DOT moves ahead on truck tech rule

Issues notice of proposed rulemaking on improved rear impact protection

The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that focuses on upgrading the Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSSs) that address underride protection in light-vehicle crashes into the rear of trailers and semitrailers.

EPA may require pollution reporting by natural gas plants

In response to a petition and lawsuit by environmental and open government organizations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will propose regulations requiring natural gas processing plants to start reporting the toxic chemicals they release.

FAA warns new drone owners about the regs

Did you ask Santa to bring you a drone for Christmas? Or perhaps you got up early on Black Friday to get a great deal on that shiny new camera-equipped model you’ve been yearning for. You can’t wait to get into the sky and let loose your inner high-flying aerial photographer, right?

OSHA reaches settlement in 2013 propane explosion that severely injured 6 workers

Blue Rhino affirms safety violations, accepts $52K in penalties

For employees working with hazardous substances, an oversight can be disastrous - an unfortunate lesson learned by six Florida workers at a Blue Rhino propane tank refurbishing facility in Taveras, Florida who were injured during a fire.

NTSB issues safety alert on oversize loads on bridges

Following two oversize load crashes that led to partial bridge collapses, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a Safety Alert to remind motor carriers of the importance of obtaining permits and carefully reviewing routes before transporting oversize loads.

Critics fault new highway law for concessions to trucking industry

Brian Joseph

A $305 billion highway bill approved by Congress and signed by President Obama last week includes several provisions aggressively sought by the trucking industry that, critics say, will undermine traffic safety.

UMWA: Blankenship verdict sends a message

The conviction last week of former Massey Energy Co. CEO Don Blankenship on charges related to the 2010 disaster at the Upper Big Branch mine in West Virginia will hopefully keep miners alive going forward, according to United Mine Workers of America International (UMWA) President Cecil E. Roberts.

Measles still taking a heavy toll

But vaccination has saved an estimated 17.1 million lives since 2000

The number of measles-related deaths has decreased 79% from 546 800 at the beginning of the century to 114 900 in 2014. New data released by WHO for the Measles & Rubella Initiative, estimates that 17.1 million lives have been saved since 2000, largely due to increased vaccination coverage against this highly contagious viral disease. 

Is U.S. (finally) on the verge of chemical safety reform?

Bipartisan, industry support make 2016 likely for passage of Lautenberg Act

Chemical safety advocates are cautiously optimistic about 2016 finally being in the year when Congress takes action to reform the nation’s Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) – 40 years after it was adopted.

Ga. company violates child labor laws; teen suffers partial amputation

A teenaged employee who was required to operate a press break and sheer cutting machine – in violation of child labor laws – had his thumb partially amputated in a workplace accident.

Formaldehyde firing results in big payoff for salon employee

A salon manager who was fired after warning her colleagues about an occupational health hazard will get $165,000 from the salon, in a settlement with the U.S. Labor Dept.

Bakery worker suffers severe head injury when hair is caught in machine

Hearthside Food Solutions is nation's largest cookie, cracker manufacturer

A 41-year-old worker cleaning product waste from a factory floor suffered severe scalp injuries and multiple lacerations when a machine caught her hairnet, resulting in her hospitalization for four days. This is the third serious injury involving machine hazards reported this year by Hearthside Food Solutions LLC, which bakes cookies and crackers for national brands.