Federal Agencies

Washington — OSHA has a new online portal for employers to submit applications to the agency’s Voluntary Protection Programs.

Topping the list for the 11th straight year is Fall Protection – General Requirements. Also: The Top 10 “willful” and “serious” violations, a list of the year’s highest penalties, and an exclusive Q&A with OSHA’s Patrick Kapust.

Itasca, IL — John Dony, senior director of thought leadership at the National Safety Council, has been appointed to serve on OSHA’s National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health.

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration has issued a safety advisory to railroads and rail employees regarding a recently identified interface design issue that relates to how Positive Train Control systems interface with locomotive and cab car braking systems.

Washington — Rear impact guards on large commercial trucks must be inspected annually, under a recently issued final rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington — Carrying on with only one of its five board seats filled “impairs the function” of the Chemical Safety Board and “continues to be the biggest risk” to agency operations, the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General contends in a new report.

Washington — The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will hear a consolidated challenge to OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking as a result of a Nov. 16 lottery conducted by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation.

Washington — The majority of truck drivers will be exempt from OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking, Labor Secretary Marty Walsh said during a recent TV interview.

New Orleans — The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has halted the implementation and enforcement of OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination, testing and masking, granting a stay Nov. 12.

Washington — President Joe Biden has nominated Christopher Williamson to lead the Mine Safety and Health Administration.