FAA Criticized For Ineffective Drone Oversight
According to a report released by the Office of Inspector General , the Federal Aviation Administration ( FAA ) has mishandled a large number of safety violations regarding the use of unmanned aerial systems ( UASs ), commonly referred to as drones .
Since the FAA has authorized the use of drones for commercial purposes , the agency has granted more than 5,500 exemptions to businesses to allow for the use of drones . However , the report states that the FAA has not responded to the increase in drone operators by adequately training its staff about the new rules for commercial drones . In many instances , the agency also failed to respond to reports of safety violations — at times taking months to respond to complaints .
In addition to a lack of training for inspectors , the report also stated that the FAA lacks a robust data reporting and tracking system for drone activity , and that any available information is difficult to analyze as a result of fragmentation .
For more information on the current rules regarding the commercial use of drones , contact Marshall & Sterling Insurance today .
Lorraine Emerick , VP
New FMCSA Rule Creates Database for Drug and Alcohol Testing
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA ) recently released a final rule that will create a national drug and alcohol testing clearinghouse for commercial driver license ( CDL ) holders who operate commercial motor vehicles ( CMVs ). Under the rule , drivers will be added to the clearinghouse if they test positive for drugs or refuse to perform a test required by the Department of Transportation ( DOT ). Then , employers will be able to review the testing history of applicants , drivers who work for more than one motor carrier and long-term employees .
Once the clearinghouse has been created , employers will be required to do the following :
• Search the clearinghouse at least once every year for current drivers .
• Review the system for any information on driver applicants .
The agency has stated that the rule will assist employers in determining whether a driver needs to begin or continue a return-toservice process before driving a CMV . And , although the final rule becomes effective on Jan . 4 , 2017 , compliance with it will not be required until Jan . 6 , 2020 .
For more information on the final rule , call us today and ask to see our compliance bulletin , “ FMCSA Creates National Clearinghouse for Drug and Alcohol Testing .”
Study Shows that Employees with Little Flexibility Are Unhealthier
According to research from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business , employees that work high-stress jobs and have little control over their workflow die at a younger age and are generally unhealthier than their counterparts who have more flexibility .
Although the report does not suggest that employers cut back on the amount of work that they give to employees , experts believe that a larger amount of flexibility could help employees be more productive and healthier overall .
© 2016 Zywave , Inc . All rights reserved .