Transportation

Washington — The Department of Transportation intends to seek comment on separate advance notices of proposed rulemaking on the safe operation and integration of drones, including a measure that would allow civilians to operate drones at night and over populated areas without a waiver, Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao announced Jan. 14.

Secaucus, NJ — The rate of positive drug tests rose by double digits in five of 16 major U.S. workforce industry sectors from 2015 to 2017, according to a recent analysis by lab services provider Quest Diagnostics.

Olympia, WA — Strategic positioning during cranking of landing gears can help prevent truck drivers from injuring their shoulders when raising or lowering trailers, results of a recent study by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and North Carolina State University suggest.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Dec. 21 granted a petition to pre-empt California’s meal and rest break rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers, stating that the rules are incompatible with current federal hours-of-service regulations and cause “a disruption in interstate commerce.”

Washington — A total of 5,147 workers died as a result of on-the-job injuries in 2017 – a 0.8 percent decrease from 2016 – according to data released Dec. 18 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Birmingham, AL — Nearly half of all musculoskeletal injuries reported by long-haul truck drivers are to their arms, backs or necks – the majority being sprains and strains – according to a recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Washington — OSHA has renewed the two-year charter for its Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

Washington — In response to the 10,000-plus lives lost in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in 2017 in the United States, President Donald Trump has declared December National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

Washington — A Federal Railroad Administration final rule requiring commuter and intercity passenger railroads to develop and implement a system safety program has been delayed again.

Washington — The Federal Highway Administration is conducting a second Jason’s Law survey seeking feedback about the availability of safe truck parking from commercial motor vehicle operators, trucking operations managers, and truck stop owners and operators.