Enforcement


NIOSH Releases Materials on Call Center Noise Hazards

NIOSH research shows that workers at call and dispatch centers may face several hazards, including acoustic trauma from a sudden spike in noise levels and background noise from an incoming call.

OSHA Releases New Materials on Laboratory Safety

Practices and precautions to protect laboratory personnel include safety guidance for using autoclaves, use of chemical fume hoods, labeling and transferring chemicals, and latex exposure.

California Labor Dept. Issues $499,000 Fine for Wage Violations at Multiple Warehouses

“In California, employers are required to provide basic protections for workers that include payment of at least minimum wage, overtime, and workers’ compensation coverage,” said DIR Acting Director Christine Baker.

MSHA Opens Fourth Pattern of Violations Case

The DOL agency said it has found that 19 out of 39 audited mines "either failed to report injuries or underreported the lost time associated with reported injuries, and four of the 19 met the criteria for a [potential pattern of violations]."

Lowe's Nailed for Repeat Violations at Three Pennsylvania Stores

The inspections were conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates. Proposed penalties total $96,030.

HIOSH Cedes Jurisdiction of Private Employers on Bases

Effective Oct. 12, federal OSHA has the responsibility of conducting safety and health inspections of private-sector employers inside the borders of all military installations in Hawaii.

OSHA Cites Aircraft Component Company for Energy Control Hazards

The serious violations involve failing to properly guard machinery and provide training on lockout/tagout procedures to prevent equipment from being unexpectedly energized.

FRA Issues Advisory to Address Switching Operation Safety

In recent months, the railroad industry has experienced three employee fatalities that occurred when employees were caught between rolling equipment.



Concrete Company Faces $120,370 in Fines for Fall, Repeat Hazards

One willful safety violation was cited for requiring employees performing maintenance on vehicles and equipment to work within 3 feet of an open and unguarded pit, exposing them to fall hazards.

$3.8 Million in Fines Issued to Cargo Tank Firm for Hazmat Violations

The company was fined for manufacturing and selling unsafe nurse tanks—a type of cargo tank used to store and transport anhydrous ammonia, a hazardous material used in farming operations.

Pipe Maker Penalized for Slew of Safety Violations

"The safety of this company's employees is compromised due to management's failure to perform maintenance and take common-sense steps to prevent injuries," said Roberto Sanchez, director of OSHA's area office in Birmingham.

FMCSA Hasn't Given Up on EOBRs

The EOBR subcommittee of the agency's Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee meets Oct. 26-27 to discuss technical issues. FMCSA has decided not to appeal a 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision vacating its 2010 final rule.

Masonry Contractor Nailed for Repeat Violations at Two Worksites

OSHA's inspections were initiated under a regional emphasis program aimed at preventing injuries and deaths caused by falls. Proposed penalties total $164,120.

OSHA Hits Texas Oil Rig with $130,900 in Fines

Seven serious violations involve failing to provide protection from trip and fall hazards, ensure electrical cords are not spliced, and ensure industrial machines were properly guarded.

Now Hear This: 'Feasible' Stakeholder Meeting Announced

When OSHA withdrew its proposed reinterpretation of “feasible administrative or engineering controls” to prevent hearing loss, it promised to convene a stakeholder meeting. That meeting will take place Nov. 3.

Tree Trimmer Fatally Falls from Aerial Lift, Firm Fined $39,400

OSHA issued seven serious safety and health violations following the April death of a worker who was ejected from an aerial lift after it was struck by a falling tree.

CDC: 112 Million Drunk Driving Incidents in 2010

Young men, ages 21–34, made up only 11 percent of the U.S. population in 2010, yet were responsible for 32 percent of all episodes of drinking and driving.

Panel Recommends Changes in Air Traffic Controller Training

"This report shows us we are doing a great job, but there are things we can and will do better,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

Hazardous Waste Tanks Lead to Firm's $122,760 Fine

OSHA inspectors found that workers were exposed to respiratory and confined space hazards while cleaning waste tanks used to store petroleum hydrocarbons at a job site in Channahon, Ill.

Nevada Cellphone Law Leads to New Roadside Hazards: Report

A Nevada Highway Patrol spokesman said that many drivers are pulling onto the shoulders of busy highways and freeways to take or make cellphone calls.

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