Federal Agencies

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has ended its attempt to require states to set up yearly inspection programs for commercial motor vehicles that transport passengers.

Washington – OSHA is requesting applications from nonprofit organizations interested in providing occupational safety and health classes as part of the agency’s Training Institute Education Centers Program.

Washington – R. Alexander Acosta is the new Secretary of Labor, after the Senate confirmed him April 27 in a bipartisan vote of 60-38.

Washington – The National Transportation Safety Board is calling for improved flight training and procedures to improve the effectiveness of pilot weather reports, according to a recently released special investigation report.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency on April 18 announced it is extending public comment periods on two proposed rules: one for the toxic chemical trichloroethylene when used as a commercial vapor degreaser, and the other for methylene chloride and N-methylpyrrolidone, also known as NMP, in paint and coating removal.

Washington – Ryan Hill will be director of NIOSH’s Western States Division beginning May 1, NIOSH announced April 18.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board has been in communication with Congress since being targeted for elimination in the Trump administration’s budget blueprint, and the agency is planning additional consultations in the future, agency Chairperson Vanessa A. Sutherland said April 13 during a CSB public meeting.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency has revised label instructions for products with water-soluble packaging in an effort to protect pesticide handlers from exposure to toxins.

Washington – OSHA needs to do more to ensure employers correct hazards that are identified during inspections, according to a recent audit from the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.

Washington – Construction employers are being encouraged to stop work and talk with employees about fall hazards and prevention as part of the fourth annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, set to take place May 8-12.