New regs for Friday: Fish, labor, workplace safety

Friday’s edition of the Federal Register addresses new labor regulations, workplace safety requirements and protections for fish.

Here’s what is happening:

Endangered: The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) will not protect the thorny skate, a fish that is shaped like a sting ray.

The NMFS was considering listing the thorny skate as an endangered species in response to a petition, but said Thursday the protections are “not warranted at this time.”

“We conclude that thorny skate is not currently in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range or likely to become so in the foreseeable future,” the agency said.

The finding goes into effect immediately.

Labor: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is moving forward with new procedural rules.

The rules reflect changes in technology and promote the use of plain language that is easy for the public to understand.

The rules go into effect in 10 days.

Workplace: The Department of Labor (DOL) is examining safety protections for workers.

The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted an information collection request to review the aerial lifts standard. This could lead to future changes to the rule.

The public has 30 days to comment.