Hazard Communication


OSHA Brews Up $46,550 in Fines for Georgia Coffee, Tea Manufacturer

Fourteen serious violations involve the company's failure to install isolation devices on the dust collector system to prevent fires and explosions, keep steel beams and floors free of coffee and tea dust accumulation, and develop and implement an emergency action plan and training in the use of fire extinguishers.

$326,300 in Fines Issued to Colorado Dairy, Contractor

"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.

Drilling Company Cited for Repeat Violations

Jay-Bee Oil & Gas Inc. was cited for the same ones at the same gas well drilling site in 2010, according to OSHA.

OSHA Notifies U.S. Army of Multiple Hazards at Fort Bragg

A total of 37 violations are alleged, including two repeat violations involving machine guarding. OSHA said its Frankfort, Ky., office notified the Army earlier about those same violations at a Kentucky installation.

Contractor Fined $162,000 after Worker Dies from Overexposure to Methylene Chloride

Stockbridge, Ga.-based Creative Multicare Inc. was issued five serious, two willful, and one other-than-serious violation following the death of a worker who was exposed to excessive amounts of methylene chloride while using the chemical to remove paint from a bathtub surface.

Mass. Muffler Firm Faces $184,000 in Fines Following Worker's Burning

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.

OSHA Slams Tortilla Makers Following Worker's Death in Mixing Machine

Juan Batten, a 22-year-old Guatemalan immigrant, died when he became caught in the auger of a mixing machine. OSHA's inspection found that the mixer was not guarded to prevent employees from coming into contact with its points of operation.

OSHA Files $59K in Penalties Against NJ Manufacturer

The alleged serious violations included failure to monitor employees who were exposed to methylene chloride, OSHA said.



Bread Maker Slices Finger on Machine, Bakery Fined $51,800

"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.

$378,620 in Fines Issued to Wisconsin Wood Firm for Willful Violations

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.

Grinder Operator Fatally Struck by Abrasive Wheel, Firm Fined $159,600

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 Busts Philadelphia Furniture Maker for 44 Safety Violations

Proposed penalties total $169,400 following an inspection that began Jan. 10.

EU Firms Get Chemical Safety Assist

The European Chemical Industry Council, cefic, recently released its first Responsible Care toolkit to help small and medium-size businesses with EHS issues, accident prevention, and reporting.

Grain Bin Maker Fined $142,400 for Plethora of Serious Safety Violations

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.

OSHA Pounds Pilgrim's Pride Chicken for Combustible Dust Hazards

"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.

Illinois Grocer Busted for Process Safety Management Violations

OSHA has cited the company for 13 safety violations with $75,000 in proposed penalties.

CDC Releases Infection Prevention Guide to Promote Safe Outpatient Care

The guide states that all outpatient practices should ensure that at least one individual with specific training in infection control is on staff or regularly available. This individual should be involved in developing a written infection control policy and have regular communication with health care providers to address specific issues or concerns.

NIOSH Describes Worker Protections After Deepwater Horizon Disaster

Recommendations for the future include increasing the use of personal protective gear, steps to manage heat stress management, approaches to beach cleaning, and reporting of injuries and potential hazards.

Study: Laundered Shop Towels May Be Contaminating Workers

“Without knowing it, manufacturing workers may be ingesting certain heavy metals at elevated levels from this unexpected source," said Barbara Beck, Ph.D., DABT, principal at Gradient, the firm that conducted the research. "For some of these metals, the amounts ingested may be greater than allowed in drinking water on a daily basis."

An awareness campaign is planned to ensure the 2013 registration deadline is met.

First ECHA Report Says REACH Succeeding

Fears that REACH was too complex and set overly demanding deadlines for industry and regulators were overblown, says the first required report on how the REACH and CLP regulations are working.

Featured

Artificial Intelligence