Regulations/Legislation

Washington – Federal officials are taking steps to prevent deadly incidents similar to one that occurred in 2013, when an unattended freight train shipping crude oil derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, killing 47 people.

Washington – Occupational safety and health regulations cost employers about $71 billion each year, according to a National Association of Manufacturers-commissioned study released Sept. 10.

Hartford, CT – Two U.S. senators have unveiled wide-ranging legislation aimed at improving rail safety after a series of high-profile incidents in recent years.

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget has completed its review of an OSHA recordkeeping and reporting regulation, paving the way for the agency to publish a final rule.

Washington – The Federal Railroad Administration issued a series of amendments to its requirements for Positive Train Control systems in a final rule published in the Aug. 22 Federal Register.

Falls Church, VA – Legislation proposing to lower the working age in the logging industry is receiving pushback from a worker health organization.

Washington – A proposed rule from the Federal Railroad Administration would expand the scope of alcohol and drug regulations to cover employees who perform maintenance-of-way activities, which include the inspection, installation, repair and maintenance of track or roadbed.

Washington – A rule that aims to reduce miner exposure to harmful coal dust went into effect Aug. 1.

Arlington, VA – Minimum penalties for some mining violations would increase under a proposed rule from the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

Washington – The Department of Transportation has announced a notice of proposed rulemaking intended to improve safe rail transportation of crude oil, ethanol and other flammable materials.