S+H Staff

Boston – Legislation recently signed into law by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) aims to improve the safety of social workers.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board has scheduled a public meeting for April 24 to discuss progress made by the American Petroleum Institute and United Steelworkers on developing a fatigue standard for refinery and petrochemical industries.

Washington – OSHA’s current standard on crystalline silica has “significantly improved” occupational health, and there is “no need” for the agency to reduce the permissible exposure limit, the American Foundry Society recently told White House officials.

Fairfax, VA – Despite Colorado and Washington state legalizing small quantities of marijuana for recreational use, the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators has announced that its substance abuse policy still prohibits workers from using the drug.

Washington – Environmental Protection Agency draft exposure assessments on three chemicals and their use in small business settings did not rely on adequate data, according to a March 15 letter from the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been “taking advantage” of opportunities presented by a number of provisions in the surface transportation funding bill signed into law July 2012, according to agency Administrator Anne S. Ferro.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board has issued recommendations and alerts to help improve safety on railroads and aircraft.

Atlanta – Talking on a cell phone while driving may be more prevalent in the United States than some European countries, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – The Flight Attendants Union Coalition has petitioned the Obama administration to reverse the Transportation Security Administration’s recent decision to lift its ban on certain small knives in carry-on luggage.

Washington – The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on March 15 heard arguments against the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2011 final rule on hours-of-service regulations for commercial motor vehicle operators.