The Rancho Cordova, Calif., explosion on Dec. 24, 2008, involved natural gas leaking from a distribution pipeline. An administrative judge rejected a smaller, $26 million fine proposed by the CPUC and the utility.
Breathing crystalline silica dust can cause silicosis, an incurable condition that reduces the ability of lungs to take in oxygen.
OSHA initiated an inspection of the fabrication plant after receiving a complaint alleging that injured workers, who were unable to perform their normal jobs, were moved to other jobs to avoid recordable injuries on the OSHA 300 logs.
Serious safety violations include failing to provide training for employees working with hazardous materials, provide appropriate personal protective equipment for eyes and face, and exposing workers to live electrical parts.
OSHA issued seven safety violations after an employee performing repair work on an oil drilling rig was electrocuted at the company's worksite near Ozona, Texas.
Soot is generated by coal-fired power plants, diesel and other vehicles, agricultural burning, wood stoves, and industrial combustion.
T2 Construction oversaw the activities of demolition contractor Gramek Construction, including the removal of floor tile and pipe insulation that allegedly contained asbestos.
"We hope this citation sends a message to all employers in California that when the failure to keep and provide records as required by law is part of a concerted effort to deny workers their hard-earned wages, we will not tolerate it,” said California Labor Commissioner Julie Su.
An employee had complained about safety and health hazards to the clinic's management staff before filing a formal complaint about the hazards with OSHA. The employee was later discharged and then filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA alleging retaliation by the defendants in violation of Section 11(c) of the OSH Act.
An available enforcement action since the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 1990 was enacted, the maximum penalties will be $100,000 for each violation and $15,150,000 for any related series of violations.
"Operation Hang Up" is a statewide enforcement campaign during the Thanksgiving holiday, funded by NHTSA.
The company was cited for four willful safety citations for failing to provide fall protection and ensure workers operating nail guns wore safety glasses at two separate job sites in Findlay and Toledo, Ohio. Proposed fines total $48,400.
The agency said this change, among several proposed adjustments to its penalty structure that are set for Dec. 2 and Dec. 7 public hearings, would remove what could be seen as a reward for doing what is already required.
"Our inspections found numerous electrical, chemical, mechanical, fire, and exit hazards at this plant," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director in Hartford, Conn.
Six agencies, including the U.S. Department of Labor, had zero suspension and debarment cases during the past five fiscal years, GAO’s report states.
OSHA opened an inspection after receiving a report that employees were performing small parts plating operations without protection against chemical and physical hazards.
An investigation was initiated after OSHA received complaints that two workers had been struck by overhead cranes at Legend Tube and Metal Sales Inc.'s facility, one on May 9 and another on May 10.
The company was cited for 21 violations of workplace safety standards following the May 11 death of an employee who was fatally engulfed by cotton seed stored in a silo. Proposed penalties total $155,200.
Research suggests that the incidence of heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths was cut in half among Olmsted County, Minn., residents after a smoke-free ordinance took effect.
Since 2000, the fatal crash rate for large trucks has fallen 54.5 percent, according to FMCSA.