The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a final rule on Monday that clarifies an employer’s continuing obligation to make and maintain accurate records of work-related injuries and illnesses. The new final rule, which becomes effective January 18, 2017, more clearly states employers’ obligations. The amendments in the final rule add no new compliance obligations and do not require employers to make records of any injuries or illnesses for which records are not already required.
On Monday, December 19, 2016, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), Department of Transportation (DOT) published an interim final rule (IFR) that revises the Federal pipeline safety regulations to address critical safety issues related to downhole facilities, including wells, wellbore tubing, and casing, at underground natural gas storage facilities.
On December 14, 2016, EPA signed its proposed Kraft Pulp Residual Risk and Technology Review rule covering 40 C.F.R. Part 63, Subpart MM (a.k.a. “MACT II”) for recovery furnaces, lime kilns and smelt dissolving tanks at kraft pulp mills.
Earlier this week, Amazon was the first company to complete a fully autonomous drone delivery in the United Kingdom. While the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) currently prohibits such autonomous flights here in the United States, this development will help spur the conversation forward.
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has issued an Advisory Bulletin (ADB-2016-07) to owners and operators of natural gas pipelines. The bulletin provides guidance on identifying and periodically verifying High Consequence Areas (HCAs).
