Risk Management


CDC Estimates 1.7 Million Traumatic Brain Injuries in U.S. Each Year

“This report not only presents TBI numbers, it helps to show the impact of this injury nationwide," said CDC's Richard C. Hunt, M.D. "These data can help to impact the lives of millions of Americans as they serve as building blocks that guide TBI prevention strategies."

EPA has a new drinking water strategy

EPA Outlines New Strategy for Safer Drinking Water

As part of its new approach, the agency is revising the existing drinking water standards for four contaminants that can cause cancer.

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.

Study: Commercial Drivers' Safety Belt Use Up Nearly 10 Percent

According to FMCSA, safety belt use was at 78 percent in states with primary safety belt laws, which allow law enforcement to stop drivers for not using a safety belt, versus 67 percent in states with weaker laws.

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.

Those in the safety community who are concerned about combustible dust fires and explosions are avidly folllowing the OSHA meetings.

Combustible Dust Stakeholder Meetings Slated for Chicago

Previous meetings in this series addressing combustible dust hazards were held in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. OSHA will consider participants' comments in developing its proposed standard on the issue.

Louver Maker’s ‘Blatant Disregard’ for Safety Results in Proposed $55,500 Fine

The company was inspected as part of a federal site-specific targeting program based on its high injury and illness rates in comparison to the national rates.



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.

Bank Ordered to Reinstate Officer, Pay More than $1 Million in Back Wages

"This case clearly shows the department's commitment to ensuring that individuals are provided the protections and relief afforded by the law and sends a strong message that retaliatory actions will not be tolerated," said OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels.

Medical Distributor Rewarded for Injecting Safety into Management System

The company, which distributes specialty injectable pharmaceutical solutions and medical supplies to regional customers, has maintained an injury and illness rate 54 percent below the industry average for three years.

DOJ Files to Stop Unsafe Practices at Arkansas Center

According to DOJ, on average, the center’s residents die at the age of 46.5 years, compared with the average age of 72 years for other individuals with developmental disabilities living in institutional settings.

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.

This photo of cocaine is from the National Institute on Drug Abuse "Cocaine: Abuse and Addiction" report.

EASNA Corporate Excellence Awards Nominations Due

The Employee Assistance Society of North America is accepting nominations for the 6th Annual Corporate Awards of Excellence until March 31.

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.

Army Proposes Resuming Fort Richardson Live-Fire Training

Restrictions were imposed in 1990 on the practice when white phosphorus from Army munitions was found to be killing ducks and swans on Eagle River Flats. A Superfund cleanup of the area is about to be completed.

OSHA Releases Electric Power Safety eTool

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

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