Federal Agencies

Washington — Alarmed by a “recurring trend” of equipment misuse contributing to fire and explosion hazards during offshore oil and gas operations, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement has issued a safety alert.

Washington — A recently released Chemical Safety Board video highlights how flammable gas detection systems can help prevent serious incidents by warning operators about unintentional releases.

Oak Ridge, TN — Contract workers are testing new remote equipment designed to help them avoid “some of the most challenging, contaminated environments” involving radioactive material during deactivation and demolition projects at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Energy says.

Arlington, VA — Concerned about a recent series of fatal and nonfatal incidents related to operating mobile equipment, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

Washington — State policymakers can maintain or bolster worker rights and safety and health protections – which are “under acute threat” – via a three-step plan, the Economic Policy Institute says in a new report.

Washington — Workers at chemical facilities should never approach an ammonia cloud without proper personal protective equipment, the Chemical Safety Board warns in a new final report.

Washington — Under legislation recently introduced in the Senate, commercial driver’s license holders would be placed out of service for an inability to “read and speak the English language sufficiently.”

Chicago — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Chicago District Office has filed a pair of lawsuits against separate employers for violations of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

Arlington, VA — Electrical work should begin only when a circuit is fully deenergized and proper lockout/tagout procedures are in place, the Mine Safety and Health Administration is reminding miners.

Cincinnati — A recent series of reports from NIOSH details the agency’s “immediately dangerous to life or health” values for three chemical substances commonly found on worksites.