Federal Agencies

Washington – The Department of Labor and OSHA have an “identical” interest with labor unions in defending a legal challenge to the Improve Tracking of Workplace Illnesses and Injuries final rule, making union intervention unnecessary, attorneys representing DOL said in a legal brief issued May 30.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing a pilot program that would allow certain commercial motor vehicle drivers to split sleeper berth time while still complying with hours-of-service regulations, according to a notice published in the June 6 Federal Register.

Washington – OSHA and the Federal Communications Commission have published a best practices guide intended to reduce injuries among communication tower workers.

Washington – In response to a stakeholder’s request, NIOSH has extended the comment period on a Request for Information on peracetic acid, according to a notice published in the June 1 Federal Register.

Washington – Seeking to promote the value of workplace safety and health programs, OSHA has designated June 12-18 as Safe + Sound Week.

Washington – OSHA needs to work more efficiently to ensure employers are reducing or eliminating hazards, the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General recommended in its semiannual report to Congress.

Washington – A seven-part video series from NIOSH highlights new crash test methods intended to improve safety for emergency medical services workers and patients riding in ambulances.

Washington – OSHA has scheduled a public meeting on June 20 in advance of the 33rd session of the United Nations Sub-Committee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has delayed until June 5 the effective date of a final rule that establishes minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle drivers, according to a notice published in the May 23 Federal Register.

Washington – OSHA and the Mine Safety and Health Administration would see relatively small changes in funding for fiscal year 2018 – even with President Donald Trump seeking a $2.4 billion cut for the Department of Labor – according to the Trump administration’s FY 2018 budget request for DOL.