, 2007, propane explosion at the Little General Store.

Resale Company Cited $98,520 for Improper Hazwaste Storage, More

EPA conducted an inspection of the company’s warehouse to determine its compliance with the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act. The inspection found several alleged violations, including storage of waste pharmaceuticals, including hazardous wastes, without a proper permit.

Papers Sought for 2011 Protective Clothing Symposium

The ASTM International Committee F23 on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment is sponsoring the June 16-17, 2011, event in Anaheim. Interested presenters must submit a 250-300 word abstract online by Aug. 15, 2010.

UAW Wants Comprehensive Metalworking Fluids Standard

The union, which represents some 390,000 active members, said May 11 that it filed its petition last month with OSHA.

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