OSHA has quietly announced the spring semi-annual regulatory agenda, a compilation of the many issues being undertaken or considered by the agency and a look at when the agency expects action on the issues. This agenda is supposed to be a “blueprint” for the agency to follow when tackling each of the issues; however in recent years the agenda has become something that many consider a complete “wish list” as most of the activity is never concluded on time.
The Office of Management and Budget has published the Spring 2014 unified agenda. The agenda lists regulatory actions now in development and under consideration by each federal agency, providing information about each rule and its stage of development.
About a month ago, I took a trip to the Cleveland Clinic. I met a lot of great people, but one stood out—even if he needed to stand on a chair to do it. Parker Frey is 10 years old. He’s struggled with severe asthma all his life. His mom said despite his challenges, Parker’s a tough, active kid—and a stellar hockey player.
The EPA today unveiled a plan to reduce carbon pollution from power plants by 30 percent over the next 15 years – a big goal which is sure to meet with stiff opposition from the coal industry.
During my career in OSHA I have had the opportunity to inspect many workplaces in many different industries. There are several lessons I want to share. First and foremost, to comply with OSHA regulations, you must read the regulation to ensure that you are complying with all requirements.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is reminding interstate truck and bus drivers that all new USDOT physicals must be performed by a qualified health professional listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
Why did OSHA decide to modify its standards for electric power generation, transmission, and distribution work? OSHA last issued rules for the construction of transmission and distribution installations in 1972. Those provisions were out of date and inconsistent with the more recently promulgated general industry standard covering the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment.
After receiving input from stakeholders including community groups, industry and the states, the EPA is proposing to update the toxic air pollution standards for petroleum refineries to protect neighborhoods located near refineries. The agency describes the change as a “common-sense” proposal that includes new monitoring requirements.
The EPA is extending the comment period for the proposed revisions to the agricultural Worker Protection Standard for an additional 60 days, until August 18, 2014, in response to requests from growers, industry, farmworker advocates and states for additional time to provide input.
Amid speculation that OSHA is on the verge of issuing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to modernize the beryllium standard, worker safety advocates are hoping that it provides stronger protections for construction workers.
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