Federal Agencies

Baltimore – Chronic violators have declined and industry compliance has improved in the mining industry in the past five years, but a recent increase in fatalities at metal/non-metal mines is a concern, Mine Safety and Health Administration chief Joseph A. Main told audience members March 16 at the annual convention of the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association.

Washington – Nominations for OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee are being accepted until May 18 to fill six membership positions that will become vacant later this year.

Washington – Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez defended OSHA’s forthcoming silica standard to members of the House during a March 17 hearing convened by the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee.

Washington – In a 97-0 vote on March 12, the Senate confirmed Christopher A. Hart to a two-year term as chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

Atlanta – NIOSH has added two divisions to broaden services in the West.

Washington – Spurred by post-9/11 illnesses suffered by first responders, the Environmental Protection Agency will examine its corrosive dust standard to determine whether it provides adequate protection for workers and the public.

Washington – Stakeholders with ideas on how to streamline, expand or eliminate Department of Labor rules are invited to voice their opinions.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration has launched a new campaign intended to improve safety at railroad grade crossings.

Washington – Intimidation and mismanagement at the Chemical Safety Board have destroyed staff morale and distracted the agency from its core mission of investigating and preventing chemical incidents, according to a bipartisan group of politicians.

Washington – President Barack Obama has nominated Vanessa Allen Sutherland to become chairman of the Chemical Safety Board.