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This LIUNA photo shows its general president, who said five years of participation in the Change to Win Coalition were essential for building its organizing and research.

Laborers' Union Rejoins AFL-CIO

It was one of the five large unions to join the Change to Win Coalition in 2005, targeting high-growth occupations in the U.S. economy, including health care, transportation, and hospitality.

Facility Fined $97,845 for Improper Sulfuric Acid Storage

EPA inspectors found Tanco had not properly implemented its Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures plan, including requirements for secondary containment and tank integrity testing, both of which are designed to prevent or minimize the impacts from accidental releases.

Comp Aid Program Helps Almost 5,000 WA Businesses

Offered last year by the state Department of Labor & Industries, the Employer Assistance Program has helped more than 4,800 companies avoid becoming delinquent on their workers' compensation accounts.



A scene from the entrance to the 2009 Expo that took place in San Antonio.

VPPPA Prepares for its Most Prominent, Prestigious Powwow

Last year's event in San Antonio, Texas (pictured), drew 2,836 attendees representing all areas and professions affiliated with the safety and health industry. For this year's conference in Orlando, organizers are expecting to up that number to at least 3,000.

EPA Releases Nanoscale Silver Draft Report

It cautions, however, that this case study of its use in disinfectant sprays, now released for public comment, does not draw conclusions about potential health risks.

Fines in Drywall Worker's Fall Total $100,000

The two Canadian companies involved, the contractor and a drywall/stucco subcontractor, both pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the injured worker was protected by a guardrail.

Bala and Tabaku concluded airborne dusts and fumes to which the workers are occupationally exposed are the cause of their COPD.

COPD Rates High Among Eastern European Iron/Steel Workers

A new study by two Albanian researchers has found prevalence varying between 19.2 percent and 25.7 percent among workers in the metallurgical industry.

Five More Deepwater Drilling Forums Planned

The federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement began this series of public forums Aug. 4 in New Orleans, then moved on to Mobile, Ala., and Pensacola, Fla. Comments are being accepted until Sept. 30.

Two Weeks Left to Apply for Safe-in-Sound Awards

Sept. 1 is the deadline to apply for the 2011 awards from NIOSH and the National Hearing Conservation Association.

Are the expections of web users unrealistic when it comes to fast emergency response after they tweet or post an urgent request?

Social Media Already an Emergency Staple: Red Cross, FEMA

An online survey of 1,058 adults by the American Red Cross found about 20 percent would try to contact responders via e-mail, websites, or social media if unable to reach 911. Most believe help will come soon after they tweet or post an urgent request.

OSHA Outlines Survey Supporting I2P2

The statistical survey would involve 14,202 respondents, and 85 case study interviews would be conducted asking about safety and health practices on farms with more than 10 workers and at state and local governmental agencies in state plan states.

Princeton HealthCare System Sued for Disability Discrimination

EEOC filed the suit in New Jersey, saying the health care provider unlawfully fired employees who needed medical leave.

About 6.2 million patient transport ambulance trips occur annually in the United States. According to NHTSA, approximately 10 percent of those 6.2 million patients are children.

ER Clogging Not Due to Non-Emergency Cases

The American College of Emergency Physicians says a new report from CDC "once again debunks the myth that emergency departments are crowded with non-urgent patients."

Metal Polishing Plant Cited for Willfully Overexposing Worker to Chromium VI

In addition, OSHA issued the company 50 serious and two other-than-serious violations for failing to provide proper protective equipment for employees working with lead and other extremely dangerous dust and chemicals, and failing to develop or implement a hazard communication program, among other things.

Ultrafine Particles Could Increase Coronary Risk in Firefighters

Coronary events are a major health issue in firefighters, causing nearly half of all deaths on duty. Exposure to ultrafine particles could contribute to coronary disease in firefighters—not only as a long-term health risk, but also as a cause of coronary events while responding to fires.

The final rule incorporates by reference more than 40 voluntary consensus standards into federal pipeline safety regulations.

Pipeline Agency Opts to Retain 2004 NFPA References

Finalizing a proposed rule to incorporate more than 40 voluntary consensus standards in federal pipeline safety regulations, PHMSA said it will not adopt the 2008 editions of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, and NFPA 59, Utility Liquefied Petroleum Gas Plant Code.

This U.S. Chemical Safety Board photo shows the destruction left by the explosion at the Texas City, Texas, BP refinery.

BP to Pay $50.6 Million Fine for Failures at Refinery

The company also agreed to spend at least $500 million on safety measures at its Texas City plant. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis today said "The size of the penalty rightly reflects BP's disregard for workplace safety."

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