Hazard Communication


Condo Owner Gets Prison Term for Failing to Notify Employees of Asbestos Risk

The owner and manager of a California condominium complex were sentenced for conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act’s asbestos work practice standards during the renovation of a 204-unit apartment building in Winnetka, Calif., in 2006 – work that caused asbestos to be released into the complex and the surrounding community.

The incidence rate among agricultural workers in 11 states who were exposed to pesticide drift was much higher than that of non-workers, according to the study.

NIOSH Study Confirms Pesticide Drift Dangers

The authors found that 53 percent of the 2,945 pesticide poisoning cases associated with drift in 11 states during 1996-2008 involved non-occupational exposures, however.

OSHA, and the rest of the world, would not want you to text a comment while driving a motor vehicle.

Here's Your Chance to Take Shots at OSHA Regs

The plan is based on public feedback collected earlier. The deadline for comments is 11:59 p.m. EDT on July 1.

As summer heats up, mosquitoes begin to breed.

Experts Predict 'Mosquito Summer from Hell'

Homeowners are advised to be vigilant in eliminating places where water can collect and stand in their yards and gardens.

Containment equipment manufacturers have been searching for ways to be even more helpful while enhancing environmental objectives, such as by using recycled resin in molding spill control products.

Zero is Good for Green

Spill containment products made of recycled content conserve resources and reduce waste going to landfills -- a good step in the direction of zero waste.

ANSI Panel OKs New Chemical Permeation Testing Standard

The ASTM F2815 standard explains how to use a computer program called a permeation calculator to analyze data following a permeation test.

ASSE Offers Cleanup Tips for Businesses Affected by Recent Disasters

"It is projected that we can expect more serious storms and tornadoes during the summer," said ASSE President Darryl C. Hill. "Thus, it is imperative we plan accordingly.”

Engulfment Hazards Add Up to $94,050 in Fines for Georgia Firm

OSHA found that employees installing a new sewer line were exposed to engulfment hazards while working in an 8-foot-deep trench without any protective system in place.



OSHA Launches Health, Safety Program Survey for Private Sector Employers

Questions include whether respondents already have a safety management system, whether they perform annual inspections, who manages safety at their establishments, and what kinds of hazards they encounter at their facilities.

Combustible dust fires are frequently precursor events to dust-related explosions, John Astad says. (NIST photo)

ComDust Group Wants Fire Input in OSHA's Standard

Some members of the LinkedIn Combustible Dust Policy Institute Group are concerned that the fire service may not be involved in discussions as the proposed standard is being developed.

Some Hidden Gems in AIHce 2011 Posters

For instance, IH consultants will be happy to know about the results of SKC Inc. research showing alternative air sampling bags work well.

Molten Metal Hazards Carry $178,500 in Fines for Foundry

OSHA has cited Multi-Cast Corp. for 13 safety and health violations, including failing to ensure foundry employees wore fire-retardant clothing and protective equipment while working with molten metal.

Comprehensive Silica Health Standard Coming Soon, OSHA's Chief Says

Assistant Secretary Michaels told AIHce 2011 attendees March 18 the proposal will be issued "in the next few months."

AIHce 2011: Nanotechnology Moving Out of Lab, Onto Shop Floor

As part of a Roundtable Discussion held Wednesday at the Oregon Convention Center, Geraci and a panel of scientists explored the topic of "Risk Assessment Applied to Engineered Nanomaterials: Managing Risk with Limited Data."

Study: How World Trade Center Evacuees Left WTC Area Following Attacks

A survivor survey of the World Trade Center attacks shows anticipating people stopping for information and the seeking out of others in crises are critical factors in emergency planning.

OSHA Reopens Public Record on MSD Column Proposed Rule

"The more feedback the agency receives from small businesses on this topic, the better informed we will be in crafting a proposed regulation that protects workers without overburdening employers," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

Live from AIHce: Keynoter Calls for Safer Chemicals

Michael P. Wilson, associate director for Integrative Sciences at UC Berkeley's Center for Green Chemistry, observed that while the United States continues to lead the world in areas of occupational safety and health, the European Union has decidedly taken the global lead in chemicals policy initiatives with its adoption of REACH.

Kansas Beef Processor Hit with $176,400 Fine for Slew of Hazards

OSHA's inspection of the beef processing and packaging company was initiated in November 2010 under the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, through which OSHA focuses on employers with higher-than-average occupational injury and illness rates.

Little Progress on SDSs' Nano Information

One of the AIHce technical papers in which NIOSH personnel were involved provides a disappointing update on what the agency reported at the 2009 AIHce.

OSHA Blasts Best Buy Following Worker's 12-Foot Fall

The employee was stacking televisions on a storage rack while standing on an elevated powered industrial truck's platform when it suddenly tilted and caused the employee to fall approximately 12 feet.

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