Regulations/Legislation

Washington — The Federal Railroad Administration has delayed by one year the compliance dates for a final rule concerning emergency escape breathing apparatus on trains carrying hazardous materials.

Washington — OSHA has extended to Nov. 1 the deadline to comment on 20 of the 25 proposed rules the agency published on July 1.

Springfield, IL — A new Illinois law bars state agencies from changing worker safety rules to make them less stringent than federal law as it existed on Jan. 19.

Washington — A House Republican has introduced legislation that would establish a federal framework for autonomous trucking – and allow some vehicles to operate without a human driver or remote operator.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has extended to Sept. 2 the deadline to comment on five proposed rules unveiled July 1.

Washington — The Senate Appropriations Committee has approved legislation that would maintain the Chemical Safety Board’s current budget through fiscal year 2026.

Washington — The House Education and Workforce Committee approved separate bills related to independent contractors and joint employers during a July 23 markup.

Salem, OR — Health care workers in Oregon have new protections against on-the-job violence, under a law signed July 17 by Gov. Tina Kotek (D).

Dayton, OH — What’s the difference between carabiners designed as personal protective equipment for communications tower workers and quick rigging connectors used for material handling?

Washington — A bill recently introduced in the House would allow the use of hair samples as an alternative drug-testing method for commercial truck drivers.