Risk Management


Painting Firm Penalized for Lead-Contaminated Eating Areas, PPA, More

"Few Americans are aware of lead's deadly effects or the fact that lead taken home on clothing and work tools can infect an entire family," said OSHA Area Director Richard Gilgrist in Cincinnati.

Sunoco Refinery Fined $32,000 for Process Hazards

OSHA's Philadelphia Area Office initiated the investigation following an ethylene complex explosion in May 2009 at the company's refinery in Marcus Hook, Pa.

Singapore Task Force Unveils Fatal Falls Prevention Plan

All workplaces in Singapore would be required to implement Fall Protection Plans by 2015 under the plan published Dec. 2. While fatal falls have declined by 60 percent from a decade ago, the plan is meant to reduce them further.

OSHA Busts Feed Plant for Combustible Dust Hazards, Other Violations

The agency began a health inspection in June after receiving information that fires had occurred in the Ohio plant, and that large amounts of dust from the manufacturing process had accumulated throughout the worksite.

Utility Contractor Zapped with Penalty for Potential Electrocution

The Connecticut-based company received citations for working around energized transmission lines that were not grounded and working within the minimum approach distance in a bucket truck that was improperly rated for the work being conducted, OSHA said.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis

Solis, Barab: Adding MSD Column to 300 Log Doesn't Foreshadow Ergo Rule

Today's online chats by Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and OSH Acting Assistant Secretary Jordan Barab tell us they are not planning an ergonomics rulemaking, although a column to log MSDs on the 300 log will be restored.

Ballistic Missile Facility Earns Safety Kudos from OSHA

Among its many functions at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, the Raytheon MCVC provides the necessary range interface for test plans and test management activities for on-range and environmental testing, and performs processing for Patriot As A Target missiles.

pipeline

Pipeline Company Celebrates Safety Milestone

During the past 10 million hours, the company has safely completed a number of major construction projects, from replacing a segment of line underneath the Susquehanna River in Maryland to lifting an underwater line in southern Mississippi to replace block valves, to boring a new line under I-65 near Birmingham while traffic continued above.



Refinery Fined $222,500 for Workers Burned by Boiler Spray, Other Hazards

The accident investigation, which was conducted by OSHA's Puerto Rico Area Office, resulted in citations for exposing workers to the hazards of hot water and steam condensate, not developing and documenting procedures to prevent the unintended release of hot water and steam, and not training workers on the safe application, usage, and removal of energy control devices.

Medical Products Maker Fined $58K After Employee Loses Fingertip

OSHA's inspection identified three packaging machines in the plant that lacked required safeguards to keep employees from becoming caught in their points of operation.

The Security Management for Petroleum & Natural Gas Industry Systems standard will assist in safeguarding pipelines that span the Canada-U.S. border.

New Standard Helps to Protect Canadian Pipelines

CSA Standards announced the standard on Nov. 25 and will offer a one-day seminar about it Feb. 9 in Calgary.

FEMA Webinar to Examine Liability Issues in Emergency Involvement

The new live series of webinars from the agency's Community Preparedness Division are free to the first 500 visitors who enter the Web site at the time of the event.

Pedestrian Safety Grant Boosts California Programs

Training and outreach to communities where pedestrian risk is high are continued by a $250,000 grant funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

An image of emergency medical personnel.

OSHA Issues Guidance for Safeguarding Emergency Medical Responders

Titled "Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders During Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases," the new guidance document addresses adequate training and personal protective equipment for emergency medical services responders who assist victims of hazardous substance release incidents.

Webcast Examines Safety Profession's Key Role in CSR, Sustainability Plans

"[W]e as safety professionals are part of the 'triple bottom line,'" said webcast presenter and Global Solutions Inc. President Kathy A. Seabrook, referring to the economic, environmental, and social components that make up businesses' corporate social responsibility and sustainability initiatives.

EPA Issues Caveat Emptor on H1N1 Disinfectants

There are no products registered by EPA for use in residential settings that will disinfect or sterilize the air or a room by fogging. Claims for disinfecting carpeting, drapes, and other porous surfaces are also false, the agency says.

Asbestos Contractor Fined $484K for Putting Workers in Harm's Way

According to OSHA, workers at the site lacked proper respirators and protective clothing and had not been informed of the presence of asbestos at the site, and the employer failed to determine the asbestos exposure level and establish a regulated work area for asbestos removal and handling.

Emergency responders need fast, accurate analytical results during a hurricane or other major event.

A Tool for Real-Time Analysis

By obtaining rapid information in a visual display, the decision maker can make informed decisions based on accurate, fast analytical results.

The NTSB wants FAA to enact hours of service for flight crews, aviation mechanics, and air traffic controllers based on fatigue research, circadian rhythms, and sleep and rest requirements.

Senate Hearing Today Addresses Pilot Fatigue

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended for years that FAA establish hours of service for flight crews, aviation mechanics, and air traffic controllers.

An image of an occupant use fire hose and a fire extinguisher.

Fire Safety & Emergency Response

Occupant Use Fire Hoses Should They Stay or Go

As with any maintenance requirement, the intent of small hose inspection and testing is to ensure that they will reliably operate properly when called upon, which is even more critical for emergency response equipment.

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