Mid-May rolls in and finds regulatory activity perking along at about normal speed. Will the typical “Summer Lull” happen this year? We’ll soon find out. Meanwhile, here’s the news of last week: PHMSA The agency published its most recent tranche of Special Permit (SP) actions. Find them at the links below: 2026-09392.pdf 2026-09393.pdf 2026-09424.pdf FMCSA…
DG Digest: PHMSA Make Correction to Electronic Hazmat Registration Portal
The first full week of May brought heavy storms to much of the country, with both snow and severe weather being a threat in various regions. It’s another reminder that no matter where your workplace is located, you need a plan to keep employees safe and to respond to the weather in ways that help…
DG Digest: FMCSA Revises Fee Schedule for Carriers
Welcome to May! The new month begins with a few relatively minor announcements from various government agencies. Let’s take a look: FRA The agency issued a final rule allowing railroad carriers to post FRA required illness and injury reports electronically vice physically (i.e. paper reports) at employee locations. See the change here: 2026-08255.pdf OSHA The…
DG Digest: OSHA Proposes Ladder Safety Rule
Hopefully, everyone had an enjoyable holiday weekend. If you’re a spring breaker, maybe you’re seeing this after returning home from a trip. Hope it was fun! Here’s the latest and rather brief regulatory news: OSHA The agency released a proposed rule that will delay the requirement to equip ladders with enhanced safety systems. See the…
DG Digest: EPA Proposes to Phase Out Paper Hazardous Waste Manifests
Severe storms swept across the southern plains over the last weekend, leading to significant damage and tragic loss of life. It’s another reminder that this time of year can bring dangerous weather, so please be sure your workplace plan is ready and your employees are trained to respond. Forewarned is forearmed. Here’s last week’s regulatory…
DG Digest: EU ADR Proposed Regulatory Changes
March is the month spring begins, and spring often brings unsettled weather. Now’s a great time to begin considering your company’s severe weather safety plans if heavy weather is a factor where your business operates. Meanwhile, let’s take a look at the week’s regulatory news: EU ADR The EU ADR is Europe’s set of regulations…
DG Digest: PHMSA HM-215R, IATA New Battery Guidance Document
Pitchers and catchers reported to training camp this week in the Major Leagues—that’s a sure sign of spring, although we still have a long way to go. But progress is progress! There was progress on the regulatory front as well, as PHMSA released its long-sought HM-215R international harmonization rule in proposed form. Finalization must await…
DG Digest: EPA Notices Regarding E-Manifest Program for Hazwaste Shipping
It’s the Monday after the “Big Game.” Did your team win? Did you eat too much? Hope the nation’s biggest informal “holiday” went the way you wanted it to. Meanwhile, here’s the latest regulatory news—always a winner! EPA The agency invites the public to provide input for potential charge questions and/or charge question topics which…
DG Digest: New ICRs from FMCSA and OSHA
Big winter storm this week! Safety first and always. If you are impacted—and most of the country seems to be, save for the West Coast—be sure to do everything you need to in order to keep you and your fellow employees safe and warm. Here’s this week’s news: FMCSA The agency published an ICR related…
DG Digest: PHMSA’s First Special Permit Actions of 2026
Mid-January already? Brrrrr! It’s cold almost everywhere in the country, so be sure that your outdoor employees or those working in unheated spaces are paying attention to the things they need to do to keep them safe. Frostbite or hypothermia are both no joke! Warm dry clothing appropriate to the weather and plenty of rest…