Federal Agencies

Washington – The controlled substances random testing rate for motor carriers will remain at 25 percent during the 2017 calendar year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently announced.

Washington – OSHA has released a final rule to help clarify for employers their “ongoing obligation” to make and maintain accurate records of work-related recordable injuries and illnesses.

Washington – A total of 4,836 deaths due to workplace injuries occurred in 2015 – a 0.3 percent increase over 2014 and the most since 5,214 workers died in 2008, according to data released Dec. 16 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Washington – Congress has unanimously passed the Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016 (H.R. 6450), legislation intended to strengthen the authority of the more than 70 Inspectors General across the federal government.

Washington – Commercial motor vehicle drivers who haul certain hazardous materials will continue to be exempt from a 30-minute rest break rule until Aug. 20, 2020, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington – A recent letter of interpretation from OSHA offers clarification on when the recommendation or use of exercise should be recorded on the OSHA 300 log.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration has released its annual safety alert to call attention to the unique hazards the mining industry faces during the winter months.

Washington – President-elect Donald Trump’s plan to nominate fast-food executive Andrew Puzder as secretary of labor is eliciting strong reactions – both positive and negative.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to ban certain uses of the chemical trichloroethylene because of health risks associated with the toxic chemical when used as a degreaser and spot removal agent in dry cleaning.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration took time on Dec. 6 to honor the hundreds of workers who died in the worst mining disaster in U.S. history, and to recognize those who work in the industry today, as part of National Miners Day.