Federal Agencies

Washington – The upcoming federal mandate on electronic logging devices in commercial motor vehicles was one of the issues in the spotlight as Raymond Martinez, President Donald Trump’s pick to head the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, appeared before the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on Oct. 31.

Washington – President Donald Trump on Oct. 27 nominated Scott Mugno, vice president of safety, sustainability and vehicle maintenance at FedEx Ground, to lead OSHA as the assistant secretary of labor.

Washington – Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI) has introduced legislation intended to protect employees of companies that perform work for the federal government.

Washington – The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is seeking comments on a draft of its 2018-2022 Strategic Plan.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board has released a video on last year’s ExxonMobil refinery fire, which severely burned four workers in Baton Rouge, LA.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently renewed the charter for the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

Washington – Citing a “knowledge gap related to robotics and worker safety and health,” NIOSH has launched the Center for Occupational Robotics Research in an effort to evaluate the possible advantages and hazards of robot workers, as well as foster safe robot-human interactions.

Washington – OSHA has released interim enforcement guidance for its Respirable Crystalline Silica in Construction Standard (1926.1153), which is set to be enforced in full on Oct. 23.

Washington – New grants from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are intended to increase commercial motor vehicle driver’s license standards and compliance, veterans’ operator training, and motor vehicle safety enhancements.

Washington – OSHA has released two new fact sheets: one on preventing Zika virus exposure in biomedical laboratory workers and the other on evaluating Shipyard Competent Person programs.