May continues under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic; however, in what we may all perhaps hope represents a step towards recovery, the big news this week is far more focused towards what we all might call “normal” regulatory activity, rather than the specific, focused actions related to the outbreak which have had primacy over…
DG Digest: PHMSA releases interpretive guide and USPS issues special exemption for hand sanitizer transport
The holiday weekend just concluded finds the nation still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic as the overriding priority in virtually every aspect of our daily lives. This applies to the logistics sector as well, with several new items of interest related to the subject. Life does go on in the meantime too of course, and this is…
DG Digest: DOT announces $1 billion in infrastructure grants
The first week in March finds the nation confronting a potentially serious health threat in the form of the new COVD-19 coronavirus. The biggest positive actions we as regulatory and EHS professionals can take to help our fellow employees is to encourage everyone to not panic, and to employ common sense precautions like thorough hand…
DG Digest: FRA publishes regulation on risk reduction programs and FMCSA announces reduced fees for states
The week just ended found regulatory activity about normal—several actions of interest including several Special Permit actions from PHMSA and a big new final rule from the FRA. In another story that is not currently receiving heavy US media coverage, our Canadian neighbors are experiencing an environmental and political dispute that has had a significant impact…
DG Digest: In response to derailments, Transport Canada orders ‘Key Trains’ to limit speed to 25 mph
We begin the second week of February with Transport Canada taking center stage on the regulatory scene in a major action directed at addressing train operating safety following a pair of recent oil train derailments. Find the details on that below. A variety of other and somewhat less minor—but still interesting–actions rounded out the week’s…
DG Digest: OSHA seeks renewal of HAZWOPER program and UNECE published a Corrigendum to the EU ADR
It’s the first week of February and regardless of whether the trusty groundhog did or didn’t see his shadow where you live on Sunday, it’s likely that you and your employees are still facing a considerable stretch of winter weather before things start to brighten up and get warmer. Be sure your team stays focused…
DG Digest: PHMSA seeks comments on IRC for high-hazard flammables trains
Welcome back from the long weekend! Hopefully everyone enjoyed a nice rest and safe travels. As one might expect with the shortened week containing the Thanksgiving holiday, regulatory action over the last seven days was relatively minimal. Here’s the action to begin December: PHMSA The agency published a request for comment on a proposed revision…
DG Digest: OSHA to meet on policies to help improve worker safety in December
Mid-November found regulatory activity at minimal levels. Meanwhile, as the nation begins its transition into the holiday season, be sure that safety remains an important part of your employee population’s schedule. Here’s the latest news: OSHA The agency announced a meeting of its National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, which, as its name…
DG Digest: DOT appoints members to first Lithium Battery Advisory Committee
It’s November 11th; today the nation pauses to remember and express its gratitude to our military veterans, so many of whom have given so much for all of us. The Labelmaster family joins the rest of our country in saying, “Thank you, veterans!” Unexpectedly severe cold and snow also grips the nation as this issue…
DG Digest: Inflationary pressures force U.S. DOT to adjust civil penalties for some agencies
As October becomes November, snow and cold begin to be more of a factor across much of the nation. If your company is located in a zone where this is an issue, be sure you have your winter safety plans up to date. Snowplow contractors can get busy, so be sure you have yours lined…