Taking The Hill
Tennessee Crash Parts Regulation
The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance has approved regulations that prohibit insurers from installing aftermarket crash parts on vehicles for two years. This new regulation strengthens Tennessee's current regulation that requires disclosure before aftermarket crash parts are installed on any vehicle.
Under the new regulation, aftermarket crash parts may not be used on vehicles during the year of manufacture plus one year unless the vehicle owner consents to their use. ASA supports consumer consent and notification during all instances where aftermarket crash parts are installed on vehicles.
The regulation will be effective January 23, 1999.
Clinton Signs Kyoto Agreement
Despite opposition from Congress and industry, President Clinton has signed the Kyoto agreement that would commit the United States to significant reductions in greenhouse gases. The Kyoto Accord reached in Kyoto, Japan has been signed by almost 60 nations.
Two-thirds of the Senate must support the agreement for ratification. At this time, the Clinton administration has decided not to submit the treaty to the Senate for ratification. Officials recently met in Buenos Aires to continue the talks that began in Kyoto.
President Signs Teen Driving Bill
President Clinton has signed legislation to ease job driving restrictions for teenagers. The legislation increases the time that 17-year-olds can drive on the job from 20 percent of a workday to 33 percent and from 5 percent of a workweek to 20 percent.
The new law contains several restrictions, including the towing of vehicles and time-sensitive deliveries, but overall the legislation is positive for independent repairers. In addition, teenagers cannot drive beyond a 30-mile radius of the business or transport more than three passengers.
This has been a priority of the ASA Mechanical Division for some time.
OSHA Advances Controversial Regulation
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is moving forward with controversial new proposed regulations that will severely impact small business. The regulations would require businesses to implement a program to ensure that they comply with existing OSHA regulations for worker health and safety.
If the regulations are finalized, businesses would be required to establish a program in the workplace to ensure compliance with existing OSHA regulations. For example, at least one person in every workplace must be identified as a "contact person" where employees could initiate action about workplace safety. In addition, employers must provide employees with "meaningful participation" about the health and safety program in the workplace. Even if no employee is interested in participating, employers must continually communicate to all employees that their participation is welcome.
The proposed regulation has not been finalized and is still in its draft form. The public will have the opportunity to comment on the regulation before it becomes finalized.
Congress Addresses OSHA
Three pieces of legislation to reform the Occupational Health and Safety
Administration (OSHA) have passed the Congress and have been signed by the president.
H.R. 2864, the OSHA Compliance Assistance Act of 1998, codifies OSHA's consultation program that is operated by the states. This program allows state consultants to review businesses for violations. If employers make the necessary changes in a timely manner, the businesses are exempt from federal penalties.
The second piece of legislation, H.R. 2877, prohibits the Secretary of Labor from establishing performance measures for any employee of OSHA including supervisors and inspectors with respect to the number of inspections conducted, or penalties assessed.
The final piece of legislation imposes OSHA requirements in U.S. Postal Service facilities.
Top 10 Automotive Repair Web Sites || State Farm Case Reveals Consumer Crash Parts Views || What to Expect When Buying Tools on Credit || Aftermarket Crash Parts || Managing Your Most Precious Commodity - Time || Guest Editorial || Tech to Tech || Tech Tips || News Briefs || Taking the Hill || Around ASA || Net Worth || Stat Corner || Chairman's Message
AutoInc. Magazine ® Vol.XIVII, January 1999 (http://www.asashop.org)