Enforcement


Snack Food Maker Busted Following Worker's Injury on Conveyor

OSHA opened an inspection in September based on a complaint that a worker had suffered sprains, multiple lacerations, and contusions as a result of having clothing become caught in a conveyor belt.

No Whey: Dust Explosion at Milk Specialties Stirs Up OSHA Fines

OSHA opened an inspection following a report of a fire resulting from a dust explosion in a machine at the company's Fond du Lac, Wis., facility, which converts liquid whey products into dried whey protein concentrate powder.

UBB Mine Superintendent Charged with Conspiracy

Charging Gary May in an information suggests he may be cooperating with authorities in prosecuting top personnel at Massey Energy, the company that owned the Upper Big Branch mine.

Not So Sweet: Hershey's Plant Smacked with $283K in OSHA Fines

OSHA issued six willful violations for failing to record injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log for four years, evaluate the accuracy of the 300 logs before certifying them for three years, and develop and implement an effective hearing conservation program.

Gas Station Explosion Leads to Fla. Firms' $77,000 Fine

A delivery driver was refilling an above-ground gasoline storage tank that had a broken gauge. The tank overflowed, and the combination of vapors and heat from the running delivery truck caused an explosion.

Workers' Finger Amputations Lead to Texas Firm's $57,200 Fine

OSHA began its investigation on Aug. 23, 2011, at the company's worksite following a report that two employees had fingers amputated from coming into contact with a moving saw blade while cutting material to be used as blocking and padding in the construction of manufactured homes.

OSHA Unearths Electrical Hazards at Produce Firm, Issues $40,500 Fine

The serious violations include failing to ensure that workers were provided with adequate working space around electrical equipment and that the working space was not used for storage and properly cover electrical equipment.

Barge Manufacturer Busted Following Worker's Fatal Crushing

This fatality is the third at the barge manufacturing facility since May 2010, when two other workers were killed in separate incidents on different days.



OSHA Nails Miss. Lumber Company for Combustible Dust Hazards

OSHA initiated its inspection as part of the agency's national emphasis program to reduce employees' exposure to combustible dust hazards. Proposed penalties total $103,356.

Needlestick Law Linked to Decrease in Health Care Worker Injuries

Needlestick injury rates from 2001 to 2005 were well below pre-Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act rates, according to the study.

Proposed Budget Would Boost BSEE's Training

Director James A. Watson said the $222.2 million requested for the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement in FY2103 will establish it as "a world-class offshore safety regulator."

OSHA Hits Food Manufacturer with $174,500 Fine for Machine Hazards

The serious violations include failing to provide required machine guarding to prevent workers from coming into contact with rotating parts on drill presses, ensure that employees are trained on the use of energy control procedures, and prevent slip and "struck-by" hazards by ensuring walkways are kept clean and dry.

Compliance at Metal and Nonmetal Mines Improving, MSHA Says

Preliminary data indicate a 14 percent decrease in citations and orders issued at these mines—74,373 in 2010 compared to 64,186 in 2011.

DOT Proposes Rules to Limit Use of Electronics in Vehicles

The proposed voluntary guidelines would apply to communications, entertainment, information gathering, and navigation devices or functions that are not required to safely operate the vehicle.

Cave-In Hazards at Colorado Excavation Sites Lead to $180,180 Fine

OSHA's Englewood Area Office opened an investigation at a work site in Wheat Ridge on Aug. 30 and a second investigation on Sept. 8 at a site in Colorado Springs, following reports that workers were installing sewer pipes without adequate protection from possible cave-ins.

OSHA Extends Residential Construction Enforcement Policies

In effect for six more months, until Sept. 15, 2012, are measures giving compliance assistance requests top priority and reducing penalties up to 10 percent.

Worker Loses Hand in Conveyor, Supermarket Fined $182,000

"Publix is well aware of the hazards the cleaning crew was exposed to, yet took no steps to safeguard employees by controlling the conveyor equipment's energy source," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville, Fla.

$540,890 in Fines Issued to Three Firms Following Blast at Calif. Plant

The explosion occurred when a pressure vessel containing compressed gas, including oxygen and hydrogen, exploded while the two workers were transferring hydrogen and oxygen gas from one cylinder to another.

Biodiesel Plant Busted for Process Safety Management Deficiencies

After receiving a complaint, OSHA opened an inspection focused on the agency's process safety management standard for facilities that use hazardous chemicals. Proposed fines total $76,500.

BMW to Pay $3 Million in Fines for Untimely Reporting of 2010 Recalls

NHTSA’s examination of 16 BMW recalls issued in 2010 found evidence of a number of instances where the automaker failed to report safety defects to the agency in accordance with federal law.

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