Federal Agencies

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration recently announced several changes to its Roadway Worker Protection regulation.

Washington – OSHA takes an average of 12 years to publish an “economically significant” rule – a term used for rules expected to have an effect on the economy of $100 million or more in a single year – according to a report released June 23 by watchdog group Public Citizen.

Washington – On any given day, Republic Services sends about 15,000 trucks onto busy roads and residential streets for garbage pickup and recycling.

In a one-on-one conversation with Safety+Health, David Michaels reflects on his tenure as OSHA’s longest-serving administrator, discusses the achievements he’s proudest of and offers advice for his successor.

Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration has issued its first operational rule for routine commercial use of drones.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Federal Railroad Administration have extended to July 8 the deadline for comment on an advance notice of proposed rulemaking aimed at learning more about the effects of obstructive sleep apnea on transportation workers in safety-sensitive positions.

Washington – OSHA has scheduled an informal stakeholder meeting to discuss the hazards associated with tree care operations, as it considers creating a proposed rule to protect workers in the industry.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration is seeking information on ways to monitor and regulate miner exposure to diesel exhaust in underground mines.

Kansas City, MO – OSHA has launched a pilot program targeted at employers in Region 7 who “engage in egregious behavior and blatant retaliation against workers who report unsafe working conditions and violations of the law.”

Washington – NIOSH has developed a database it calls a “comprehensive tool” for searching “relevant standards, associated product types, target occupational groups, basic conformity assessment specifications and accredited lab information” related to personal protective equipment.