Facility Safety


MIOSHA Launches Initiative to Prevent Workplace Electrocutions

The MIOSH Act requires employers to provide "a workplace free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to the employees."

Square D Services' Demo Van Hits the Road

Starting this week in Florida, the Services & Solutions Demo Van displays arc flash mitigation products and equipment life extension solutions and offers free lunch-and-learn seminars about both topics.

Among the 300 codes and standards for which NFPA is responsible is the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13).

NFPA Revises Standards Development Process

Effective for standards reporting in the Fall 2013 revision cycle are significant changes that include a new website to be the centralized entry point for participants in the process and also a single comment stage.

Alabama Smelting Plant Cited for LOTO, Electrical Hazards

OSHA cited 17 serious safety violations, including failing to use lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, guard open-sided floors and platforms, and provide standard railings for fixed stairways.

Amputation, LOTO Hazards Add Up to $49,900 Fine for Steel Company

The serious violations involve failing to properly implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources, provide adequate guarding of belts and pulleys, and provide proper storage of flammable materials.

Pep Boys Penalized for Machine Guarding, Electrical Hazards

OSHA alleges that workers in the Hamden store's service area were exposed to electric shock hazards from damaged power cords, as well as to cuts and lacerations from a grinder that lacked a safety guard, a tongue guard, and guarding of its spindle end.

Schneider Electric Site Named VPP Star

The Lincoln, Neb. facility employs more than 250 workers, according to OSHA.

VA Requires State Homes to Meet Current Life Safety Code

The final rule takes effect April 1. It tells State Homes that receive a per diem for providing nursing home care to eligible veterans they must meet certain provisions of the 2009 edition NFPA 101.



Oregon OSHA Initiates Emphasis Program on Amputations

The agency will focus more on inspections of job sites with machinery, equipment, and processes that cause amputations and job sites where amputations have occurred in the past.

California Hospital Cited for Workplace Violence Violations

Cal/OSHA penalized the hospital for having an ineffective training program, incomplete and inadequate procedures to deal with safety concerns, and an “incomplete and untimely hazard correction for workplace violence exposures in the emergency department.”

Cintas Site Joins OR-OSHA's SHARP Ranks

A 27-employee site in Eugene is the newest member of Oregon OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, the agency announced last week.

Failing to de-energize equipment before changeouts and maintenance is a recognized hazard in sawmills, according to OSHA.

Sawmill Wins Michigan VPP Rising Star Award

The evaluation team cited senior management's involvement, a corporate EH&S hotline, and the mill's "Buddy" System for lockout/tagout as some of the reasons for honoring the Gwinn Lumber Mill owned by Potlatch Corp.

USPS Posts $329 Million Loss, Receives $70,000 OSHA Fine

Both were announced Feb. 9. USPS is trying to cut $2 billion in operating costs this fiscal year by cutting 40 million work hours. Since the end of 2007, total employee headcount is down 15.1 percent.

GM Indianapolis decided to approach its fire protection needs using the latest network technology.

Where Would You Like to Work?

It doesn't matter what the emergency response team or individual is called. The assigned function defines the intent, and the appropriate rules apply.

Using recycled content or other greener product alternatives can demonstrate to a workforce a commitment to continuous improvement and resource conservation.

Green's Growing Popularity

Safety products will continue to evolve into safer designs that will treat our environment better in the long term.

OSHA has reported that 29 CFR 1910.22, its walking-working surfaces standard, was the seventh-most-cited standard by its compliance officers in the Eating Places Industry Group from October 2008 through September 2009.

Preventing Slip-and-Fall Injuries

Housekeeping and buying the right mat for the task and location are essential parts of the solution for food service companies.

Small Fine, Many Incidents in Action Against Maine Hospital

OSHA issued seven citations to The Acadia Hospital in Bangor but said its inspection found at least 115 instances between 2008 and 2010 where employees of the psychiatric hospital and clinic were assaulted by patients.

Lead Paint, Asbestos Hazards Lead to $46,000 Fine for Miss. Firm

"OSHA will not allow companies to endanger the safety and health of its workers as a means to reduce business expenses," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's area director in Jackson, Miss.

Four Brickmakers Win EH&S Awards

The recipients were honored by the Brick Industry Association for comprehensive safety programs, energy conservation, and building a plant to LEED Gold standards.

Tesoro Corp. operates seven refineries in the western United States.

Tesoro Refinery Wins OSHA Star

The highest possible achievement in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs has been earned by San Antonio-based Tesoro Corp.'s Mandan, N.D., refinery.

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