Federal Agencies

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has revised its regulatory guidance on recording meals and routine stops as off-duty time to be more consistent with its hours-of-service regulations.

Washington – Air carriers that also conduct commercial air tours as well as commuter or on-demand operators that also conduct commercial air tours will now be allowed to use one combined alcohol and drug testing program instead of two, under a final rule from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Washington – OSHA expects to issue highly anticipated proposed rules for its Silica and Injury and Illness Prevention Program standards within the next few months, according to the Spring Regulatory Agenda, published July 3.

Washington – The Chemical Safety Board has scheduled a meeting to consider whether OSHA's responses to some of the board's recommendations have been "unacceptable," and to launch its Most Wanted Chemical Safety Improvements Program.

Washington – Passenger-carrying motorcoach operators driving in hot weather need to be aware of their vehicle’s tires’ load weight ratings, according to a safety advisory bulletin released July 5 by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Washington – Drivers who transport livestock have received a temporary exemption from the mandated rest break that went into effect July 1 as part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s hours-of-service rule.

Washington – The Department of Labor claims proposed changes to its Federal Employees’ Compensation Act program would create a more equitable system, but some experts at a July 10 House hearing warned that the changes could drastically affect injured federal workers.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration on June 28 published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require certain railroads to develop plans to help employees who witness a traumatic event.

Washington – Anthony Foxx was sworn in as the 17th Secretary of Transportation on July 2, five days after being confirmed by the Senate in a unanimous vote.

Washington – The remaining two provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2011 final rule on hours of service went into effect July 1.