"The violations which related to improper management of the anhydrous ammonia system demonstrate a lax attitude towards a potentially catastrophic atmospheric release," said John Healy, OSHA area director in Englewood.
"Even in a retail outlet, employees can be exposed to deadly or disabling hazards if the proper safeguards and training are absent, as they were here," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany.
The study found that health care workers perceived surfaces as safer to touch than patient skin, in spite of research that has proven touching one contaminated surface can spread bacteria to up to the next seven surfaces touched.
OSHA's inspection found employees exposed to fire hazards from the open container of gasoline, combustibles allowed in the work area when the acetylene torch was being used, an unapproved light fixture in a hazardous location, and a lack of training in fire extinguisher use for employees.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future also says currently available revenues are sufficient and a new, non-DOE nuclear waste management program should be established.
"This injury could have been prevented had the company followed proper machine guarding safety procedures," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.
Emergency preparedness is equally as important as prevention in maintaining a safe workplace.
Northeastern Wisconsin Wood Products was first inspected by OSHA in 2006 and issued eight citations. A follow-up inspection in 2007 found that most of the originally cited hazards remained unabated.
OSHA cited the company for 15 safety violations following an inspection resulting from the January death of a pedestal grinder operator who was killed when the abrasive wheel on the grinder exploded and struck the operator on the head.
OSHA's Dallas Area Office initiated an inspection Feb 21, after receiving a report that a worker was fatally injured from being caught in a pinsetter machine while clearing a jam.
The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration's new advisory bulletin for owners and operators of gas and hazardous liquid pipelines says the Yellowstone River spill that began July 1 shows the risks.
DOE issued a $243,750 civil penalty to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions after a worker received a hand puncture from a sharp object contaminated with plutonium-238.
Proposed penalties total $169,400 following an inspection that began Jan. 10.
The July 28 meeting in Rockville, Md., to discuss recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Japan Task Force gives Public Citizen and others the chance to say they don't go far enough.
Three violations involve not following lockout/tagout standards to isolate energy sources in order to prevent the unexpected energization of machinery.
OSHA initiated its inspection May 5 after being notified of the amputation. The violations involve failing to ensure equipment was turned off and properly guarded to prevent contact with moving parts during servicing operations.
The company was cited for one willful, one repeat, 20 serious, and one-other-than serious violation, following a combined safety and health inspection at the company's facility.
"Pilgrim's Pride continues to allow combustible dust to accumulate on motors and electrical equipment, causing the potential for a fire or explosion," said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA's area director in Mobile, Ala.
Organizations are asked to submit their best workplace improvements, highlighting the implementation of a creative, sustainable, and high-impact ergonomic solution.
This employer failed to address common and basic hazards posed by blocked exits, falls from heights, and being struck by a heavy gas cylinder," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.