Risk Management


Virginia Tech Studies Support Total Texting-While-Driving Ban

The results, reported Monday afternoon by The New York Times, dispel the belief that truly hands-free phones are just as dangerous as driving drunk but pinpoint texting as highly dangerous.

Partnership Emphasizes Safe Building of New Coal-Fired Power Plant in Nebraska

"This partnership showcases a commitment to the value of safety and health shared by PPGA and Black & Veatch and acts as a force multiplier to the advancement of OSHA's mission to promote the safety and health of working men and women," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo.

CIG to Pay $1.02 Million for Clean Air Act Violations in Utah

The settlement will result in operational improvements that are expected to reduce emissions of hazardous air pollutants by more than 48,000 pounds per year and nitrogen oxides by 313,000 pounds per year, EPA said.

Power Company Cited for Willful Bulldozer Violation

OSHA’s Area Office in Marlton, N.J., initiated an investigation on Jan. 21 after being notified of an employee accident.

Pandemic Survey Finds 1 in 6 Public Health Workers Unlikely to Respond

The findings are a significant improvement over a similar 2005 study in which more than 40 percent of public health employees said they were unlikely to report to work during a pandemic emergency.

FEMA Flooded with Recovery Assistance Requests in Minnesota

To date, more than 634 requests made by jurisdictions in the state have been combined into 1,409 sub grant applications worth more than $5 million, which are currently being processed.

the cover of a federal guide about nutrition and obesity prevention

Obesity's Costs Reached $147 Billion Last Year

CDC's inaugural conference focused on solving the soaring obesity rate follows its first comprehensive recommendations, issued Friday. The 24 recommendations include reducing sugar consumption, healthier diets, and much more physical exercise by children and adults.

MSHA Reissues Warning on Pumps' Explosive Potential

Of the two deaths that have occurred in recent years from catastrophic pump failures, the first happened when a clean coal filter drain pump exploded due to restricted material flow that caused heat and pressure buildup within the pump. The pump’s access cover plate was blown off the pump, striking a plant operator who was standing approximately eight feet away at the on/off switch.



1-Day Conference to Explore Workplace Ergonomics

"Ergonomics affects virtually every aspect of the safety profession, from machine use to construction safety to office set-up," said Jeff Spackman, president of the ASSE Central Florida Chapter, which is hosting the event.

Pesticide Firm to Pay $100,000 Civil Penalty, Settling FIFRA Case

In a separate but related matter, in November 2008 the company pleaded guilty to criminal charges of improperly repackaging, redistributing, and selling more than two million pounds of unwanted pesticides it had received in broken bags from Wal-Mart stores throughout the United States.

NFPA 1600 is now available on iPhone.

NFPA 1600 Now Available as iPhone App

"Disasters and emergencies know no boundaries," said Kim Fontes, division manager, Product Development and Production. "With the help of the latest technology, we are able to use another communication channel to put tools and resources directly into the hands of people who count on them."

Companies Accused of Exporting Toxic Computer Parts to China

“The illegal export of e-waste to other countries is a big problem,” said Ed Kowalski, director of the Office of Compliance and Enforcement in EPA’s Seattle office. Color computer monitors contain an average of four pounds of lead. CRTs may also contain mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.

EPA Considers Upping Airborne Lead Monitoring Requirements

The current rule requires air quality monitoring in areas where any industry emits at least one ton of lead to the air each year, and in the 101 urban areas with populations of 500,000 or more.

CDC Strongly Urging More to Accept Flu Vaccines

Dr. Anne Schuchat today said CDC recommends about 83 percent of the U.S. population get the seasonal flu vaccine, but only 40 percent did last year. Health care workers should get it and also the H1N1 vaccine when it's ready.

signal equipment on train tracks

Agency Sets Hearing on Positive Train Control Rule

The Federal Railroad Administration is implementing a requirement of the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and will hear from stakeholders in the all-day meeting Aug. 13 in Washington, D.C.

a female correctional officer at work

Behind Bars: Long-Term Inmates, Too Few Officers?

A union representing correctional officers in federal prisons says the facilities are understaffed and dangerous. Nationwide, the number of inmates serving life without parole has risen steeply in this decade.

Steam Plant Fined After Worker Burned

Fall hazards, lack of personal protective equipment, and deficiencies in the plant's confined space, respirator, and lockout/tagout programs are among the 73 safety violations cited in an inspection conducted by OSHA's Concord Area Office.

thermometer showing a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit

Workplace Temperature Debate Heats Up in Britain

The Health and Safety Executive seeks comments at a stakeholder forum this week in London as it reviews the issue and IOSH queries its 35,000 members.

this worker wears a full-body harness with a lanyard

Fall Protection's Z359 Family of Standards Grows

Three more standards have won ANSI approval, including 12, about connecting components, and 13, about energy-absorbing lanyards.

Contractor Fined for 3rd Consecutive Year, This Time for $120,750

"The size of these fines reflects the gravity and recurring nature of these hazards, any one of which could have resulted in death or disabling injury for these workers," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's area director for Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn.

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