Federal Agencies

Washington — The Biden administration has rescinded Department of Labor policies and requirements for guidance documents that went into effect four months ago, according to final rule published in the Jan. 27 Federal Register.

Arlington, VA — In an effort to dispel confusion between electronic and electric detonators, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

Washington — The potentially carcinogenic chemical substance 1,4-dioxane presents an unreasonable risk to workers under certain conditions, according to a final risk evaluation recently released by the Environmental Protection Agency, which is now compelled to propose within one year regulatory action to mitigate the chemical’s hazards.

Washington — Officials from the Environmental Protection Agency and OSHA on Jan. 8 signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally coordinate efforts amid EPA’s ongoing review of new chemicals under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which amended the Toxic Substances Control Act.

Washington — The White House Office of Management and Budget has issued a guidance memo to support federal agencies in their effort to “develop tailored COVID-19 workplace safety plans,” as required under an Executive Order signed Jan. 20 by President Joe Biden.

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration wants to revise its regulations governing Positive Train Control systems – emergency slowing and stopping systems designed to help prevent train crashes and derailments caused by human error – and reporting on their function.

Quincy, MA – A new safety campaign from the National Fire Protection Association tells the stories of people who were injured in electrical incidents both on the job and at home.

Washington — New guidance from OSHA is intended to help agricultural employers reduce the spread of COVID-19 among workers who are transported to and from worksites in vehicles provided by employers.

Washington — President Joe Biden has appointed Jim Frederick OSHA’s acting administrator and the agency’s deputy assistant secretary.

Washington — President Joe Biden on Jan. 21 signed an Executive Order directing OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration to consider emergency temporary standards related to COVID-19, among other steps.