The 24 alleged serious violations that resulted from a site-specific targeting program investigation included a failure to have at least two suitable gas masks available and accessible; lack of developed confined space procedures; and grinding wheel, compressed air, and electrical shock hazards.
"If OSHA's standards regarding proper trench sloping, shoring, and shielding were followed, it is possible this tragedy could have been avoided," said Michael Rivera, OSHA's area director in Corpus Christi.
It was one of the five large unions to join the Change to Win Coalition in 2005, targeting high-growth occupations in the U.S. economy, including health care, transportation, and hospitality.
EPA inspectors found Tanco had not properly implemented its Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plan, including requirements for secondary containment and tank integrity testing, both of which are designed to prevent or minimize the impacts from accidental releases.
Offered last year by the state Department of Labor & Industries, the Employer Assistance Program has helped more than 4,800 companies avoid becoming delinquent on their workers' compensation accounts.
Last year's event in San Antonio, Texas (pictured), drew 2,836 attendees representing all areas and professions affiliated with the safety and health industry. For this year's conference in Orlando, organizers are expecting to up that number to at least 3,000.
It cautions, however, that this case study of its use in disinfectant sprays, now released for public comment, does not draw conclusions about potential health risks.
The two Canadian companies involved, the contractor and a drywall/stucco subcontractor, both pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the injured worker was protected by a guardrail.
A new study by two Albanian researchers has found prevalence varying between 19.2 percent and 25.7 percent among workers in the metallurgical industry.
The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement began this series of public forums Aug. 4 in New Orleans, then moved on to Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. Comments are being accepted until Sept. 30.
Sept. 1 is the deadline to apply for the 2011 awards from NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association.
An online survey of 1,058 adults by the American Red Cross found about 20 percent would try to contact responders via e-mail, websites, or social media if unable to reach 911. Most believe help will come soon after they tweet or post an urgent request.
The statistical survey would involve 14,202 respondents, and 85 case study interviews would be conducted asking about safety and health practices on farms with more than 10 workers and at state and local governmental agencies in state plan states.
EEOC filed the suit in New Jersey, saying the health care provider unlawfully fired employees who needed medical leave.
The American College of Emergency Physicians says a new report from CDC "once again debunks the myth that emergency departments are crowded with non-urgent patients."
In addition, OSHA issued the company 50 serious and two other-than-serious violations for failing to provide proper protective equipment for employees working with lead and other extremely dangerous dust and chemicals, and failing to develop or implement a hazard communication program, among other things.
Coronary events are a major health issue in firefighters, causing nearly half of all deaths on duty. Exposure to ultrafine particles could contribute to coronary disease in firefighters—not only as a long-term health risk, but also as a cause of coronary events while responding to fires.