S+H Staff

Washington – Up to $1 million in grant funding is available for communities and nonprofit organizations to make pipeline safety improvements, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration announced Jan. 7.

Washington – Although the Obama administration set a more aggressive regulatory tone than its predecessor, efforts to overhaul the rulemaking process have stalled, according to a report released Jan. 6 by OMB Watch, a government transparency and accountability watchdog group.

Washington – The systematic failures that led to the April 20 Deepwater Horizon explosion point to the oil and gas industry and the government being unprepared for the risks involved in deepwater energy exploration, a new report said.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on Jan. 5 announced a settlement in the landmark lawsuit to close a Massey Energy mine.

Washington – Findings from an investigation into the August 2008 Bayer CropScience facility explosion in West Virginia that killed two workers will be released at a public meeting Jan. 20, the Chemical Safety Board announced.

Phoenix – In light of several recent workplace deaths caused by the misuse of forklifts in Arizona, the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health is urging employers to ensure proper training and adherence to OSHA regulations.

Washington – Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood on Jan. 6 released a document for a new long-haul cross-border Mexican trucking program.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration on Jan. 7 released model legislation for states to use in developing bills to improve safety at highway-rail grade crossings.

Washington – A bill intended to prevent “quiet” electric or hybrid motor vehicles from posing a safety risk to pedestrians was signed into law by President Barack Obama on Jan. 4.

Atlanta – Six out of every 7 drivers on the road wear a safety belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, according to survey results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.