OSHA has been conducting a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since October 2007, which it says has resulted in an unusually high number of General Duty Clause violations, indicating a strong need for a standard.
The Mine Safety and Health Administration has proposed $504,900 in civil penalties against UAE Coalcorp Associates, which operates the Harmony Mine in Northumberland County, Pa. Five violations were cited from a fatal roof fall incident in June 2008 and assessed under the flagrant violation provision of MSHA's civil penalty regulation.
EPA is proposing the extension because its NPDES stormwater program needs more time to meet a deadline to incorporate new construction and development effluent limitations guidelines into a new permit.
In the medical field, accelerator-produced particle beams or X-rays are directed at cancerous tumors that are not reachable by other methods. Although accelerators can target life-threatening growths within the body, these devices can also potentially expose operators to serious risks.
There are potential health risks for some solvents, depending on the types of landfills in which wipes contaminated with them are disposed, said the agency, which seeks comments on its revised analysis.
Surprisingly, the nomination of Dr. David Michaels to head OSHA is among 11 listed on the agenda of an Oct. 21 hearing by the U.S. Senate HELP Committee. A few days ago, a press officer for Chairman Tom Harkin said she had no idea when the panel would consider Michaels' nomination.
After a recent increase in the number of workers killed while performing grain handling operations such as loading, emptying, and cleaning storage bins, OSHA is reminding employers and workers of available resources and OSHA standards that identify hazards and offer solutions to prevent fatalities.
OSHA has cited NuStar Asphalt Refining Co. LLC for 24 alleged serious workplace safety and health violations found at its Paulsboro worksite. Penalties proposed total $105,750.
A Program Information Bulletin to underground metal and nonmetal mine operators and manufacturers of diesel-powered equipment used in those mines confirms using biodiesel in engines equipped with a diesel oxidation catalyst reduces total carbon levels in the air where miners work.
Six public hearings, one each in six affected states, begin today and give both sides the chance to defend their positions on mountaintop removal mining, which is a flash point in Appalachia's coalfields.
OSHA is on the fence about it. According to the director of its Enforcement Programs Directorate, the agency’s determination of coverage would be made on a case-by-case basis.
When asked if it was acceptable to throw out items contaminated with blood or body fluids in either septic systems or normal garbage, the OSHA director said, “It is the employer's responsibility to determine the existence of regulated waste. This determination is not based on actual volume of blood, but rather on the potential to release blood (e.g., when compacted in the waste container).”
"The more than 7,000 tons per year of sulfur dioxide reductions secured by this settlement will produce significant and measurable public health benefits for downwind communities," said EPA’s Cynthia Giles.
"This rule is a significant step forward in protecting people’s health when they travel," said Peter S. Silva, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.
Jukka Takala, director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, is inviting stakeholders to use its new blog and sharing his views about enforcement, persistent risks, occupational diseases, and more in 28 short videos.
The Food and Drug Administration recently ordered manufacturers of certain types of pedicle screw systems, called dynamic stabilization systems, to conduct postmarket surveillance studies to collect clinical data on a number of potential safety issues, including fusion rates and frequency of additional surgeries.
OSHA is proposing $364,350 in penalties against Frit Car Inc. in Brewton, Ala., for alleged safety and health violations. The inspection began April 3 when four workers were overcome by vapors while working in a confined space.
FAA and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration published a safety advisory in yesterday's Federal Register citing five aircraft incidents since July 1.
Department of Agriculture's fresh produce chief will join the Food and Drug Administration to help develop new food safety rules, as part of a cooperative initiative between the two agencies. The announcement comes amid beefed up outreach efforts with key agriculture and safe food stakeholders to better share and exchange produce safety "best practices" and ideas.
OSHA has certified Titanium Hearth Technologies (TIMET) as a new star site, the highest honor in the agency's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). OSHA Regional Administrator John Hermanson recognized TIMET during a ceremony held at the company's Morgantown facility.