Transportation

Chicago – Motor vehicle incidents are the leading cause of worker fatalities, and NIOSH Director John Howard said it is time to “unravel” the excuses and contributing factors that allow the trend to continue.

Washington – A Sept. 24 proposed rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration would prohibit hazardous materials carriers and associated companies from further operations if they do not pay civil penalties for violations within 90 days.

Chicago – Fall protection is once again the most frequently cited OSHA standard, Safety+Health magazine announced Oct. 1 at the 2013 NSC Congress & Expo.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has withdrawn its 2007 proposal on entry-level training requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers and will begin a new rulemaking process.

Washington – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration should better track the incidence rate of spills from cargo tank truck “wetlines” – the series of pipes used to load and unload liquids – to help identify risks, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

Seattle – Driving while using cell phones or other electronic devices may be more prevalent in Washington state than experts originally thought, according to preliminary data from the University of Washington.

Ann Arbor, MI – While some impaired driving and riding behaviors have decreased among high school seniors over time, driving under the influence of marijuana may be increasing, according to a new study from the University of Michigan.

Washington – The rates of commercial motor vehicles and drivers placed out of service during this year’s annual Roadcheck – a safety enforcement and outreach event – were slightly lower than in 2012, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Washington – Lawmakers introduced a bill on Sept. 12 to require obstructive sleep apnea screening requirements for truck and bus drivers to be established through formal rulemaking.

Tumwater, WA – The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries on Sept. 16 proposed an average increase of 2.7 percent for 2014 workers’ compensation premiums.