News

Washington – A bill requiring congressional approval for proposed rules with an annual economic impact of at least $50 million has moved to the Senate following House approval.

Washington – A federal appeals court on Aug. 2 upheld all but one provision of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2011 hours-of-service final rule.

Washington – Eliminating a “burdensome” paperwork requirement for truck inspections will save the trucking industry $1.7 billion annually, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration said in a notice of proposed rulemaking announced Aug. 1.

Washington – President Barack Obama issued an executive order on Aug. 1 directing the federal government to improve chemical safety and security in light of recent tragedies.

Washington – OSHA exceeded its goal of increasing worksite inspections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but spent only 53 percent of the money it was allocated, according to a new audit report from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Washington – A coalition of advocacy groups is calling for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restart the rulemaking process on a proposed poultry rule and address worker safety concerns.

Halifax, Nova Scotia – More than three years after Nova Scotia created a system to issue penalties to employers, supervisors and employees for workplace safety violations, the Canadian province has proposed revisions after receiving complaints that the system is unfair.

Washington – The U.S. Park Rangers Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police is calling on the National Park Service to implement a plan that the organization claims will help improve the safety of employees in national parks.

Tumwater, WA – Washington state is offering grants to fund innovative workplace safety and health or return-to-work programs.

Washington – Farmworkers are inadequately protected from pesticide exposure, according to a new report from advocacy group Farmworker Justice.