Federal Agencies

Washington – Deborah Hersman was sworn in on Oct. 21 for her third term as National Transportation Safety Board chairman.

Washington – After 16 days, the federal government shutdown that ceased the majority of OSHA operations concluded with the passage of a bill to fund the government.

Washington – Cutting the budgets of government safety agencies could lead to more unsafe workplaces, more injuries and higher costs for businesses, according to a new report from the Center for Effective Government.

Washington – The Department of Homeland Security should develop a strategy that addresses physical, emotional and mental health to help workers within the department better deal with job-related stress, concludes a report from the Institute of Medicine.

Washington – OSHA’s notice of proposed rulemaking for crystalline silica was published in the Federal Register on Sept. 12, officially opening the rule’s public comment period.

Washington – OSHA is accepting nominations for membership with the Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health, the agency announced Sept. 6.

Washington – A chemical advisory issued Aug. 30 by OSHA; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives offers steps fertilizer facilities and others can take to help reduce ammonium nitrate hazards.

Washington – The Federal Aviation Administration should more strictly enforce air traffic controller scheduling policies to help reduce controller fatigue, concludes a report issued Aug. 27 by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.

Does the rulemaking process delay potential lifesaving rules, or is it necessary to ensure the promulgation of the best rules possible? A Senate subcommittee listens to the debate.

As David Michaels becomes the longest-serving OSHA administrator in the agency’s history, he responds to questions about OSHA’s goals, its challenges and what he hopes for the future.