Hazard Communication


Snack Food Maker Busted Following Worker's Injury on Conveyor

OSHA opened an inspection in September based on a complaint that a worker had suffered sprains, multiple lacerations, and contusions as a result of having clothing become caught in a conveyor belt.

GHS Rule's Review Completed

OMB completed the review on Feb. 21 and has sent the rule to OSHA, which means the final rule will be published soon.

No Whey: Dust Explosion at Milk Specialties Stirs Up OSHA Fines

OSHA opened an inspection following a report of a fire resulting from a dust explosion in a machine at the company's Fond du Lac, Wis., facility, which converts liquid whey products into dried whey protein concentrate powder.

Not So Sweet: Hershey's Plant Smacked with $283K in OSHA Fines

OSHA issued six willful violations for failing to record injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log for four years, evaluate the accuracy of the 300 logs before certifying them for three years, and develop and implement an effective hearing conservation program.

Gas Station Explosion Leads to Fla. Firms' $77,000 Fine

A delivery driver was refilling an above-ground gasoline storage tank that had a broken gauge. The tank overflowed, and the combination of vapors and heat from the running delivery truck caused an explosion.

Workers' Finger Amputations Lead to Texas Firm's $57,200 Fine

OSHA began its investigation on Aug. 23, 2011, at the company's worksite following a report that two employees had fingers amputated from coming into contact with a moving saw blade while cutting material to be used as blocking and padding in the construction of manufactured homes.

Perception, Work-Life Balance Key Factors in Workplace Safety, Study Says

Companies that run in a smooth and effective manner and have minimal constraints on worker performance can decrease injuries by 38 percent as worker opinions improve, according to survey results.

OSHA Unearths Electrical Hazards at Produce Firm, Issues $40,500 Fine

The serious violations include failing to ensure that workers were provided with adequate working space around electrical equipment and that the working space was not used for storage and properly cover electrical equipment.



ACOEM Releases Guidance on Managing Workplace Fatigue

A workplace in which hazards are well-controlled, with an active culture of health and a supportive work environment, can enhance worker health and well-being, both on and off the job.

Needlestick Law Linked to Decrease in Health Care Worker Injuries

Needlestick injury rates from 2001 to 2005 were well below pre-Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act rates, according to the study.

Compliance at Metal and Nonmetal Mines Improving, MSHA Says

Preliminary data indicate a 14 percent decrease in citations and orders issued at these mines—74,373 in 2010 compared to 64,186 in 2011.

Cave-In Hazards at Colorado Excavation Sites Lead to $180,180 Fine

OSHA's Englewood Area Office opened an investigation at a work site in Wheat Ridge on Aug. 30 and a second investigation on Sept. 8 at a site in Colorado Springs, following reports that workers were installing sewer pipes without adequate protection from possible cave-ins.

Worker Loses Hand in Conveyor, Supermarket Fined $182,000

"Publix is well aware of the hazards the cleaning crew was exposed to, yet took no steps to safeguard employees by controlling the conveyor equipment's energy source," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville, Fla.

Biodiesel Plant Busted for Process Safety Management Deficiencies

After receiving a complaint, OSHA opened an inspection focused on the agency's process safety management standard for facilities that use hazardous chemicals. Proposed fines total $76,500.

Study: Cognitive Performance Suffers Following Natural Disasters

The researchers’ findings may point to potentially serious complications arising from post-disaster performance in daily life and work tasks. These findings also suggest that police, emergency responders, and others working in the aftermath of the disaster may also experience cognitive disruption, which can interfere with their ability to perform rescue-related tasks.

Longshoring Firm Faces $51,100 Fine Following Worker Fatality

OSHA began an investigation Aug. 8 after an employee was struck in the head by the boom of a crane that was being used to unload fish on the Pacific Princess tuna fishing vessel.

Cal/OSHA Launches Confined Spaces Emphasis Program

The goals of the initiative are to increase enforcement efforts and provide resources, online materials, training, and consultation to prevent injuries and deaths in confined spaces.

MSHA Reorganizes to Centralize Oversight of Assessments, Accountability Programs

"Some mines require targeted, enhanced enforcement methods. The formation of OAASEI will enable MSHA to better manage and coordinate its use of special enforcement tools against the most serious violators of the Mine Act," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health.

Kentucky Labor Cabinet Rolls Out Online Training

The agency's new training website offers training materials based on its regulations and developed in house. And in the future, the agency will offer training curricula that allow users to earn certificates of completion.

Norovirus Causes Most Hospital Infection Outbreaks, Study Says

Thirty-five percent of the 822 hospitals responding had investigated at least one outbreak in the previous two years.

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