Regulations/Legislation

Washington – The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration must make improvements to its oversight of state pipeline safety programs, concludes an audit released May 7 by the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General.

Washington – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing a rule that would prohibit carriers, shippers, receivers and other entities from forcing truck and bus drivers to violate federal regulations so shipments or passengers can be delivered faster.

Washington – Firefighters who work for federal agencies and contract certain diseases on the job would be ensured federal workers’ compensation coverage under newly introduced bipartisan legislation.

Washington – In response to recent fatigue-related crashes involving the Metro-North Commuter Railroad, members of the House introduced a bill on May 6 intended to help reduce fatigue among workers in the rail industry.

Arlington, VA – As the Mine Safety and Health Administration announces its intent to work with the mining industry on implementing the agency’s recent final rule on coal dust, some mining companies and organizations are actively pushing back.

Worker safety advocates say paid sick days result in healthier workplaces. Several states and municipalities are considering legislation that would require employers to provide paid sick time, and proponents say the movement will continue to grow.

Washington – A proposed $302 billion surface transportation funding bill sent to Congress April 29 by Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx would give federal transportation agencies increased enforcement authority over unsafe operators and carriers.

Sacramento, CA – Days after two nurses were stabbed at two separate Los Angeles-area hospitals, a California Senate committee has passed a bill intended to better protect hospital and health care workers from work-related violence.

Arlington, VA – The Mine Safety and Health Administration on April 23 released a final rule intended to lower miners’ exposure to coal mine dust and help end the prevalence of deadly diseases collectively known as black lung.

Washington – NIOSH Director John Howard is accusing the U.S. Department of Agriculture of misinterpreting a recent NIOSH study on increased poultry-processing line speeds and the effect on worker safety.