... DISASTER RELIEF

Flood Insurance Sales Rise in Wake of Hurricane Katrina

Sales of federal flood insurance rose sharply across the country last year after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made clear that typical homeowners insurance does not cover many losses.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in the 12 months beginning in November 2005, the number of federal policies in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased more than 13 percent.

Participation in coastal and other vulnerable areas spiked dramatically. In Mississippi, the number of policies rose 61 percent. Strong increases were reported in Northeastern and Western sates as well. Rhode Island had a 21 percent increase; Idaho experienced a 24 percent increase.

In addition, FEMA Director R. David Paulson issued a press statement last week hailing the proven benefits of disaster mitigation programs and he called on local communities to take the lead in mitigation.

He indicated that federal tax dollars should not be used to rebuild in locations that repeatedly flood without incorporating proven mitigation processes and programs. He also warned that FEMA will continue to closely monitor compliance with NFIP regulations.

Communities risk suspension from the NFIP if they don't enforce floodplain management ordinances.

Contact Robert Sullivan.

State Agency Takes Up Cutting Concrete, Masonry Materials

In a draft proposal soon to be placed on its Web site, the California Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH) notes discussions will begin on next Wednesday at a meeting in Oakland, Calif.

The discussion will focus on how to control employee exposures from dust-generating operations on concrete and masonry materials.

Until the draft proposal is placed on the DOSH Web site, a copy may be obtained via e-mail or fax request to any of the individuals listed below.

In the draft, the introduction of water to cutting or grinding operations is the preferred method of control. Specific exceptions to water introduction include cases where water will introduce other safety hazards, such as working from elevated scaffolds or working near electrical equipment, or when operations do not result in an exposure exceeding the crystalline silica permissible exposure limit set in California, as demonstrated by quantitative measures.

When water cannot be used, other engineering controls such as dust-collection systems must be used. The draft proposal also contains significant training issues. The advisory committee is also expected to determine whether a standard or some other type of guidance is issued.

For more information, contact:Tom Carter, Tom Harman, Andy O'Hare, or Robert Sullivan.

Agency Issues Proposal for On Board Recording Devices

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) yesterday issued its long-awaited proposal for the use of electronic on board recording devices, or EOBRs.

The devices automatically record a driver's duty status without the driver completing paper documents. In the proposal, FMCSA states that "motor carriers that have demonstrated a history of serious noncompliance with the hours-of-service (HOS) rules would be subject to mandatory installation of EOBRs meeting the new performance rules."

One definition of "serious noncompliance" is a carrier that has a 10% or greater violation rate of HOS rules over a 2-year period. Moreover, the proposal establishes standards for EOBRs and allows those already in use to continue through the service of the commercial motor vehicle.

NRMCA commented on the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking for EOBRs, and is generally pleased with the proposal because it does not require EOBRs on all commercial motor vehicles.

For more information, contact: Tom Harman or Robert Sullivan.

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