Regulatory & Standards


Lead Paint Test Kit Vendors: EPA Wants to Hear from You

The agency is asking lead-detection kit merchants to apply to have their test kits reviewed, and plans to recognize the accurate kits.

Cal/OSHA Gauges Heat Illness Enforcement, Training Efforts

In addition to the enforcement activities, Cal/OSHA has conducted more then 649 heat illness seminars, onsite consultations, and outreach events throughout the state this year.

DOL Announces Drug-Free Work Week is Oct. 20-26

The U.S. Department of Labor yesterday announced that this year's national Drug-Free Work Week will take place Oct. 20 through 26. The purpose of Drug-Free Work Week is to educate employers, employees, and the general public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe and healthful workplace.

Crandall Canyon Mine Operators Could Face Criminal Charges

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) earlier this week acknowledged that it has made a criminal referral of issues relating to the Crandall Canyon Mine to the United States attorney for the District of Utah in a motion filed with the federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.

EPA Extends Comment Period for Soil Fumigant Safety Restrictions

In response to requests from groups representing manufacturers and users of the pesticides, the agency is extending the public comment period by an additional 45 days, closing on Oct. 30.

OSHA, NMSA Renew Safety Alliance

An alliance between OSHA and the National Maritime Safety Association has been renewed to further safety and health for employees in the marine cargo handling industry. OSHA and NMSA will concentrate on hazards related to intermodal container lashing and marine terminal traffic.

EPA Posts New TSCA Import-Export Web Site

The site offers basic information for learning about legal requirements of the Toxic Substances Control Act that may apply to importers and exporters of a wide range of chemical substances.

At Loggerheads? GAO Says CSB Must Have Chemical Accident Reporting Rule

Although it has not committed to having a reporting regulation, CSB has said it will publish a Request for Information concerning adoption of such a regulation, presenting various options for rulemaking and seeking the views and opinions of stakeholders regarding the best path forward.



September is the Cruelest Month

In his epic work "The Waste Land" (1922), T.S. Eliot wrote convincingly that “April is the cruellest month,” but a case can be made for September. Throughout American history, all varieties of disasters have transpired in this ninth month of the year—from shipwrecks to plane crashes to terrorist attacks—the aftermath of which have changed the way we live, work, and simply function as a society. Some of these changes have been subtle, others, such as the events of 9/11 seven years ago, drastic.

Engineer Convicted for Concealing Information from NRC

Andrew Siemaszko, a former reactor coolant system engineer at FirstEnergy Nuclear Operating Company (FENOC), was convicted on Aug. 26 by a federal jury in Toledo, Ohio, for concealing information from and making false statements to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the Justice Department announced.

ACS: OSHA Limitations Undermine Worker Safety

The society's new report, "Prosecuting Worker Endangerment," says OSHA violators should face stronger criminal penalties.

Demand Letters Net $225,000 in Overdue MSHA Fines

Richard E. Stickler, acting assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health, recently announced that three mine operators that were sent demand letters in May have since paid their delinquent debt.

ACCSH to Consider GHS Proposal for Classifying, Labeling Chemicals

The committee's two-day meeting in Washington, D.C., also will include a construction standards update from OSHA's directorate of construction.

Report: Public Involvement Helpful to Environmental Decision Making

When done correctly, public participation improves the quality of federal agencies' decisions about the environment, according to a new report from the National Research Council.

ISEA Seeks Comments by Sept. 22 on Revised First Aid Kit Standard

Hand sanitizers would be added to the recommended supplies list, and a new label would indicate each workplace's supplies should answer its particular needs.

Sudden Delay in Part of DOT's Drug Testing Changes

Stakeholders have 30 days to comment on Sec. 40.67(b), which requires employers to ensure all follow-up and return-to-duty drug tests are directly observed.

Tougher DOT Drug Testing Rules Now in Effect

Meant to curb the use of adulterants and cheating devices, the rules require observed collections for all return-to-duty and follow-up drug tests.

Black Lung DVD Shows New Face of the Disease

Cases have doubled in the past decade, and severe cases in younger miners are a cause for concern. A NIOSH mobile health screening unit will visit six states in FY09.

OSHA Metal Industry Focus Leads to $114,000 in Fines for Ohio Foundry

The site was charged with one willful LOTO violation and 39 serious violations, including 23 safety and 16 health regulation issues.

OSHA Proposes Clarification of PPE, Training Requirements

Yesterday, OSHA published in the Federal Register a proposed rule to clarify the individualized nature of the requirement to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) and training for workers. This proposal affects PPE and training in general industry, maritime, and construction. The public comment period on the proposed regulation will be open for 30 days.

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