Federal Agencies

Washington — The Department of Transportation has issued a proposed rule that would revise industry drug testing protocol by adding oral fluid testing as an alternative to urine testing for commercial motor vehicle operators and workers in other safety-sensitive transportation positions.

Washington — NIOSH, along with the National Safety Council and the American Society of Safety Professionals, is accepting nominations for the Prevention through Design Award.

Washington — An X-ray exam is a diagnostic procedure and should no longer be classified as “medical treatment” when determining if a crash needs to be included in a motor carrier’s accident register, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration states in revised regulatory guidance.

Washington — OSHA has made available more than $3.2 million in grants for workplace training on infectious diseases as part of its Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

Washington — Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the House would provide copyright protections for voluntary standards when they’re incorporated into mandatory standards developed by OSHA and other agencies.

Washington — OSHA recently announced the start of a three-month increase of inspections at hospitals and nursing care facilities that treat COVID-19 patients.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on a draft revised final risk evaluation that states Pigment Violet 29, as a whole chemical substance, poses “unreasonable risk” to humans and the environment – a reversal of previous findings – and suggests more workers may face potential health hazards because they don’t always “appropriately” wear personal protective equipment.

Arlington, VA — Responding to what the agency calls an “unacceptable trend” of recent miner deaths stemming from inadequate training and inattention, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has launched a campaign intended to reiterate to mine operators their responsibility to ensure safe workplaces and prevent fatal incidents.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is increasing the area safety technology may be mounted inside commercial motor vehicles and expanding the definition of “vehicle safety technology.”

Washington — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a final rule intended to protect drivers and passengers on motorcoaches and large buses during rollovers by enhancing the structural integrity of the vehicles.