S+H Staff

Washington – Airlines must install ice-detection equipment on small planes or update flight manuals so crews know when to activate ice-protection systems, under a final rule issued Aug. 19 by the Federal Aviation Administration.

These are tumultuous times for government program funding, and OSHA is no exception. Although cutting government spending could be a bad idea, with Republicans controlling the House and pushing for deficit reduction, cuts are probably going to happen anyway.

Newark, DE – Fears that first responders would be unwilling to work in the midst of a disaster may be exaggerated, suggests a study released Aug. 18 by the University of Delaware’s Disaster Research Center.

OSHA recently published a booklet on industry requirements for hexavalent chromium standards discussing exposure limits, exposure monitoring and determination, protective work clothing and equipment, medical surveillance, hazard communication, and recordkeeping.

If a large OSHA penalty is later significantly reduced in a settlement, does the penalty have any effect as a deterrent?

Washington – A new report analyzing five occupational safety and health rules found that despite initial opposition, the rules saved thousands of lives and prevented thousands of injuries.

Quincy, MA – The standard stop, drop and roll technique may not help extinguish flames stemming from gel fuel, the National Fire Protection Association warned on Aug. 11. Gel fuels commonly are used as an ignition source in fire pots, personal fireplaces and some patio torches.

Sandy, UT – A new free mobile application from OSHA is intended to help workers and supervisors monitor the heat index at their worksites.

Tumwater, WA – Washington state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health is scheduled to host a stakeholder meeting Aug. 25 to begin working on a rule for stay of abatement requests.

Washington – Workers’ compensation costs for employers declined 7.6 percent in 2009 and the number of workers covered fell 4.4 percent, which a new report attributes to the recent recession.