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This Macarthur Coal photo shows work at its Coppabella Mine. Macarthur, based in Brisbane, announced July 11 that Peabody Energy and ArcelorMittal S.A. have submitted a takeover bid for a controlling interest in Macarthur.

Australia Updating Mine Safety Regs

The mining sector is a high-risk industry responsible for 2 percent of all serious worker's compensation claims and some of the highest injury and fatality rates nationwide.

DOT: Enforcement Cuts Distracted Driving

“These findings show that strong laws, combined with highly visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

$354,000 Fine Lodged Against Trenching Company

OSHA claims the company has a long history of violations.



ASSE Releases New Steel Erection Standard for Construction, Demolition Operations

One of the most important revisions to the standard for 2011 is the emphasis on preplanning or building safety into the construction of steel structures.

No Change in Marijuana's Classification

DEA rules that marijuana will remain classified in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, for drugs of abuse with "no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States" and "lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision."

The hose that failed, shown at the top in this CSB photo, had been in service for seven months and was susceptible to corrosion from phosgene, according to the agency.

CSB Seeks Comments on DuPont Belle Draft Report

The agency investigated three releases at the West Virginia plant within a 48-hour period in January 2010, including a phosgene gas release that killed a worker who was near the location where phosgene cylinders were stored.

Study: Laundered Shop Towels May Be Contaminating Workers

“Without knowing it, manufacturing workers may be ingesting certain heavy metals at elevated levels from this unexpected source," said Barbara Beck, Ph.D., DABT, principal at Gradient, the firm that conducted the research. "For some of these metals, the amounts ingested may be greater than allowed in drinking water on a daily basis."

Report: Obesity Rates Continue to Climb in U.S.

Twelve states now have obesity rates above 30 percent. Four years ago, only one state was above 30 percent.

An awareness campaign is planned to ensure the 2013 registration deadline is met.

First ECHA Report Says REACH Succeeding

Fears that REACH was too complex and set overly demanding deadlines for industry and regulators were overblown, says the first required report on how the REACH and CLP regulations are working.

Most types of injuries and illnesses will have to be reported online, HSE said.

HSE Shifts Injury Reporting Online

The exception is that businesses still will be able to report fatal and major incidents and injuries by phone, however.

OSHA Nails Home Depot for Failing to Remove Damaged Equipment from Service

"The Home Depot previously has been cited for failing to remove damaged safety equipment from use and should be familiar with OSHA's regulations and requirements," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director in Des Plaines, Ill.

Humana Launches Wellness Loyalty Program

Health plan members can earn rewards for their efforts to live healthier lives, with well-being tools and rewards offered by reward partners.

The objective of the directive is to achieve the safest possible working environment by preventing injuries to workers caused by all medical sharps.

Clock Running on EU Sharps Directive

By May 11, 2013, member states are required to have requirements in effect that implement Directive 2010/32/EU - prevention from sharp injuries in the hospital and healthcare sector.

Texas Bakery Fined $199,600 for Hazardous Chemicals Violations

OSHA cited the same company in 2006 for similar violations at Plant 2 of the China Grove facility with proposed penalties of $78,300. The company also was cited in April 2011 with proposed penalties of $229,400 following an amputation incident and multiple inspections at the two facilities.

AEM Offers Hydraulic Excavator Safety Manual in Spanish

The manual from the Association of Equipment Manufacturers was expanded and updated last year.

SBA, American Red Cross Launch Disaster Preparedness Outreach Initiative

The core of the SBA-Red Cross agreement is a plan to work with SBA District Offices and its resource partners to promote and, along with local Red Cross chapters, sponsor preparedness training workshops.

NHTSA Launches Hybrid, Electric Vehicle Assessment for Pedestrian Safety Act

The action, which is mandated by the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2010, will help NHTSA lay the groundwork for a proposed rulemaking to help pedestrians detect the presence of quieter vehicles.

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