Utah Distracted Driving Law Enhancements Take Effect
As of May 13, 2014, It is now illegal to drive and do the following:
- Text
- Dial a number
- Use the Internet (to send email or any other purpose)
- Watch or record video
- Enter data into device
Motorists can still use their device to view navigation and GPS, but must pull over to input data.
Motorists are barred from dialing phone numbers, but can talk on cell phones.
The fine for first offenders can be up to $100 (class C misdemeanor). More severe penalties will await those who cause serious bodily injury or have prior convictions for electronic distracted driving.
The bill was inspired, in part, by the death of David Henson and severe injuries to his wife Leslee. The St. George couple were walking a year ago when hit by a 50-year-old woman who allegedly was texting and speeding. The driver has been charged with automotive homicide.
|
Silica Exposure - Changes to OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit
To improve worker safety, OSHA is currently looking at changing the Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for silica and has issued a new proposed rule. The current standard was adopted in 1971 and requires one to calculate a PEL for each exposure using a set formula. OSHA's new proposed rule suggests a PEL of 50 μg/m3 for respirable crystalline silica exposure.
Public hearings were held as part of the rulemaking process where OSHA listened to industry with respect to the change of PEL. The public hearings closed on April 4, 2014. Those members of the public who filed a timely written notice of intention to appear prior to the hearings are able to submit additional comments. Evidence and data relevant to the proceeding must be submitted by June 3, 2014. Final briefs, arguments, and summations must be submitted by July 18, 2014. Post-hearing comments and briefs can be submitted by:
- Visiting the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov , Docket ID# OSHA-2010-0034.
- Faxing OSHA's Docket Office at 202-693-1648 (for comments of 10 pages or less).
- Sending hard-copy documents (via regular mail, express delivery, courier, or hand delivery) to the OSHA Docket Office, Technical Data Center, Room N-2625, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210.
Additional information on silica and the proposed rule making updates can be found on OSHA's website.
|
Stand-Down to Prevent Falls
OSHA and NIOSH would like as many employers as possible to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction from June 2-6th. The point of the Stand-Down is to get employers and workers together to stop and take the time to focus on ways each job site can reduce the potential for a fall. For more details and ideas on how to participate in this Stand-Down visit OSHA's website Certificates will be issued by OSHA for formal participation in the Stand-Down.
|
|
Upcoming Safety Seminars
Safety seminars are a great way to polish, refresh or learn new safety skills and preserve your company's bottom line. Most courses are free for WCF policyholders. To access a full list of classes or to register, click here.
|
