Federal Agencies

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has delayed until Oct. 2 the effective date of a final rule intended to improve pre-shift examinations of metal and non-metal mines, according to a notice published in the May 22 Federal Register.

Washington – OSHA has announced that it will be extending the deadline for certain employers to submit injury and illness data as part of its "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" final rule published in May 2016.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration has delayed by one year the dates for railroads to comply with training requirements in the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008, according to a notice published in the May 3 Federal Register.

Washington – OSHA has changed its policy on allowing employees at non-union workplaces to choose a union-affiliated representative for “walkaround” inspections, according to an April 25 memo sent to regional administrators.

Park Ridge, IL – The American Society of Safety Engineers has issued a set of recommendations to OSHA to “emphasize the management of risk, sharpen the agency’s focus on productive policies, and fill legislative and regulatory gaps that limit OSHA’s ability to better protect workers.”

Washington – OSHA’s funding will remain unchanged for the remainder of fiscal year 2017 under a spending bill passed by Congress on May 4, although future funding remains unclear.

Arlington, VA – Mine Safety and Health Administration inspectors will conduct safety “walk and talks” with miners and mine operators during upcoming visits in response to a recent increase in mining deaths involving lone workers.

Washington – NIOSH has created an online topic page spotlighting a survey that examines hazardous drugs and chemical hazards present in the health care industry.

Torrance, CA – A breakdown in safety management played a major role in an explosion at a refinery in Torrance a little more than two years ago, the Chemical Safety Board stated in its final report released May 3.

Washington – The Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, a group of more than 150 unions and nonprofit organizations, recently voiced its opposition to the bipartisan Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 and asked the Senate to reject the proposed legislation, which would alter the federal rulemaking process.