Federal Agencies

Washington — OSHA is seeking public comment as it considers a new online delivery model for its Outreach Training Program.

Washington — As expected, OSHA is proposing changes to its beryllium standards for the construction and shipyard industries.

Minneapolis — A coalition consisting of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, three local affiliate unions and watchdog group Public Citizen is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over a controversial final rule that removes maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on 20 chemicals for potential designation as high-priority substances, another step in accordance with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of “an emerging public health threat” after researchers identified an increase in cases of silicosis – an incurable lung disease – among workers who handle engineered stone used to make household countertops.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a stakeholder meeting on the use of leading indicators in workplace safety and health.

Washington — Registration is open for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a national online database intended to provide – in real time – the names of commercial motor vehicle drivers who have failed drug and alcohol tests.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has reinstated a 2017 rule that requires a competent person to inspect the workplace before a shift rather than when miners begin work, in accordance with an Aug. 23 mandate of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has renewed the charter for its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

Washington — OSHA has altered its enforcement weighting system, the agency announced in a Sept. 27 press release.