Editor’s note: With 2008 sales of $6.9 billion generated by an integrated network of more than 600 branches, 18 distribution centers, and multiple Web sites, Chicago-based W.W. Grainger Inc. is a leading supplier of safety and facilities maintenance products, serving businesses and institutions in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, and Panama.
"These citations encompass a cross section of fall protection, flammable, confined space, lockout, and bloodborne pathogen hazards as well as inadequate personal protective equipment and hazard communication training," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany, N.Y.
The Burley, Idaho-based worksite has not experienced an occupational injury or illness in the last four years, the agency said.
"While we share the goal of establishing permanent chemical security regulations, we are concerned several provisions in the legislation as introduced could undermine the important work that is already underway," said Marty Durbin, American Chemistry Council vice president of federal affairs.
This special regional emphasis program will set targeted inspections in industries or workplaces where there is a potential for lead exposure, and also will cover complaints and referrals regarding lead exposure.
The safety push was created to encourage clients to "Just Don't Ask" their electrician(s) to work with live lines, emphasizing the need to shut down and use lockout/tagout when possible.
"Our inspections identified a large number of mechanical, respirator protection, electrical, lead, fire, explosive, and other hazards that must be effectively and continuously addressed to protect the workers at this plant from potentially deadly or disabling injuries and illnesses now and in the future," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director in New Hampshire.
The presentation took place at a ceremony last Friday. This Friday, most state agencies will be closed as Michigan saves $21.7 million by requiring 37,400 employees to take a total of six unpaid furlough days this summer.
A federal inspection on April 6, 2009, found the site's field drainage system, oil traps, sumps, and skimmers were not regularly inspected and oil not properly removed, among other violations.
The need for training, communications, and community planning is made clear in the video released June 10 by the federal agency.
"The penalties being proposed are larger because the company had been warned of these violations at two of its locations but chose not to make the needed corrections at all of its plants," said Les Grove, OSHA's area director in Tampa, Fla.
Entergy Transmission and Substations, Louisiana Grid, in Destrehan, La. has earned "star" membership in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP), the highest level possible for achieving three years of excellence in employee health and safety.
According to EPA, the copper in the naval shipyard's wastewater comes from sandblasting and painting of vessels in dry dock at the shipyard. The shipyard is allowed to discharge its wastewater into Sinclair Inlet, but only if the wastewater complies with the site's NPDES permit.
The Phoenix-based facility stores asphalt cement, boiler oil, and diesel fuel at levels requiring reporting, but it failed to provide chemical hazard information and submit a chemical inventory to local authorities, EPA said.
NY Giants, Jets Sign with EPA for 'Greenest'-Ever Meadowlands
"This ambitious, comprehensive plan set forth by the two team ownership groups is a blueprint for new sports venues everywhere," said EPA Acting Regional Administrator George Pavlou.
Painters, janitors, helpers, apprentices, and any other worker who may come in contact with equipment that could be exposed and energized will require electrical safety training.
EPA found that the site was storing sulfuric acid, lead, and propane gas in amounts greater than the minimum threshold levels allowed before reporting requirements kick in.
Training is critical, including a relevant, compelling message that explains the reasons for precautions as much as the precautions themselves.
The Board of County Commissioners of Frederick County, Maryland, has settled alleged violations of underground fuel storage tank regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency announced recently.
Due to the mobility of employers in the construction industry, the transitory nature of construction sites, and the fact that sites often involve more than one employer, inspections will target specific jobsites rather than specific employers.