Regulatory & Standards


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.

Farm-to-Fork Safety

The new federal food safety law aims to prevent contamination rather than simply respond to it.

Postal Service Announces Adult Signature Service

Commercial or online mailers sending tobacco products by mail can choose to obtain a signature upon delivery from someone 21 or older, beginning June 5.

Stakeholders asked FRA to reconsider the rule, which was set to take effect June 1, 2011, but now will become effective July 1, 2011.

FRA Finalizes Accident Reporting Changes

The agency has removed "non-train incident" involving non-employees who are injured while off railroad property from the definition of "Event or exposure arising from the operation of a railroad."

ILO Labor Conference Starts Wednesday

A committee will discuss a possible standard for decent work for domestic workers.

Beef Processing Plant Slapped with Fines for Repeat, Serious Violations

Serious violations include failing to ensure the safe and proper use of step ladders, to keep floor surfaces free of water to prevent slipping or sliding, and to provide an adequate and timely emergency response plan for night shift workers.

OSHA Casts Iron Foundry $44,300 Fine for Repeat, Health Violations

The repeat violations include a lack of guardrails on work platforms greater than 4 feet above the ground, a lack of eyewash and shower, and unguarded machinery.



FDA Launches Enforcement, Compliance Web Portal

The information includes a summary of the most common Inspectional Observations of objectionable conditions or practices made during inspections and a searchable Inspections Database that includes the names and addresses of inspected facilities, inspection dates, type of FDA-regulated products involved, and final inspectional classification.

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.

Worker Fatally Crushed on Conveyor, Company Fined $82,100

OSHA's Little Rock office initiated a safety inspection on Dec. 22, 2010, at the company's facility on Frazier Pike following a report that a worker was crushed to death by being caught between two pipes on a conveyor.

Illinois Firm Fined $1.2 Million in Asbestos Case

OSHA cited AMD Industries Inc. of Cicero for 19 allegedly willful and eight allegedly serious violations after inspecting its facilities at the request of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

OHSA Prescribes Rite Aid $60,500 Fine for Blocked Emergency Exits

On Nov. 30, 2010, an OSHA inspector found two of the store's emergency exits blocked by filled totes and wooden crates, and informed management that the exits must not be blocked.

Six New Jersey Construction Firms Fined $95,470 for Fall, Repeat Violations

The serious violations address fall hazards at heights ranging from 12 to 40 feet, including a lack of guard rails, hand rails, harnesses, and/or belts/lanyards.

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.

$563,000 in Fines Issued to Ohio Steel Manufacturer for Repeat LOTO Hazards

OSHA began the inspection of the Lorain facility in November 2010 after a worker was hospitalized with a broken pelvis when he fell 9 feet from a coil transfer car in the bar mill.

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.

Partial Amputation at Wind Turbine Plant Carries $164,000 in Penalties

The inspection was initiated after an employee sustained a partial amputation of two fingers and a broken wrist in November 2010.

Workers Exposed to Lead at Chicago Work Site, Firm Fined $180,000

"This company was aware that employees were conducting torch cutting on a steel structure coated with lead-based paint and failed to ensure that a respiratory protection plan was in use on the job site," said Michael Connors, OSHA's regional director in Chicago.

Worker's Flash Fire Burning Leads to $235,865 Fine

At the work site, welding equipment ignited flammable gases and caused a flash fire resulting in second and third degree burns to the face and head of the welder working inside the steel pipeline.

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