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Washington — It’s an often-heard argument: Drivers who use hands-free vehicle technology are less distracted than those who use handheld cellphones. But to National Transportation Safety Board member Michael Graham, the difference isn’t worthy of debate. “When you take your attention off the road, you’re distracted,” he said. “You’re creating risk for yourself and others.”

Washington — OSHA has scheduled a virtual public meeting for May 15 to hear stakeholder input on how it can improve its outreach and training efforts for its Whistleblower Protection Program.

Washington — More than 5,300 industrial facilities must submit plans for responding to “worst case” chemical discharges into waterways during adverse weather events, under a new Environmental Protection Agency final rule.

Washington — Aiming to identify cases of black lung disease in current and former miners, NIOSH will provide free, confidential health screenings in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Washington — The Senate has confirmed the nomination of Moshe Marvit to serve on the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission.

Washington — Chemical manufacturers and importers of 16 different chemicals would be required to submit data from unpublished health and safety studies, under a recently announced Environmental Protection Agency proposed rule.

Washington — NIOSH is developing a hazard review document on wildfire smoke and is asking for help identifying approaches for assessing and controlling associated hazards.

Washington — Two potential OSHA regulations will be discussed during an upcoming Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health meeting.

Washington — Large freight trains must have at least two crew members on board, under a recently announced Federal Railroad Administration final rule.

Washington — The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration recently published a set of FAQs on training requirements.