Regulations/Legislation

Washington – Although several stakeholders have voiced support for OSHA’s efforts to improve its Process Safety Management Standard, some industry associations are urging the agency to maintain current, specific exemptions.

Washington – A bill introduced March 25 in the Senate aims to make information on potential vehicle safety defects more easily available to the public.

Washington – By May 2018, all new vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds – including buses and trucks – will need to be equipped with rear visibility systems, according to a final rule issued March 31 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Washington – OSHA on April 1 released its final rule on electric power generation, transmission and distribution; and electrical protective equipment.

New York – Nearly half a million more New York City workers will receive paid sick leave under recently passed legislation that expands the scope of a law passed last year.

Washington – Is OSHA overstepping its authority and ignoring congressional mandates? This question was debated at a Feb. 4 House Workforce Protections Subcommittee hearing, during which subcommittee chair Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) suggested the agency has circumvented the public rulemaking process through several actions that “dramatically” changed existing policies.

The Federal Aviation Administration recently updated its requirements for commercial pilot qualification and training. But new scheduling requirements aimed at reducing fatigue have some pilot associations, safety advocates and lawmakers questioning why cargo pilots have been excluded.

Washington – A final rule updating OSHA standards for power line workers has cleared one of the final regulatory hurdles and could be published as soon as March.

As the reported number of worker fatalities and injuries continues to trend downward, budgetary uncertainty may affect OSHA’s role in helping to create safer workplaces. And after more than 40 years of the agency’s existence, how has that role evolved?

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget has concluded a review of a draft rule that would update OSHA's Process Safety Management Standard, and the safety agency has formally requested input from the public.