Enforcement


CPSC Launches E-Newsletter

The first edition, dated May 2008, showcases efforts that are central to the $80 million FY2009 budget request now before congressional appropriations committees.

Foulke Announces Several Key Appointments

Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke, Jr. recently announced new appointments to key executive positions at the agency.

So-Called Employment Services Firm Busted for Immigration Fraud

The company conspired to file labor certification applications that contained false information to assist aliens in getting "green cards" through an employment-based visa program.

OSHA Cites Company for Willful Disregard of Machine Guards

"Amputation is a very real threat when machines lack the proper safety features," said John J. Deifer, OSHA's area director in Savannah, Ga.

DOL Secures $688,772 in OT Wages from Quest Diagnostics

Following a DOL investigation, New Jersey-based Quest Diagnostics Inc. has agreed to pay 238 employees a total of $688,772 in overtime back wages due under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

Could Senate's Hearing Finally Move OSHA?

AFL-CIO's Seminario, FIGHT's Hayes, and others tell Sen. Edward Kennedy's committee that OSHA penalties in fatalities are too low to make a difference.

Australia Moving Swiftly Toward Harmonized OHS Act

All jurisdictions have agreed to implement the same law, and a panel of three experts is now working toward a January 2009 deadline to make recommendations.



Foundry Cited for Willful Over-Exposure to Beryllium, Worker Facial Hair

"It's disappointing when we find on re-inspection that problems which may lead to death or serious injury still exist," said Jule Hovi, OSHA's area director in Toledo, Ohio.

MSHA's Latest Flagrant Fines Follow Mechanic's Death

These penalties, authorized by the MINER Act, have bumped MSHA's big cases beyond the penalties issued by OSHA.

More Bad News from the Trenches: 2 Contractors Fined $94,250 in Atlanta

The seven safety citations include one company's two repeat violations of exposing employees to cave-in hazards by placing excavated material within two feet of a trench and allowing employees to work in an 18-foot-deep trench without an adequate protective system.

'Shadowy Practice' of Underreporting Injuries Concerns Senators

"I want the GAO to take a good hard look at injury and illness reporting because frankly, it's a system that seems all too easy to game," said Senator Patty Murray.

Library's Builders Now Reading OSHA Citations for Cave-in Hazards

"While no cave-in occurred, the potential for death or disabling injury was real and present, since an unguarded excavation can collapse in seconds, crushing and burying employees before they can react or escape," said OSHA's Diana Cortez.

EPA Orders Scotts to Stop Selling Certain Pesticides, Fertilizers

At this time the risks, if any, posed by these unregistered products are unknown, the agency says.

Night Vision Goggles Maker Charged in Scheme to Defraud U.S. Military

According to DOJ, the Canadian company and two of its executives attempted to defraud the U.S. Army's Tank-Automotive and Armaments Command, a military unit tasked with equipping and training the Iraqi Army.

HELP Committee to Examine FDA's Performance Thursday

Witnesses listed for the committee hearing include the Grocery Manufacturers Association's chief scientific offier and Pfizer's vice president of quality and EHS.

11 Contractors at N.Y. Mall Project Face $135,700 in Fall Hazards Fines

"It takes only one misstep, be it from a roof, scaffold, ladder, or into a hole, to cause death or disabling injury," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo.

New York City's Buildings Commissioner Resigns

Not quite six weeks after a construction crane fell, casting blame on city inspectors and prompting a citywide inspection blitz, Patricia Lancaster is leaving.

Hearing Puts Freight Rail Hazmat Obligation in Spotlight

The nation's biggest railroads want relief from their requirement to transport toxic inhalation hazard materials.

Coast Guard's First National Security Cutter Nears Acceptance

Up to two years of crew training and equipment testing would follow conditional acceptance, which could occur by April 30.

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