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Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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EHS Monthly Round Up - October 2025
In this October 2025 roundup video, we'll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news.
Hi everyone! Welcome to the monthly news roundup video, where we’ll review the most impactful environmental health and safety news. Let’s take a look at what happened in the last month!
On October 7th, David Keeling was confirmed by the Senate as OSHA’s new Assistant Secretary of Labor. During his confirmation hearing, Keeling stated that “nothing is more beneficial than collaboration between employers and employees” and shared his three main goals for the agency. These are modernization in regulatory oversight and rulemaking, expanding OSHA’s cooperation and collaboration efforts, and transforming OSHA’s enforcement.
In a landmark opinion, an appeals court offers a framework to revive federal rulemakings, such as OSHA’s Ergonomics Program rule. The rule was previously struck down by the Congressional Review Act in 2001. The latest court decision loosens the grip that the Act has had for almost 25 years. This makes it feasible for agencies like OSHA, EPA, and others to give long-gone rules a second chance. It gives OSHA a path to publish a narrow or different ergonomics rule in the future.
OSHA quietly archived a memo from 2024 that had suggested its enforcement offices may refrain from grouping violations where those offenses are separate and distinct. In some cases, ungrouping raises the total penalty for an inspection. An OSHA spokesperson said the memo was determined to be unnecessary since agency policy in its Field Operations Manual provides clear guidance to OSHA field staff on when citation item grouping may be considered.
The NFPA’s Fire Prevention Week kicked off October 5th with a theme of lithium-ion battery safety in the home. Reports of fires and explosions involving lithium-ion batteries have been on the rise. NFPA provides information and guidance on how to safely use, handle, and recycle them.
And finally, turning to environmental news, the California Air Resources Board submitted comments opposing EPA’s proposal to overturn its 2009 Endangerment Finding. The Endangerment Finding has guided federal actions to address greenhouse gas pollution. CARB’s comments note that EPA’s proposal ignores more than 15 years of its own research and regulations and emphasizes that the agency is obligated to address greenhouse gas emissions and adopt strong standards to reduce them. EPA received over 15 thousand comments on its proposal.
Thanks for tuning in to the monthly news roundup. We’ll see you next month!
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HR Monthly Round Up - October 2025
In this October 2025 roundup video, we’ll review the most impactful HR news.
Welcome, everyone! In the next few minutes, we’ll review the latest HR news. Let’s get started.
On October 7, the U.S. Senate confirmed Brittany Panuccio as the third commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. This gives the EEOC a quorum, or enough people to vote on rulemaking, issue new policies, or revoke guidance documents.
With Panuccio’s confirmation, the agency will likely move forward with making changes. This means that employers may see updates to regulations and other guidance about employment discrimination rules, like those under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.
In other news, three federal agencies recently announced that they’re drafting regulations that would allow employers to provide stand-alone, self-funded fertility benefits plans. A fertility benefit would be provided in a manner similar to how dental and vision coverage is offered to employees.
The regulations are in response to an announcement on October 17 from the Trump administration that urged U.S. employers to create new fertility benefit options to cover in vitro fertilization and other infertility treatments. An executive order, signed by President Trump in February, encouraged policies that reduce out-of-pocket costs for IVF.
And finally, E-Verify employers that want to retain information about cases that are more than 10 years old have until January 4, 2026, to download the records. That’s because on January 5, 2026, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will dispose of E-Verify records for cases that were last updated on or before December 31, 2015.
A company’s E-Verify program administrator or corporate administrator may download and save the Historical Records Report to retain information about these cases. The report includes company information, case identifiers, and case resolution information. It doesn’t include employee Social Security numbers or document numbers.
That’s all the HR news we have time for today. Thanks for watching. See you next month!
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Transportation Monthly Round Up - October 2025
In this October 2025 round up video, we'll review the most impactful transportation news.
In this October 2025 round up, we will discuss the Unified Carrier Registration Program, the CDL medical certification update, and results for this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week.
From October 1st through December 31st, carriers and others operating in interstate commerce must register under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program — and waiting until the last minute could cost you.
UCR applies to private property carriers, for-hire passenger and property carriers, freight forwarders, leasing companies, and brokers.
Beyond compliance, UCR registration reflects your company’s commitment to safety and regulatory integrity. It signals to clients, partners, and regulators that your business operates responsibly and within the bounds of federal and state law. Failure to register by the December 31 deadline may result in penalties, citations, or delays during roadside inspections.
Phase 2 of the CDL Medical Certification Integration (known as NRII) was effective June 23, 2025. As of October 27, 2025, 40 states now automatically receive medical exam updates from the NationalRegistry of Certified Medical Examiners.
This means commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) drivers in those states no longer need to submit their medical cards to the state, and carriers don’t have to verify that the examiner is listed on the Registry.
The current FMCSA waiver, effective October 13, 2025, through January 10, 2026, allows CDL/CLP drivers to carry a paper copy of their medical examiner’s certificate (MEC) for up to 60 days after it’s issued. The previous waiver ending October 12th, had the same 60-day allowance.
Carriers can also keep the certificate in the driver qualification (DQ) file, but it must be replaced with an updated MVR within 60 days of the exam.
This year’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) event ran from July 13–19, 2025, focusing on unsafe driving behaviors. CVSA schedules this 7-day safe-driving awareness campaign every year to educate drivers and create safer roadways across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico.
During the July event, officers across North America issued warnings and tickets to 5,069 unsafe drivers, targeting commercial and passenger vehicles alike (both CMV and non-CMV drivers).
The top infractions of Operation Safe Driver Week 2025 were speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, texting or using a handheld device, reckless/careless/inattentive driving, and possession/use/under the influence of drugs/alcohol. A total of 8.739 vehicles were inspected during this year’s campaign.
That’s it for this month’s round up. Stay safe, and thanks for watching
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2025-11-07T06:00:00Z
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Even doomed legislation is worth knowing about
Have you ever read a news article about a law that’s being proposed only to get to the end and learn that it has almost no chance of passing?
That happened to me recently when reading about two employment-related bills that have been introduced in Congress this year. Both have little chance of being enacted. But both indicate a trend in the desire for paid leave at the federal level.
One of these doomed pieces of legislation is the Time Off to Vote Act. This act would require employers with 25 or more employees to give workers two consecutive hours of paid time off to cast their ballots in federal elections.
The other unlikely-to-pass bill, the Protected Time Off (PTO) Act, would require most private employers to give employees accrued paid time off for any reason each year.
Surely the representatives penning these pieces of legislation realize that their ideas aren’t winners given the current makeup of Congress. I assume they’re aware of how divided their chambers are. Then why make the effort to draft these bills? I suspect it has something to do with their belief in the power of suggestion. Here’s what I mean:
Whatever happens in Congress gets media coverage. So, representatives who want to bring attention to an issue sometimes do so by proposing legislation even if it’s unlikely to pass.
Planting seeds
It’s all about planting seeds. Maybe there is little chance of these two “seeds” growing into laws this year or next, but now the idea has been planted in the minds of some voters who might call their representatives to voice their support or opposition.
Or maybe during the next election cycle candidates who are for or against time off to vote and mandatory PTO will have to stand up and explain their views, leaving it up to voters to decide whether they want to support someone who takes that position. If these ideas weren’t formally introduced, current legislators and wanna-be legislators might not be asked to weigh in on them.
And while there are no federal laws requiring time off to vote or PTO that employers must follow in the near future, wise ones will take the ideas into consideration. Being able to adapt in any political climate helps employers avoid the doom of being uninformed and out of compliance.
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2025-11-06T06:00:00Z
NewsOffice of the Law Revision Counsel (LRC), HouseOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), DOLIn-Depth ArticleEnglishIndustry NewsSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyAgriculture SafetyMaritime SafetyGeneral Duty ClauseGeneral Duty ClauseFocus AreaUSA
Holiday safety: Laughing all the way (without slipping on tinsel)
The holidays are coming! The holidays are coming! You know—that time for joy, celebration, and a sprinkling of chaos. Tangled lights, ambitious baking projects, and visiting relatives often push safety right out of our minds. But with a little planning—and a lot of humor—you can keep the season merry and injury-free.
Here are some professional tips—my gift to you—to keep you safe at work and at home for the holidays:
1. The Snow Boot Ballet
Employees trying to dress for success are tempted to sprint across an icy parking lot in dress shoes. The result? A pirouette worthy of the Nutcracker—and a bruised ego. Winter safety means wearing shoes with good traction and channeling your inner penguin with small steps.
Pro tip: Wear proper footwear. Ice doesn’t care how stylish you are.
2. The Ladder Olympics
Use a sturdy ladder when hanging mistletoe and other decorations. Wobbly chairs, stacked boxes, or Cousin Eddie’s shoulders are great ways to end up in an ambulance rather than a sleigh. Always have a spotter and avoid overreaching from the ladder since gravity doesn’t take holidays off.
Pro tip: If your ladder is older than your holiday playlist, it might be time for a new one.
3. The Fire-Hazard Fir
If you’re going with a real tree, keep it watered. Dry trees + hot lights = a fire hazard that even Rudolph can’t outrun. As enthusiastic gift-givers, try not to create a mountain of wrapping paper so large it blocks the TV and traps the dog. The dog may be fine, but the remote may never be seen again. So, clean as you go and keep candles far away from flammables to avoid a much larger yule log than expected.
Pro tip: Use electric candles with timers and turn off lights before bed. Your tree doesn’t need to party all night any more than you do.
4. The Great Light Showdown
Before you channel your inner Clark Griswold, inspect those holiday lights before you are on the ladder. Frayed wires, cracked sockets, and rogue bulbs are fire hazards waiting to happen. And remember, lights and cords are marked for indoor versus outdoor use for a reason . Avoid mixing them up unless you want a shocking surprise to start the holidays.
Pro tip: Untangle lights with a cup of cocoa nearby. It won’t help detangle things, but it’ll make you feel better.
5. The Cookie Catastrophe
Uncle Vinny once tried to flambé the holiday ham. The ham survived; his eyebrows did not. Though holiday cooking is often a team sport, too many cooks can lead to spills, burns, and fires (okay, and some mystery ingredients). Keep flammables away from flames, pot handles turned inward, and knives sharp and safely stored.
Pro tip: Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Food fights are fun , but grease fires are not. (Oh, and maybe leave the flambéing to the professionals.)
6. The Holiday Hydration Hiccup
The holidays are a time to relax, recharge, and reconnect. So, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. Between the hot cocoa, festive cocktails, and bottomless mugs of coffee, it’s easy to forget that your body still needs good old-fashioned water.
Staying hydrated during the holidays helps you keep your energy up, your skin glowing (for those family photos), and your digestion on track after that third helping of stuffing. So, drink responsibly and enjoy those seasonal sips, but sneak in a glass of water between the merriment—your body will thank you.
Pro tip: Chase eggnog with water, not just cookies and see how your holiday party dance moves improve.
Key to remember: Whether you're navigating icy sidewalks, looking for your cat in the Christmas tree, or dodging that hanging mistletoe, a little caution goes a long way. So, laugh, celebrate, and stay safe because nothing ruins a holiday party faster than a trip to urgent care.
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2025-11-06T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsIn-Depth ArticlePrivate carrier authorityPassenger carrier authorityMotorcoach operating authorityOperating AuthorityFleet OperationsFocus AreaEnglishUSAFor-Hire Carrier AuthorityTransportationHousehold Goods Carrier authority
Application oversights can derail your operating authority
Every year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rejects many operating authority applications, often for paperwork missteps and omissions that could have been avoided.
Two recent cases highlight a recurring pitfall: failing to disclose relationships with other regulated entities. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and how you can steer clear of similar trouble.
Case #1: Hidden ownership
In March this year, a Missouri logistics company applied for for-hire carrier and household goods broker operating authority but failed to disclose that one of its co-owners also owned another motor carrier.
FMCSA records showed that the other carrier had been placed out of service after repeatedly failing to submit to a new-entrant safety audit. Nevertheless, the company seeking authority answered “No” to the question about common ownership or management with other FMCSA-regulated entities, despite clear evidence to the contrary.
Under federal law (49 USC 13902(a)(1)(C)), an applicant for operating authority registration must disclose any relationship involving common ownership, management, control, or familial relationship between the applicant and any other motor carrier if the relationship occurred in the three-year period preceding the application date.
Result: The FMCSA denied the application, citing the applicant’s failure to disclose the relationship as required by law. The agency emphasized that even if only one owner is shared, the relationship must be reported if it occurred within the past three years. The applicant’s attempt to explain the omission after the fact did not sway the decision.
Case #2: Management connection
In February, a California-based company sought to reinstate its broker authority. The president of the company was also CEO of a logistics company which had been placed out of service for failing to submit to an audit, but he failed to disclose the relationship.
The applicant argued that the logistics firm had not actually operated and, furthermore, was established through a third-party service provider. The FMCSA found, however, that the relationship existed and should have been disclosed, regardless of whether the other company was active or inactive.
Result: Application denied. The FMCSA made it clear: if you have common ownership, management, control, or familial ties with another regulated entity (even if it’s inactive or never operated), you must disclose it. Failure to do so is grounds for rejection.
Avoiding the same fate
When applying for operating authority, take steps to ensure you won’t suffer the same fate.
- Disclose all relationships, no exceptions. If any owner, officer, or manager of your company has had a stake in, or managed, or has a family relationship with another FMCSA-regulated entity in the past three years, you must disclose it on your application — even if that entity is out of service, inactive, or never operated.
- Don’t assume “inactive” means “irrelevant.” The FMCSA cares about the relationship, not the activity level. If the other company had compliance issues, your application could be affected.
- Double-check before you file. Review your application with all stakeholders. Make sure every relationship is disclosed, and documentation is accurate.
- Transparency is your best defense. If you’re unsure whether a relationship counts, disclose it. The FMCSA is more likely to work with you if you’re upfront than if you omit information.
- Learn from others’ mistakes. Both cases above involved applicants who tried to explain omissions after the fact. The FMCSA’s position is clear: the time to disclose is when you apply.
Key to remember: A single missed disclosure can derail your operating authority and put your business on hold. Make full transparency a priority when completing your application.
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Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.