Enforcement


Texas Tower Manufacturer Cited for 41 Safety, Health Violations

The company, which manufactures guyed and self-supporting towers and monopoles, was charged with three willful and 38 serious violations.

Kmart to Pay $120,000 to Settle Age Bias Suit

According to EEOC, a store pharmacy manager openly professed on several occasions that the worker was "too old," "should just retire," and was "greedy" for continuing to work at age 70.

OSHA Advisory Group to Discuss Silica Inhalation, Nailgun Safety, More

The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) advises OSHA chief David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H., on worker safety and health in the construction industry.

OSHA Sticks Stucco Contractor with $49,600 Fine for Fall Hazards

“Employees were exposed to a potentially fatal fall hazard of more than 13 feet from scaffolds while applying a final coat of stucco to a building,” said Patricia Jones, director of the OSHA office in Avenel, N.J.

FAA Proposes $1.45 Million Fine for Northwest Airlines

Northwest Airlines flew more than 90,000 passenger flights on multiple 757s that were not in compliance with an airworthiness directive.

The OSHA memo clarifies when the agency says flame-resistant clothing must be worn by oil and gas workers, saying flash fires could generate temperatures as high as 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit.

OSHA Says FR Clothing Required in Many Oil & Gas Jobs

A March 19 memo sent to regional administrators and state plans by Richard Fairfax and Steve Witt, who head the OSHA enforcement and state programs units, clarifies when citations should be issued for failing to provide it.

IDOT Pays $100,000 for Violating Storm Water Rules

EPA said that by issuing complaints it is sending a message to construction site operators, public or private, that these regulations must be met.

OSHA Forms Alliance with Mechanical Contractors, Pipefitters

Priorities will include developing courses for small businesses and employees who speak no or limited English regarding construction safety and health hazards.



Illinois' State Plan Gets Federal Aid

Using it, the state will hire more inspectors to visit public sector workplaces, part of its outreach to 1 million public employees.

EPA has a new drinking water strategy

EPA Outlines New Strategy for Safer Drinking Water

As part of its new approach, the agency is revising the existing drinking water standards for four contaminants that can cause cancer.

Study: Commercial Drivers' Safety Belt Use Up Nearly 10 Percent

According to FMCSA, safety belt use was at 78 percent in states with primary safety belt laws, which allow law enforcement to stop drivers for not using a safety belt, versus 67 percent in states with weaker laws.

New lead paint rule effective April 22

Reminder: New Lead-Based Paint Rule Takes Effect April 22

The requirements under the rule apply to maintenance, renovation, or repair activities where six square feet (about the size of a poster) or more of a painted surface is disturbed inside, or where 20 square feet or more of painted surface (about the size of a door) is disturbed on the exterior.

Mechanic's Death Leads to $608,865 Fine for Mining Firm

MSHA's investigation found that the 2007 fatality occurred because the mine management failed to ensure that adverse ground conditions identified during the mining cycle were adequately supported.

Phosphene-Related Death in W. Virginia Results in EPA's Censure of DuPont

The order results from an inspection of the facility following three releases of the gas in January, including the release that caused the death. EPA determined that the facility has not satisfied Clean Air Act requirements that are designed to help prevent accidental releases and minimize the consequences of releases that do occur.

Those in the safety community who are concerned about combustible dust fires and explosions are avidly folllowing the OSHA meetings.

Combustible Dust Stakeholder Meetings Slated for Chicago

Previous meetings in this series addressing combustible dust hazards were held in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. OSHA will consider participants' comments in developing its proposed standard on the issue.

Louver Maker’s ‘Blatant Disregard’ for Safety Results in Proposed $55,500 Fine

The company was inspected as part of a federal site-specific targeting program based on its high injury and illness rates in comparison to the national rates.

Solis to Convene Latino Worker Safety Summit in Houston

Two days after the event, a “We Can Help” safety and worker rights fair will take place, also in Houston, providing free information, resources, training, and services.

NER has been analyzing heavy equipment thefts and aiding recoveries since 2001.

NER Offering More Tools to Stop Equipment Theft

Through summits held in conjunction with law enforcement agencies, a service that searches a used equipment database by serial number, and a new Web site, the company wants to improve coordination of efforts to combat thefts of construction and farm equipment.

Bank Ordered to Reinstate Officer, Pay More than $1 Million in Back Wages

"This case clearly shows the department's commitment to ensuring that individuals are provided the protections and relief afforded by the law and sends a strong message that retaliatory actions will not be tolerated," said OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels.

Medical Distributor Rewarded for Injecting Safety into Management System

The company, which distributes specialty injectable pharmaceutical solutions and medical supplies to regional customers, has maintained an injury and illness rate 54 percent below the industry average for three years.

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