Regulatory & Standards


NRC Meeting Monday on Security Rules

Facilities storing spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste soon will be complying with new security requirements to prevent sabotage.

Amputation Hazards Add Up to $128,550 in Fines for Cleaning Products Firm

"Eliminating safety barriers and failing to develop emergency plans because they are inconvenient or time-consuming is no excuse for endangering employees," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.

The petition claims that a warning on packaging of powdered latex gloves "is grossly inadequate."

Public Citizen Seeks US Ban of Latex Surgical, Exam Gloves

The organization submitted a similar petition that FDA denied in 1999, but Public Citizen says the reasons cited for the denial are no longer valid and many glove manufacturers support a ban.

Bridge Contractor Faces $193,200 in Fines for Water, Fall Hazards

OSHA has issued the company 13 safety citations for failing to provide fall protection and implement water safety procedures for workers sandblasting and painting the Interstate 75 Disalle Bridge more than 40 feet above the Maumee River.

FSIS Offers Salmonella Compliance Guide

The document will help establishments with fewer than 500 workers ensure safe production of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

Trench Collapse Leads to $63,360 Fine for Ohio Company

An OSHA inspector was performing a work site inspection when he directed an employee to exit the trench, believing collapse was imminent. Within five minutes the trench collapsed and could have buried the worker under 6 to 7 feet of soil.

OSHA Issues New Injury Prevention Sheet on Shipyard Rigging

Loads that are improperly rigged can expose workers to hazards including falls, electric shock, amputation, and being crushed by objects.

Cheese Maker Hit with $111,000 Fine for Anhydrous Ammonia Hazards, More

OSHA cited the company for 12 serious and one repeat violation after an inspection identified two incidents of anhydrous ammonia release, an absence of fall protection, the employer's failure to implement an emergency response plan, and other workplace hazards.



RoSPA occupational safety adviser Roger Bibbings

RoSPA Warns on Relaxed Injury Reporting Proposal

Lord Young's report proposed that employers have to report injuries only if they cause seven days of lost time, rather than the current three. The society says this is a bad idea.

Leather Finisher Fined $105,300 Following Worker's Hand Injury

"This case is a stark example of the devastating consequences to workers when adequate machine guarding is absent," said Edward Jerome, OSHA's area director in Albany.

Company Fined $378,000 After Worker Suffers Severe Burns in Wind Tower

The injured worker suffered third degree burns to his neck, chest and arms, and second degree burns to the face as a result of an arc flash that occurred when a transformer was unexpectedly energized by another worker.

OSHA Hammers Lowe's for Electrical, PPE Violations

OSHA proposed $82,700 in penalties for the violations following its inspection, which was conducted based on high injury and illness rates reported at the site.

Arkansas Aluminum Firm Fined $154,000 for Repeat, Health Violations

The safety inspection found 10 serious and five repeat safety violations. A health investigation yielding nine serious violations was opened Nov. 15, 2010, based on a referral from the safety inspection.

CPSC Approves Mandatory Standard for Toddler Beds

The Consumer Product Safety Commission unanimously approved (5-0) a new mandatory standard to improve the safety of toddler beds. The new federal standard builds upon the ASTM voluntary standard for toddler beds (F1821-09) and adds additional protections to prevent injuries to children.

Washington Passes Bill Regulating Handling of Hazardous Drugs

Without precautions being taken, such as proper ventilation or protective equipment, the preparation, administration, and the disposal of these drugs exposes hundreds of thousands of workers to potentially harmful levels of the chemicals involved.

Bills Filed to Codify VPP

Companion bills in the U.S. Senate and House were welcomed by VPPPA Executive Director R. Davis Layne.

Explosion, Fire Hazards Carry $182,000 Fine for Rubber Manufacturer

The serious violations include failing to maintain the structural integrity of pipe hangers and pipe support rods and report a leak in a critical 4-inch valve at the ammonia storage tank.

From farm to fork, the new food safety law puts new emphasis on contamination prevention.

FDA Meeting Focused on Controls for Food Facilities

The agency is offering a webcast of the April 20 event, which is part of its outreach to help food facilities and entities meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Capt. Lee Moak began a four-year term as ALPA president on Jan. 1, 2011.

ALPA Wants Tighter Controls for Lithium Batteries

They are still allowed to be flown on cargo aircraft, the union's president reminded a congressional subcommittee April 12.

Seating Company Slapped with $117,600 in Fines for Combustible Dust, Health Hazards

In addition to the combustible dust hazards, among 32 serious violations cited are failing to provide a lockout/tagout system to control the release of hazardous energy, ensure exits were unblocked, and protect employees from electrical and chemical hazards.

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