News

Washington – The controlled substances random testing rate for motor carriers will remain at 25 percent during the 2017 calendar year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced.

Los Angeles – The Los Angeles garment manufacturing industry – the nation’s largest cut-and-sew apparel base – is “plagued by workplace violations and marked by a lack of worker protections,” according to a new report released by the Garment Worker Center, the UCLA Labor Center and UCLA Labor Occupational Safety and Health.

Atlanta – A radiology practice in eastern Kentucky diagnosed 60 current or former coal miners with progressive massive fibrosis – the most severe case of black lung disease – between January 2015 and August 2016, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has released requirements intended to prevent poisonings involving the herbicide paraquat, which can result in death or injuries through ingestion or skin or eye exposure.

Washington – OSHA has released a final rule to help clarify for employers their “ongoing obligation” to make and maintain accurate records of work-related recordable injuries and illnesses.

Washington – Congress has unanimously passed the Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016 (H.R. 6450), legislation intended to strengthen the authority of the more than 70 Inspectors General across the federal government.

Washington – A recent letter of interpretation from OSHA offers clarification on when the recommendation or use of exercise should be recorded on the OSHA 300 log.

Washington – Commercial motor vehicle drivers who haul certain hazardous materials will continue to be exempt from a 30-minute rest break rule until Aug. 20, 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released its annual safety alert to call attention to the unique hazards the mining industry faces during the winter months.

Washington – President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to nominate fast-food executive Andrew Puzder as secretary of labor is eliciting strong reactions – both positive and negative.