Federal Agencies

Eighty-two firefighters died while on duty in 2018, six fewer than the previous year, according to an annual report recently released by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Washington — The Department of the Interior – not OSHA – will oversee workplace safety and health at offshore renewable energy facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf, according to a policy statement published in the Oct. 18 Federal Register.

Philadelphia — The Chemical Safety Board will begin “looking more closely” at hydrofluoric acid in the refining process, CSB interim Executive Authority Kristen Kulinowski said during an Oct. 16 news conference on a June 21 explosion and fire at a Philadelphia refinery.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on separate draft risk assessments for the toxic herbicide paraquat and its impact on human and ecological health, according to a notice published in the Oct. 16 Federal Register.

Washington — A new virtual toolkit from NIOSH is intended to help protect first responders from exposure to illicit drugs, including fentanyl – a synthetic opioid considered up to 50 times more potent than heroin.

Washington — OSHA has released a new video detailing its general inspection process and the reasons for inspections.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is seeking public comment as it considers a trucking industry petition to preempt Washington state’s meal and rest break rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers, less than a year after granting a similar request in California.

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has scheduled five public stakeholder meetings on the reinstatement of a 2017 rule that requires a competent person to inspect the workplace before a shift rather than when miners begin work.

Arlington, VA — Prompted by a fire on a diesel-powered water car in May, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert addressing fire hazards associated with diesel equipment in underground mines.

Washington — Citing a wish to be closer to his family, Raymond Martinez will step down as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, although he will remain affiliated with the Department of Transportation, the DOT Office of Public Affairs announced Oct. 10.