Enforcement


CPSC Clarifies New Product Safety Requirements

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is reminding the public that in February 2009, new requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) take effect. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers are expected to comply with the new Congressionally-mandated laws.

OSHA Revises its Voluntary Protection Program

OSHA published in the Jan. 9, 2009 Federal Register final changes to its Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) that, among other enhancements, allow participation by companies with mobile workforces. Changes are effective May 9.

OSHA Renews Construction Safety Pact with Metro Denver HBA

More than 25 residential homebuilders, together employing more than 1,600 employees, participate in the program.

House Passes Pay Equity, Discrimination Bills; Senate Battle Coming

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce denounced the votes, with Labor Policy VP Randy Johnson saying, "We're confident the Senate will recognize that these bills sweep much more broadly than their proponents contend and that this is nothing more than a giveaway to the trial bar."

On-the-Job Deaths in Baton Rouge Spark ASSE/OSHA Alliance

The pact will target specific hazards, including falls, combustible dusts, trenching/excavation, 'struck-by' object hazards associated with local petrochemical and construction industries, and more.

Appellate Court Upholds EEOC’s Religious Bias Verdict against AT&T

The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling that found AT&T guilty of illegally firing two employees for attending a Jehovah’s Witness convention.

Full Complement Promised for Cal/OSHA Appeals Board

Gov. Schwarzenegger will fill the vacant labor representative's slot soon, a Sacramento newspaper reported today.



HHS Releases Action Plan to Prevent HAIs

The plan includes a set of five-year targets, including a 50 percent reduction in the incidence rate for health care-associated MRSA infections. Soon the agency will announce dates and locations of public meetings about the plan. Comments are due by Feb. 6.

DHS Seeks Comment on New Private Sector Preparedness Program

Known as "PS-Prep," the program is intended to raise the level of employer preparedness by making DHS-adopted standards more widely available, among other measures.

FY 2008 is Record Year in Employment Discrimination Compensation

In fiscal year 2008, the Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) won a record $67,510,982 in back pay, salary, and benefits for an unprecedented 24,508 American workers who had been subjected to unlawful employment discrimination.

DOL Finds American Airlines Retaliated Against Sick Pilot

The U.S. Department of Labor has ordered American Airlines Inc. to reimburse a pilot who was retaliated against for reporting that he was too sick to fly. American Airlines rejected medical documentation that the pilot provided in accordance with American's internal policy, and later deducted sick pay that had already been paid from the pilot's paycheck.

NCOSH, APHA Urge New Agenda for Protecting Workers

The seven goals listed today start with making protecting workers on the job a top priority for President Obama and the 111th Congress. Goal 3: Count all occupational injuries and illnesses.

U.S. Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Calif.

Solis Sure to Be Confirmed, Chamber's Labor VP Predicts

The House of Representatives votes this week on equal pay for women and reversing the U.S. Supreme Court's Ledbetter pay discrimination decision. Labor secretary-designate Hilda Solis, shown here, has a confirmation hearing Friday and "I'm sure she will be confirmed," U.S. Chamber of Commerce Labor Policy VP Randy Johnson said today.

Lasko Products Pays $500,000 Penalty for Failure to Report Defective Fans

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently announced that Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa., has agreed to pay a $500,000 civil penalty. The penalty, which has been provisionally accepted by the Commission, settles allegations that the company failed to immediately report incidents about its defective portable fans.

Disaster Response Focus of New OSHA QuickCard

Depending upon the scope, complexity, and hazards associated with an incident, FEMA can activate OSHA to coordinate federal worker safety and health resources and technical assistance.

NSC Updates OSHA Walkthrough Training Program

The National Safety Council (NSC) is introducing two new versions of its OSHA Walkthrough for Industry training program. Like the original program, these versions are designed for educating new employees or refreshing the expertise of seasoned staff.

EPA Seeks 23 'Most Wanted' Fugitives for Environmental Crimes

The alleged violations include everything from the illegal transportation, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste and other pollutants to conspiracy and mail fraud.

Rail Imminent Hazard Maximum Penalty Rising to $100,000

The Federal Railroad Administration filed a final rule to adjust its ordinary maximum and aggravated maximum penalties to amounts authorized by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Coast Guard Finally Sets Oil Vessels' Firefighting Response Times

The final rule will take effect Jan. 30. It ends a long period when the 24-hour response requirement was suspended and the industry was expected to develop salvage and firefighting capabilities on its own.

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