Hazard Communication


Plastics Plant Penalized for Polyvinyl Particles, Improper Procedures

In addition to the combustible dust violations, an inspection found that the Delaware company failed to provide fire retardant clothing for employees and require them to wear adequate eye protection with side shields, among other hazards.

OSHA Finds Illinois Airport Tower Trafficking in Unsafe Conditions

Based on the violations found, total penalties assessed would amount to $125,000 if the employer was in the private sector, but under the law, federal agencies are cited without penalties.

The key question may be how FDA should assess neutrality of prescription drug maker presentations of information about side effects and effectiveness.

FDA Taking Comments on Rx Ads' Side Effects Content

The requirement that direct-to-consumer TV and radio ads for prescription drugs present information about side effects and contraindications in a clear, conspicuous, neutral manner was in the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007.

Study Finds MRSA Infection Rates Six Times Greater in HIV Patients

HIV-infected patients are at a markedly increased risk for community acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections according to a new study by researchers at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and Rush University Medical Center.

OSHA Advisory Group to Discuss Silica Inhalation, Nailgun Safety, More

The Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) advises OSHA chief David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H., on worker safety and health in the construction industry.

OSHA Sticks Stucco Contractor with $49,600 Fine for Fall Hazards

“Employees were exposed to a potentially fatal fall hazard of more than 13 feet from scaffolds while applying a final coat of stucco to a building,” said Patricia Jones, director of the OSHA office in Avenel, N.J.

IDOT Pays $100,000 for Violating Storm Water Rules

EPA said that by issuing complaints it is sending a message to construction site operators, public or private, that these regulations must be met.

Construction deaths in Singapore rose from 25 in 2008 to 31 in 2009.

Singapore Work Fatalities Up 4.5 Percent Last Year

The country's Ministry of Manpower promised on Monday to focus enforcement inspections on construction and maritime, where 63 percent of the 2009 fatalities occurred.



New lead paint rule effective April 22

Reminder: New Lead-Based Paint Rule Takes Effect April 22

The requirements under the rule apply to maintenance, renovation, or repair activities where six square feet (about the size of a poster) or more of a painted surface is disturbed inside, or where 20 square feet or more of painted surface (about the size of a door) is disturbed on the exterior.

Phosphene-Related Death in W. Virginia Results in EPA's Censure of DuPont

The order results from an inspection of the facility following three releases of the gas in January, including the release that caused the death. EPA determined that the facility has not satisfied Clean Air Act requirements that are designed to help prevent accidental releases and minimize the consequences of releases that do occur.

Second HazCom Standard Hearing Next Week

The "informal" public hearing will take place at the Marriott Pittsburgh City Center; OSHA decided to cancel a second hearing in Los Angeles.

Solis to Convene Latino Worker Safety Summit in Houston

Two days after the event, a “We Can Help” safety and worker rights fair will take place, also in Houston, providing free information, resources, training, and services.

Program Seeks to Compensate Victims of Radiation Exposure

Under RECA, people in the following claimant categories may receive payments: uranium miners, millers, and ore transporters; people who were present at nuclear weapons tests; and people who lived in certain areas "downwind" of the Nevada Nuclear Test Site.

A final draft of the 2010-2016 strategic plan will be posted for review and comment in July 2010.

DOL Revealing 2010-2016 Strategic Plan

Several agencies within the department, including OSHA, have their own presentations on the DOL page that explain how they support the draft plan. It will be posted for review and comment in July.

OSHA Finds Appetizer Maker’s Process Safety Procedures Unpalatable

Among the 18 serious hazards the agency cited are the company’s failure to protect workers from rotating parts on conveyor belts and not providing a wash station for employees during the use of corrosive chemicals.

Electronics Firm Fined $101,700 for Failure to Abate, Repeat, Serious Violations

According to investigators, the company has not maintained OSHA 300 logs for two years and has failed to develop and implement a hazcom program, train employees on hazardous chemicals, and develop and implement a respiratory protection program, among other problems.

Pharmaceutical Firm to Pay $42.5M for False Claims about Pain-Relief Drug

"Illegal marketing of pharmaceutical drugs jeopardizes the public's confidence in our health care system," said Tony West, assistant attorney general for DOJ's Civil Division.

Scalped Employee Leads to $91,000 Penalty for Die Cast Metal Facility

"Having proper machine guarding on equipment can prevent these needless injuries to workers," said OSHA Area Director Jule Hovi in Toledo, Ohio.

OSHA Releases Electric Power Safety eTool

The eTool provides preventative tips for protecting electric power workers’ safety and health.

Oregon's Workplaces Much Safer in Past Decade

Oregon OSHA said 31 people covered by the state’s workers’ compensation system died during 2009, tying the record low for the state.

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