Government Safety Regulations - Articles - Page 184

White house approves radical radiation cleanup rollback

The radiation guides allow cleanup many times more lax than anything EPA has ever before accepted.

April 17, 2013

The White House has given final approval for dramatically raising permissible radioactive levels in drinking water and soil following “radiological incidents,” such as nuclear power-plant accidents and dirty bombs.

Keep risk assessment out of OSHA’s hands

Tom Lawrence CSP, P.E.

April 12, 2013

A commentary appeared in a recent edition of a national safety magazine.

EPA nominee McCarthy getting support from industry

Missouri levee project threatens the nomination process

April 11, 2013

President Obama’s pick for EPA administrator goes on the hot seat today. Gina McCarthy, the Environmental Protection Agency's top air quality official since 2009, will appear before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as part of a nomination process that is already embroiled in a political spat.

OSHA is OK, NIOSH takes a big hit in Obama’s proposed budget

ERCs, AFF program among areas that lose funding

April 11, 2013

Reactions to the budget proposed yesterday by President Obama have been swift and sharp, but they will probably prove to be sound and fury, signifying nothing, if Aaron Trippler’s predictions are accurate.

Obama cuts EPA’s 2014 budget by nearly $300 million

More technology will be leveraged to “transform”agency

April 10, 2013

The Obama Administration today proposed a Fiscal Year 2014 (FY 2014) budget of $8.153 billion for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This request is $296 million below the EPA’s budget for Fiscal Year 2012.

AIHA calls for tougher combustible dust legislation

Supports pending bill, but suggests changes

April 8, 2013

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) says it supports a bill that would direct OSHA to to issue an interim and final standard regarding worker exposure to combustible dust – with some reservations.

OEHS rules in the making

Silica stuck, combustible dust the subject of a bill

April 4, 2013

Combustible dust, mine safety and silica are some of the subject of bills that are currently making their way through – or are stuck in – the legislative and regulatory pipelines. Aaron Trippler, Government Affairs Director for the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), provides a rundown in his “Happenings on the Hill:”

NIOSH to hold public meeting on respirator certification fees

Manufacturers, others can make presentations

April 3, 2013

Respirator manufacturers, industries that rely on NIOSH-approved respiratory equipment and other stakeholders can present information on the potential impacts of a proposed amendment to the Respirator Certification Fees rule at an upcoming public meeting.

Senate bill could change OSHA

Some safety violations could lead to felony charges

April 2, 2013

Felony charges for some violations and higher penalties for others are among the provisions in a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Patty Murry (D-Wash.). If enacted, Senate Bill 665 -- the Protecting America’s Workers Act (PAWA) – would make significant changes in the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

Silica exposure due to an unsafe work practice. Photo by NIOSH/John Rekus.

OMB holds first silica rule stakeholder meeting in 19th months

Foundry industry says lower PEL unnecessary, too costly

March 29, 2013

The proposed rule to lower the permissible exposure limit for crystalline silica got dusted off earlier this month after a long period of inactivity at the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB).