Enforcement


OSHA Emphasis Program Started for Kansas Grain Industry

The agency's Wichita Area Office will examine grain elevators and other operations for hazards typically associated with grain handling. Two workers died in June when a grain elevator collapsed in Russell, Kan.

Steel Mill Cited $143,000 for Fall Hazards, Repeat Violations

The company's Lorain location, which employs about 250 people, has been inspected 25 times and received 59 safety violations since 1999.

Travel Agency Fined for Violating Price Advertising Rules

"When people buy tickets for air travel, they have the right to know how much they will have to pay," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood. "We will continue to take enforcement action when our price advertising rules are violated."

Masonry Block Manufacturer Fined $119,625 for Machine Guarding, More

OSHA's inspection of the masonry block manufacturing company's facility, initiated under OSHA's site-specific targeting program addressing employers with high injury and illness rates, found 16 serious violations and one repeat violation.

OSHA Cites Contractor in Redstone Arsenal Fatal Explosion

Two workers died of burns after an explosion in May involving ammonium perchlorate and n-Butanol.

Colorado Commercial Carrier Cited for Violating Hours-of-Service Rules

In the final settlement agreement issued by FMCSA on Oct. 7, 2010, the agency cited JBS Carriers for 102 counts of falsifying drivers’ hours-of-service records and three counts of allowing drivers with a suspended, revoked, or canceled commercial driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.

Plumbing Company Penalized for Illegal Sales of Refrigerant

According to EPA’s New England office, Robinson Plumbing and Heating Supply Co. sold ozone-depleting refrigerants to non-certified technicians at two separate sales outlets in Massachusetts, in violation of the Clean Air Act.

MSHA Proposes its First-Ever Injunction against Mine

On numerous occasions, MSHA officials have attempted to resolve serious safety issues at Massey-owned Freedom Energy, including meetings with upper mine management over recurring roof problems, ventilation and dust control issues. The inspections, citations, and meetings with mine management have not resulted in changes in behavior.



Tree Trimming Company Cited $146,000 for Electrical Hazards

OSHA issued a willful citation with a proposed penalty of $70,000 for failing to ensure a tree-trimming company’s employees were trained and qualified to work near energized transmission and distribution lines.

Contractors Cited Following Scaffold Collapse that Injured Six Workers

OSHA's inspection found that the safety chains designed to hold the scaffold platform bridge in place were no longer on the scaffold. While it could not be established who removed the safety chains, OSHA determined that Apple Roofing did not have a competent person, one with the knowledge and authority to identify and correct such a hazardous condition, inspect the scaffold before using it.

Chevron Fined $423,600 for Salt Lake City Pipeline Failure

The pipeline involved in the failure leaked crude oil for more than ten hours before Chevron received notification of the failure from the local fire department, according to PHMSA.

U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont.

OSHA's Rules, Budget Will Be Target

While the Nov. 2 elections left the U.S. House oversight and appropriations panels basically intact, Republicans in line to chair them, including Montana's Denny Rehberg, are likely to fight any new regulation.

Trenching Hazards Lead to $67,000 Fine for Delaware Construction Firm

"Excavation is recognized as one of the most hazardous construction operations. However, cave-ins are easily avoided when the proper precautions are taken," said Domenick Salvatore, director of OSHA's Wilmington Area Office.

Two Public Hearings Set on Vehicle Emissions Rules

EPA and NHTSA announced the public hearings will take place Nov. 15 in Chicago and Nov. 18 in Cambridge, Mass.

The OSHA review of state plans could result in a dialogue about the meaning of "at least as effective."

What Does 'At Least As Effective' Mean?

John Duncan, director of the California Department of Industrial Relations, says a meeting with OSHA's regional administrator could start a national dialogue to clarify what "at least as effective" means.

Michigan Engine Manufacturer Fined $137,750 for Confined Space Hazards, More

"Conditions found during the MIOSHA inspection were very serious,” said Acting Director Andrew S. Levin. “They must fulfill their obligations under the MIOSH Act and provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

OSHA Revises Outreach Training Programs

OSHA recently revised its policy for all Outreach Training Programs to address the number of hours each day a student may spend in OSHA 10- and 30-hour classes. OSHA revised the length of daily classroom instruction to prevent workers from being saturated with so much information that they may miss content that could prevent injuries, illnesses, and death.

Cesspool Violations Cause Stink for Hawaii Housing Corp.

Cesspools are used more widely in Hawaii than in any other state. Cesspools discharge raw sewage into the ground, allowing disease-causing pathogens and other contaminants to potentially pollute groundwater, streams, and the ocean.

OSHA Pounds Meat Manufacturer for Lockout Hazards

"C & F Packing has demonstrated a disregard for worker safety by placing workers at risk for serious injury from machine rotating parts," said OSHA Area Director Diane M. Turek in Des Plaines, Ill.

FDA Seizes $700,000 of Food from Rodent-Riddled Warehouse

An FDA inspection of United Food Service’s facility between Sept. 22, 2010, and Oct. 1, 2010, revealed “an active and widespread rodent infestation, including live and dead rodents within the warehouse where food products are stored,” according to the complaint.

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