Federal Agencies

Washington – Entry-level commercial truck and bus drivers seeking a commercial driver’s license or select endorsements will soon face national minimum training requirements under a final rule announced Dec. 7 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington – Commercial motor vehicle drivers who fail a drug and alcohol test will be listed on a national clearinghouse to be created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, according to a final rule published Dec. 5.

Washington – OSHA has released “Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs in Construction” in an effort to help employers in the industry – particularly those in small and medium-sized businesses – improve workplace safety.

Washington – OSHA is extending by 30 days the comment period for its proposed rule aimed at revising provisions in the agency’s recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards.

OSHA’s final rule on occupational exposure to beryllium is scheduled for publication in January, according to the Department of Labor’s fall regulatory agenda, released Nov. 17.

Washington – A Dec. 1 deadline remains in effect for OSHA’s enforcement of anti-retaliation provisions in its injury and illness tracking rule, after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas denied a motion that challenged the new provisions.

Washington – A bill intended to improve training for workers who engage in emergency response to rail incidents involving hazardous materials was approved by the House on Nov. 29.

Washington – Asbestos is one of the first 10 chemicals to be evaluated for potential health and environmental risks under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, the Environmental Protection Agency announced on Nov. 29.

Washington – A recent safety advisory from the Federal Railroad Administration reminds railroads, railroad contractors and their respective employees to remain cautious during work that falls outside the scope of the agency’s safety regulations but within the jurisdiction of OSHA.

Washington – A new hazard alert aims to prevent fatalities associated with hot work on oilfield tanks, tankers and related equipment.