Federal Agencies

Washington — Two House Democrats are calling on the Department of Labor to confirm whether it’s enforcing a rule that requires self-insured coal mine operators to “post adequate security for their benefit liabilities.”

Washington — Offshore oil and gas rig operators should ensure contractors review safety measures with qualified operations staff before working with pressurized systems or valves, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement advises.

Washington — Reporting under the Chemical Safety Board’s accidental release reporting rule is “at an all-time high,” an agency official says.

Washington — Railroad conductors are at increased risk of death and injury when riding equipment during shoving movements, the National Transportation Safety Board warns in a new safety alert.

Washington — The leader of a union representing airport ramp workers says that although the Federal Aviation Administration’s plans for a voluntary worker questionnaire are a “good step forward toward improving safety,” more data and a broader research scope can better ensure “improvements for all ground workers.”

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration will “engage in limited rulemaking to reconsider” portions of a final rule on miner exposure to respirable crystalline silica that’s being challenged in ongoing litigation.

Washington — Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA) has reintroduced a bill that would increase fines for workplace safety and health violations.

Washington — The Department of Transportation recently released designs for a “first-of-its-kind” female crash test dummy, intended to represent women more accurately in vehicle safety testing.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking comment on a proposal that would scale back reporting requirements for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

Washington — In response to a string of preventable carbon monoxide poisonings, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service has begun equipping inspection workers with wearable CO detectors.