Enforcement


Building Group Recognized for Safety Excellence in Nebraska

As part of attaining VPP status, employers must demonstrate management commitment to the safety and health of their workers and actively involve them in supporting the safety and health management system.

Safety Pact Formed on $557M Military Medical Complex Project

The venture, which will employ about 1,200 workers during peak construction activities, is an expansion and extension of Brook Army Medical Center and Fort Sam Houston and will create a medical complex encompassing both Army installations.

NY Drops Mandatory Vaccination Rule

A judge had issued a temporary restraining order on Oct. 16 to halt enforcement of the New York State regulation, but the governor's office said the rule was suspended because of limited supply of vaccines.

Steelworkers International VP Gary Beevers said not enough has been done to ensure safety at refineries.

Steelworkers Ask Why PSM Standard Isn't Gospel

On Friday, the union and Chevron Philips Petroleum marked the 20th anniversary of a refinery explosion and fire in Pasadena, Texas, that killed 23 workers and injured 314 others. International VP Gary Beevers said not enough has been done since then to ensure safety at refineries.

Construction Co. Cited for Lack of Safety Program, 15 Other Violations

Employees not wearing PPE and the employer's failure to develop, implement, or maintain a written hazard communications program for employees working with mortar or cement were among the 11 repeat violations, which, together with five serious violations, have proposed penalties totaling $146,000.

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission is developing tougher cell phone rules for the 100,000 drivers under its jurisdiction.

Tougher Cell Phone Rules Coming for 100,000 NYC Drivers

The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission is developing tougher rules to prevent the 100,000 drivers under its jurisdiction from using cell phones and other devices in any way as they drive.

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Joe Main, shown in this photo from the Coal Tattoo blog, on Oct. 21.

New MSHA Chief Praised

The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed Joe Main Wednesday night, prompting the United Mine Workers' international president and U.S. Rep. George Miller to say a new day has begun for miners and MSHA.

OSHA Starts Combustible Dust Rulemaking

OSHA has been conducting a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since October 2007, which it says has resulted in an unusually high number of General Duty Clause violations, indicating a strong need for a standard.



MSHA Proposes $504,900 in Penalties Against Mine Operator

The Mine Safety and Health Administration has proposed $504,900 in civil penalties against UAE Coalcorp Associates, which operates the Harmony Mine in Northumberland County, Pa. Five violations were cited from a fatal roof fall incident in June 2008 and assessed under the flagrant violation provision of MSHA's civil penalty regulation.

Extension for Stormwater Permits on Smaller Building Sites

EPA is proposing the extension because its NPDES stormwater program needs more time to meet a deadline to incorporate new construction and development effluent limitations guidelines into a new permit.

Fugitive Polluter Gets Maximum Jail Time for Criminal, Environmental Violations

One of the hazardous wastes the Utah man was accused of illegally dumping was nonylphenol, a powerful organic chemical and heavy-duty industrial cleaner that is toxic to aquatic life. The man’s actions allegedly caused a nearby wastewater treatment plant to violate permit limits for acute toxicity 22 times.

TV and radio public service announcements featuring Jimmy Smits will run on local stations in English and Spanish.

Star Power: Actor Jimmy Smits Tapes DOL Spots

TV and radio public service announcements featuring the actor will run on local stations in English and Spanish later this fall.

OSHA to Issue Compliance Directive on H1N1-Related Inspections

In addition to being able to show that a good-faith effort was made to acquire respirators, an employer will need to implement a hierarchy of controls, said acting OSHA chief Jordan Barab.

UK Sugar Manufacturer Paying $558,000 in Drowning Case

The 2004 death of Keith Webb, 53, during the unloading of a ship docked in the Thames River exposed Tate & Lyle PLC's failure to train employees to enter and exit ships' holds.

Assistant Secretary David Michaels, Ph.D., MPH, who is the leader of OSHA, is shown in a GWU photo

Fireworks in October? Michaels Nomination Hearing Wednesday

Surprisingly, the nomination of Dr. David Michaels to head OSHA is among 11 listed on the agenda of an Oct. 21 hearing by the U.S. Senate HELP Committee. A few days ago, a press officer for Chairman Tom Harkin said she had no idea when the panel would consider Michaels' nomination.

OSHA Reminds Grain Handling Operators of Safety Measures

After a recent increase in the number of workers killed while performing grain handling operations such as loading, emptying, and cleaning storage bins, OSHA is reminding employers and workers of available resources and OSHA standards that identify hazards and offer solutions to prevent fatalities.

Embalming Fluid Facility Cited for Formaldehyde Hazards

Inspections conducted over the past several months by OSHA's area office in Andover, Mass., also identified various chemical, mechanical, and electrical hazards--41 violations in all, with proposed penalties totaling $138,000.

OSHA Cites New Jersey Asphalt Company for Workplace Safety, Health Hazards

OSHA has cited NuStar Asphalt Refining Co. LLC for 24 alleged serious workplace safety and health violations found at its Paulsboro worksite. Penalties proposed total $105,750.

Pet Food Facility Fined for Combustible Dust Hazards, Lockout/Tagout Issues

In April, a fire at the facility sent three workers to a local hospital. The resulting inspection revealed nine alleged willful, four serious, two repeat, and two failure-to-abate violations.

FDA Enforcement Action Follows Manufacturer's Failure to Correct Violations

The Department of Justice, on behalf of the Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against Rel's Foods Inc. (Rel's), of Oakland, Calif., seeking to stop the company from manufacturing, producing, and selling adulterated food products.

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