Transportation

Washington — As it transitions to an electronic system for the submission of certificates verifying that truck and bus operators are physically fit to drive, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended a temporary waiver permitting the use of paper copies.

Saint Paul, MN — After investigating recent deaths involving permit-required confined spaces, Minnesota OSHA has adopted a Local Emphasis Program focused on protecting workers in transportation tank cleaning operations.

Washington — Spurred by the death of a rail worker in Massachusetts, the National Transportation Safety Board is again calling on railroads to equip roadway maintenance machines with collision-avoidance technology.

Washington — Leading House Education and Workforce Committee Republicans are calling on the Government Accountability Office to review hearing loss causes in the longshoring industry, saying many employers believe they’re compensating workers for cases that aren’t work-related.

Washington — Independent owner-operator truckers must participate in Department of Transportation drug and alcohol testing programs but aren’t required to complete supervisor reasonable suspicion training because “they do not supervise anyone,” the agency says.

Washington — A coalition of House Democrats is calling on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to “immediately reconstitute” multiple federal transportation advisory committees aimed at ensuring Department of Transportation regulations “prioritize safety and protect workers.”

Boca Raton, FL — Motor vehicle crashes are the most expensive type of workers’ compensation lost-time claim, costing over 70% more than the average lost-time claim, a new report reveals.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed Derek Barrs as the new head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Greenbelt, MD — Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance inspectors recently placed 12.9% of the trucks and buses they inspected out of service for violations related to transporting hazardous materials and dangerous goods.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking feedback on two pilot programs intended to increase flexibility for truck drivers who must comply with federal rest requirements.