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Washington — Citing a wish to be closer to his family, Raymond Martinez will step down as administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, although he will remain affiliated with the Department of Transportation, the DOT Office of Public Affairs announced Oct. 10.

Washington — As expected, OSHA is proposing changes to its beryllium standards for the construction and shipyard industries.

Minneapolis — A coalition consisting of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, three local affiliate unions and watchdog group Public Citizen is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture over a controversial final rule that removes maximum line speeds in pork-processing plants and transfers certain inspection responsibilities to plant workers.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment on 20 chemicals for potential designation as high-priority substances, another step in accordance with the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act.

Washington — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning of “an emerging public health threat” after researchers identified an increase in cases of silicosis – an incurable lung disease – among workers who handle engineered stone used to make household countertops.

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a stakeholder meeting on the use of leading indicators in workplace safety and health.

Washington — Registration is open for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a national online database intended to provide – in real time – the names of commercial motor vehicle drivers who have failed drug and alcohol tests.

Washington — The Mine Safety and Health Administration has reinstated a 2017 rule that requires a competent person to inspect the workplace before a shift rather than when miners begin work, in accordance with an Aug. 23 mandate of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has renewed the charter for its Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee.

Washington — OSHA has altered its enforcement weighting system, the agency announced in a Sept. 27 press release.