SAFETY & COMPLIANCE NEWS
Keep up to date on the latest developments affecting OSHA, DOT, EPA, and DOL regulatory compliance.
Copyright 2025 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
FEATURED NEWS
2025-11-21T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsEnglishEMS Audits and EvaluationsEnvironmental Management SystemsEnvironmentalIn-Depth ArticleUSAEnvironmental Management SystemsFocus AreaEnvironmental Management Systems
Expert Insights: Connecting environmental compliance and employee safety
Environmental compliance and workplace safety are often treated as separate priorities, but they’re deeply connected. A strong environmental compliance program doesn’t just protect the environment; it also significantly improves safety outcomes, reduces risks, and safeguards employees.
Why environmental compliance matters for safety
Environmental compliance means following laws and regulations designed to prevent pollution and protect natural resources. These rules often overlap with occupational safety standards because environmental hazards such as chemical spills, air emissions, and improper waste handling can directly harm workers.
For example:
- Chemical spills can create slippery surfaces, leading to falls and injuries.
- Air emissions from volatile chemicals can cause respiratory illnesses or even explosions if vapors accumulate.
- Improper waste storage can result in fires or toxic exposure.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focuses on preventing environmental contamination, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ensures safe working conditions. Ignoring environmental requirements can lead to unsafe conditions like toxic exposure, fire hazards, and respiratory risks.
How tracking spills reduced slips
A few years ago, I worked with a manufacturing facility that had recurring slip incidents near the chemical storage area. Initially, they were treated as isolated safety issues. The facility added cautionary signs, but the problem persisted.
After talking with the safety officer, I noticed a pattern. Since these near-miss spills occur inside a building, they typically aren’t reportable from an environmental compliance standpoint. These small drips during drum transfers or hose disconnections weren’t classified as “spills” by operators, so they weren’t cleaned up immediately.
The facility implemented a new process. Every chemical drip or near-miss spill had to be logged and addressed as part of both environmental and safety compliance. Absorbent mats were added near transfer stations, drip trays were installed under valves, and employees were trained to report even minor leaks and spills.
Within 3 months, slip incidents dropped significantly. By integrating spill tracking into the safety program, they not only reduced injuries but also improved their EPA audit scores. This new process of tracking near-miss spills also proved to be a good leading indicator. The facility discovered trends in equipment maintenance and had a more complete picture of the cost of releases.
The business case for integration
Integrating environmental compliance into safety programs offers several advantages:
- Reduced risk of incidents: Compliance minimizes hazards that could harm employees and the environment.
- Regulatory collaboration: Many safety and environmental requirements overlap, allowing for streamlined processes.
- Enhanced reputation: Demonstrating commitment to both safety and sustainability builds trust with regulators, customers, and the community.
- Cost savings: Preventing spills, fires, and injuries avoids costly fines, cleanup expenses, and workers’ compensation claims.
To maximize the impact of environmental compliance on safety programs, industrial facilities should consider the following:
- Joint audits: Evaluate environmental and safety risks together to identify overlapping controls.
- Holistic employee training: Include environmental compliance topics in safety training sessions and toolbox talks (and vice versa).
- Integrated procedures: Develop standard operating procedures that address both environmental and safety requirements.
- Technology: Implement monitoring systems for air quality, spill detection, and waste tracking.
Environmental compliance is a key driver of workplace safety. By integrating both programs, facilities can protect employees and the environment at the same time.
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RECENT INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTS
2025-11-20T06:00:00Z
NewsFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)In-Depth ArticleFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)HR ManagementEnglishUSAReasonable AccommodationsIndustry NewsDiscriminationDiscriminationPregnancy DiscriminationHR GeneralistFocus AreaAssociate RelationsDisabilities and ADADisabilities and ADAHuman Resources
May employees take leave for menopause?
There’s been quite a bit of chatter recently about employee rights regarding menopause. Rhode Island, for example, is the first state to pass a law mandating menopause workplace accommodations. Since menopause can result in varying symptoms, some employers might wonder if employees are entitled to take leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for it.
The answer is: It’s possible.
The FMLA doesn’t have a list of serious health conditions for which employees may take leave. To figure out if a condition qualifies for leave, employers must refer to the FMLA’s definition of a serious health condition and compare it to the information in the employee’s medical certification.
If an employee’s or a family member’s menopause-related symptoms meet the definition, the employee may take FMLA leave for them.
If, for example, an employee experiences panic attacks or bouts of depression because of menopause, the employee could be entitled to take FMLA leave. As such, the FMLA leave could be intermittent when symptoms flare up.
What about the PWFA?
Under the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), employers have to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee’s or applicant’s known limitations related to, affected by, or arising out of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer an undue hardship.
Similar to the FMLA, the PWFA also doesn’t include condition details, like a complete list of related limitations or specifically mention menopause.
In the vote for the final PWFA regulations, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioner Andrea Lucas said, “Thus, the final rule opens the door to requiring accommodations potentially extending to a myriad of conditions ranging from infertility to menstruation to hormone issues to menopause.” The current EEOC might revise the PWFA regulations, in which the agency could provide more details.
Therefore, until the EEOC provides more guidance, the courts might need to chime in on whether employers have to accommodate an employee’s menopause symptoms. If employers don’t want to be legal guinea pigs, the safest route would be to allow time off for menopause.
What about the ADA?
The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to the known disability of an employee or applicant. A disability is an impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Like the FMLA and PWFA, the ADA also doesn’t have a complete list of conditions that are disabilities. Employers have to assess each situation on the facts involved to determine if menopause rises to the level of a disability,
Key to remember: Employers must give employees FMLA leave for menopause if the symptoms meet the definition of a serious health condition.
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2025-11-20T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyEnglishRisk Management ProgramRisk Management ProgramFocus AreaEnforcement - DOTTransportationUSA
Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative dates announced for 2026
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled its annual U.S. Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI) for January 12-16, 2026. Canada’s HTAI is scheduled for February 23-27, 2026, and Mexico’s HTAI is scheduled for March 16-20, 2026. These 3 weeks help the motor carrier industry focus on human trafficking awareness and prevention.
The five-day campaign in each country, helps raise awareness of human trafficking, as drivers are uniquely positioned to help. They’re the ones on highways, at gas stations, and at rest stops who may see key indicators of the crime in time to call for help.
Campaign goals and strategies
The goals of the HTAI campaign are to:
- Educate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and other industry employees about the signs of human trafficking,
- Encourage CMV drivers and other employees to look for those signs, and
- Empower CMV drivers and other employees to report the crime.
HTAI is part of CVSA’s Human Trafficking Prevention Program, which helps reduce trafficking throughout the U.S., Mexico, and Canada through education, investigation, and enforcement.
How you can make a difference
Human trafficking impacts millions of women, men, and children every year, posing major threats to transportation safety. To help increase safety, it’s important for industry professionals to play a role in recognizing and reporting crimes when they see them.
Because traffickers often move their victims around and drivers tend to frequent common places where trafficking occurs, commercial drivers can make a major impact on stopping human trafficking when they know the signs of trafficking, how to respond, and who to contact if they suspect a person is being trafficked.
Refer to CVSA’s resources for graphics, outreach materials, informational videos, public service announcements, and more: https://www.cvsa.org/programs/human-trafficking-prevention/resources/
Take action
If anyone sees (or suspects) human trafficking, never attempt to confront or engage with anyone involved in the situation. Instead, contact local law enforcement directly. Call:
- 9-1-1, if someone is in immediate danger; or
- The National Human Trafficking Hotline, available 24/7:
- Call 888-373-7888, or
- Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
You can also find more information on your specific jurisdiction’s plan to increase human trafficking awareness by contacting the CMV safety agency or department in your state, territory, or province.
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2025-11-20T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyIndoor Air QualityIndustrial HygieneIn-Depth ArticleEnglishFocus AreaUSA
Cold weather, hot topic: Protecting workers from CO exposure
As winter approaches, workplaces often seal windows and doors to conserve heat. While this improves energy efficiency, it also reduces ventilation and increases the risk of indoor air quality (IAQ) issues, particularly carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
Why CO is a serious concern in the workplace
CO is a colorless, odorless, and highly toxic gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as gasoline, propane, natural gas, and wood. Because it is undetectable, without monitoring instruments, CO is often called the “silent killer.”
Common exposure sources include fuel-powered tools, forklifts, small engines, poorly vented furnaces and boilers, and temporary heating devices. Even brief exposure to elevated CO levels can cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and impaired judgment, while severe exposure may lead to unconsciousness or death.
To protect employees, OSHA and NIOSH set clear exposure limits, including:
- OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL): Under 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-1, OSHA establishes a PEL of 50 parts per million (ppm) averaged over an 8-hour workday. Employers are required to monitor and control exposure to remain compliant.
- NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): NIOSH advises a more protective limit of 35 ppm as an eight-hour time-weighted average (TWA) and a 200-ppm ceiling for short-term exposure. These recommendations aim to reduce both acute symptoms and long-term health risks.
Steps for reducing CO exposure
Adopting a comprehensive approach that combines engineering controls, administrative measures, and worker education will minimize CO hazards in the workplace. Here are some initiatives to strengthen your program:
- Conduct air sampling in the workplace. Regular monitoring helps identify CO buildup before it becomes dangerous. Use calibrated instruments to measure concentration in areas where combustion equipment operates or where ventilation is limited.
- Install CO detectors in high-risk areas. Place detectors near loading docks, maintenance rooms, and other spaces where fuel-powered equipment or heating systems are used. Ensure alarms are audible, and employees know emergency response protocols.
- Service HVAC systems regularly and consistently. A well-maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system ensures proper airflow and prevents recirculation of contaminated air. Schedule seasonal inspections to check filters, fans, and ductwork.
- Maintain fresh air exchange even in winter. Energy conservation should never compromise safety. Use mechanical ventilation or controlled openings to maintain airflow without excessive heat loss.
- Restrict fuel-powered equipment indoors. Whenever possible, substitute current tools with electric or battery-powered options. If combustion equipment must be used, ensure adequate ventilation and monitor CO levels continuously.
- Inspect other heating systems. Furnaces, boilers, and water heaters should be checked for cracked heat exchangers, blocked vents, or improper combustion that can lead to CO emissions.
- Educate workers on CO hazards and emergency procedures. Provide training that covers symptoms of CO exposure, such as headache, dizziness, and nausea. Emphasize immediate actions that should be taken, like moving to fresh air and reporting exposures.
- Encourage reporting of ventilation issues or symptoms. Motivate employees to speak up about air quality concerns, equipment damage, or health symptoms. Early reporting at the onset can prevent serious incidents later.
Toolbox Talk: Keep the conversation going
Topic: Carbon Monoxide Awareness – At Work and Home (Duration: 5 minutes)
Why It Matters?
Carbon monoxide (CO) hazards don’t stop when the workday ends. Protecting yourself from exposure is a 24/7 responsibility. By understanding where CO comes from, recognizing symptoms, and taking preventive steps, workers can safeguard their health both on the job and at home.
What is CO?
CO is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas produced by burning fuels such as gasoline, propane, wood, or charcoal. It cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, making it especially dangerous.
Where is it found?
- At work:
- Near fuel-powered tools (e.g., generators, pressure washers).
- Inside garages or enclosed spaces with running vehicles or forklifts.
- Areas with temporary heaters during cold weather.
- At home:
- Attached garages with running cars.
- Gas stoves, fireplaces, or wood-burning stoves.
- Portable generators used during power outages.
What are the symptoms of CO exposure?
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and confusion.
- Report symptoms immediately at work; at home, move everyone to fresh air and call emergency services.
What are some prevention tips?
- At work:
- Never run engines indoors without proper ventilation.
- Keep vents and exhausts clear of debris.
- Maintain HVAC systems and CO monitors in work areas.
- At home:
- Never use grills, generators, or gas-powered tools inside the house or garage.
- Keep chimneys and vents clean and unobstructed.
- Install CO alarms on every level of your home and test them monthly.
What to do if CO exposure is suspected?
- At work: Move to fresh air, alert your supervisor, and call for medical help.
- At home: Evacuate immediately, call 911, and do not re-enter until cleared to do so.
Key to remember: Winter doesn’t have to mean compromised air quality. By combining engineering controls, regular maintenance, and training, companies can prevent CO incidents, maintain a safe and healthy workplace, and protect workers.
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2025-11-20T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyCMV Parts and MaintenanceCMV lights, reflectors, and reflective tapeFocus AreaIn-Depth ArticleEnglishBrakesTransportationUSA
Flashing brake lights still an option
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has given new life to an exemption allowing motor carriers to install pulsating brake lights on their commercial trailers and van-body trucks.
First issued in 2020, the exemption lets companies install brake-activated pulsing lights from Grote Industries in one of five configurations. Grote says over 80,000 vehicles are now equipped with the pulsing lights, and results are promising:
- One large national fleet customer reported a 33-percent reduction in overall rear-end crashes on a per-mile basis compared to a baseline fleet without the system installed, and a 75-percent reduction in crashes involving personal injuries.
- Another large fleet customer reported similar outcomes, noting a 52-percent reduction in overall recordable incidents per vehicle and a 75-percent reduction in the severity of incidents that did occur.
Allowable configurations
Under the exemption, the pulsating lights may be added to any trailer or van-body straight truck, in addition to the normal steady-burning brake lamps. The only catch is that they must pulsate in an amber color for only four seconds before turning red and burning steadily until the brakes are deactivated.
The allowable configurations are as follows:
- Upper pair: Two lamps centered at the upper rear, positioned 6-12 inches from the centerline of the outermost identification (ID) lamps, and in line with the three-ID-lamp cluster.
- Single lower lamp: One lamp centrally located on or below the rear sill, in line with the stop/tail/turn lamps.
- Upper pair + single lower lamp: A combination of the three lamps described above.
- Lower pair: Two lamps centered at the lower rear, located on or below the rear sill.
- Upper pair + lower pair: Both the upper pair and the lower pair as described above.
The exemption was reissued on November 17, 2025, and is set to last through 2030.
Tank trailers
The FMCSA recently renewed a similar exemption for tank trailers, though with restrictions on where the lamps may be placed. The pulsating lights — either amber or red — must be located in the upper center position or in an upper dual outboard position on the rear.
This exemption, granted to National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc., was reissued on November 17, 2025, and is in place until October 2030.
Rear-end crashes generally make up about 30 percent of all crashes, the FMCSA says, and large trucks are three times more likely than other vehicles to be struck in the rear in two-vehicle fatal crashes.
Key to remember: Motor carriers have the option to install pulsating brake lights on all commercial trailers and van-body straight trucks, with certain restrictions, as a way to prevent rear-end collisions.
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2025-11-19T06:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsHazmat SafetyHazmatIn-Depth ArticleFocus AreaUSAEnglishTransportationHazmat Rulemaking procedures
PHMSA withdrawal keeps registration fees steady for now
Imagine planning your budget for next year and suddenly learning your regulatory fees might increase by several hundreds of dollars. For many in the hazmat transportation industry, that possibility wasn’t just hypothetical, it was a looming reality. Back in May 2024 the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) submitted a proposal to raise annual registration fees for companies that transport or offer certain hazardous materials. The changes would have meant higher costs for both small businesses and large operators.
Fast forward to November 2025 and the story has taken a different turn. PHMSA has officially withdrawn the proposal, citing a commitment to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens and feedback from stakeholders worried about the economic impact. The decision means fees will stay at current levels for now.
What was proposed?
In May of 2024, PHMSA proposed a plan to change its hazmat registration program, which really hasn’t changed much in years. The biggest change was a fee increase:
- Small businesses and nonprofits would have seen their annual registration fee jump from $250 to $375, a $125 increase.
- Larger companies would have paid $3,000, up from $2,575, a $425 increase.
However, that wasn’t all. The proposal also included:
- Electronic-only payments for registration fees, eliminating paper checks.
- Clarified recordkeeping rules, allowing certificates of registration to be carried in either electronic or paper form and ensuring consistent language for presenting these certificates to enforcement personnel.
- Removal of outdated “sunrise dates” from the regulations, since those deadlines had already passed.
PHMSA said these changes were intended to modernize processes and ensure adequate funding for its grants program, which supports emergency response training and the Emergency Response Guidebook.
Why the reversal?
PHMSA says the decision reflects a broader push to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, in line with Executive Order 14192, “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation.” Industry feedback also played a big role in the decision. Many stakeholders expressed concern about the timing and economic impact of higher fees, especially amid uncertainty in transportation markets. After reviewing its funding needs, PHMSA decided that current fees are enough to support critical programs, such as grants for emergency response training and the Emergency Response Guidebook, without adding extra costs.
What does this mean for you?
For carriers, shippers, and anyone that’s required to register, this is welcome news. Registration fees remain unchanged, helping companies maintain predictable compliance costs. This decision shows that PHMSA isn’t just focused on safety, it’s also paying attention to the financial realities that matter to the industry.
What's still changing?
While the fee increase is off the table, PHMSA isn’t standing still. Two related rulemakings are moving forward:
- Modernizing Payments (HM-268H): Updates to streamline electronic transactions.
- Reducing Recordkeeping (HM-268I): Simplified requirements for domestic carriers.
Both rulemakings are designed to make compliance easier without raising costs, and they’re already in the pipeline.
Key to remember: PHMSA is withdrawing its proposed rulemaking to increase hazmat registration fees. However, it’s still moving forward with electronic payment methods and recordkeeping requirements for hazmat registration.
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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.