February 16, 2018 · Volume 17, Issue 4 |
A twice monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health. |
President’s 2019 Budget Represents Strong Commitment to Worker Safety
President Donald J. Trump’s fiscal year 2019 budget request for OSHA supports his continued efforts to assure safe and healthful jobs for the American people. “The President’s budget provides a fiscally responsible framework to advance the Department of Labor’s mission of ensuring all Americans have access to family-sustaining jobs,” said Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “From addressing the skills gap through apprenticeships to prioritizing workplace safety, this budget reflects a strong commitment to the American workforce. It also includes important reforms to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to maximum effect.” OSHA’s FY 2019 budget request provides an increase of $6.1 million for 42 new Compliance Safety and Health Officers to continue the agency’s strong commitment to enforcement; and another $5.1 million for 24 Compliance Assistance Specialists and eight Voluntary Protection Programs staff to allow the agency to expand its training, outreach, compliance assistance, and cooperative programs.
New Jersey Construction Company Cited After Wall Collapse Leads to Workplace Fatality and Injuries
Onekey, LLC, was cited for exposing employees to crushing hazards after a concrete retaining wall collapsed at a Poughkeepsie, N.J., worksite. The collapse led to the death of a subcontractor’s employee, and injured another employee. OSHA inspectors determined that the retaining wall was not designed or approved by a registered engineer. The company was cited for failing to train employees to keep a safe distance from the wall and soil pile, and failing to provide adequate fall protection. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $281,583. Read the news release for more information. New York Paperboard Company Agrees to Pay $175,000 and Improve Worker Safety
OSHA and Carthage Specialty Paperboard, Inc., have reached a settlement that will enhance the company’s efforts to prevent hazards associated with machine guarding, fall protection, hazardous energy control, confined space entry, emergency response, electrical hazards, and structural safety issues. Carthage will pay $175,000 in penalties for 62 safety and health violations. United Steel Workers and USW Local 276 signed the agreement as well. For more information, read the news release. Alabama Manufacturer Cited for Serious Safety Violations
OSHA cited Morganton Pressure Vessels, LLC, for exposing employees to fire, explosion, laceration, and struck-by hazards. An inspection of the company's Bay Minette, Ala., facility found 10 serious, and three other-than-serious violations. OSHA conducted the inspection as part of its National Emphasis Program for Combustible Dust and Regional Emphasis Program for Powered Industrial Trucks. Proposed penalties total $101,800. Read the news release for more information. Georgia Manufacturer Issued $256,088 in Proposed Penalties for Jeopardizing Worker Safety
OSHA cited First Source Worldwide, LLC, for failing to: provide fall protection, personal protective equipment, and machine guarding; develop a permit-required confined space program; control hazardous energy during equipment maintenance activities; and train forklift operators. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $256,088. Read the news release for more information. Colorado Nursing Home Cited for Workplace Violence Hazards
OSHA initiated an inspection of Pioneer Health Care Center after receiving two complaints of workplace violence. Inspectors found five documented incidents of employee injuries, and several more unreported incidents. The Rocky Ford-based nursing home was cited for failing to implement adequate measures to protect employees from workplace violence. OSHA proposed penalties of $9,054. For more information, read the news release.
California Fines Roofing Company for Safety Violations California OSHA issued $80,620 in penalties to A-1 Roof Management and Construction, Inc., in Novato for exposing workers to fall hazards from unprotected floor openings, and failing to install barriers near skylights. A worker suffered serious injuries after he fell 23 feet through a skylight. Inspectors issued three citations to the company. Virginia Fines Company for Scaffolding Violations
Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) issued $48,400 in penalties to United Building Envelope Restoration in Manassas Park for exposing workers to fall hazards from unsafe scaffolding. VOSH inspectors concluded that the company failed to inspect the scaffolding before every shift; positioned workers and building materials on light duty scaffolding in excess of the load limit; failed to install required guardrails and cross braces; and did not provide required fall protection. VOSH issued eight serious citations to the company.
Wisconsin Company Achieves Injury-Free Workplace with Help From On-Site Consultation Program
Rotating Equipment Repair (RER), a company in Sussex, Wis., that provides parts and services for high-energy pumps, reached out to OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program for help improving its safety and health program. After abating the hazards identified during the consultant's visits, the company continued to make improvements. As a result, RER was accepted into OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). The company most recently renewed its SHARP status last year by maintaining an injury and illness rate below the national average for its industry. In fact, RER has had no recordable incidents of worker injuries in the last six years, leading to lower workers' compensation insurance premiums. For more information, see the company’s success story. OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health
The OSHA Alliance Program fosters collaborative relationships with groups committed to worker safety and health. Alliance partners help OSHA reach targeted audiences, such as employers and workers in high-hazard industries, and give them better access to workplace safety and health tools and information.
Safe + Sound Campaign: If You Care About Your Workers, Engage Them in Safety and Health Discussions
Want to demonstrate your commitment to safety and health? Talk with your most valuable resource: workers are familiar with the hazards they face each day, and can help identify and fix hazards before injuries or illnesses occur.
Safety Training Offered March 5-9 at Pacific Coast Safety Fest OSHA will offer safety and health training classes to workers, employers, safety and health professionals, and anyone interested in learning about safety and health issues at next month’s annual Pacific Coast Safety Fest. The event is scheduled March 5-9 in the cities of San Diego, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Honolulu, and the San Francisco Bay area. Presentations will cover such topics as the latest news from OSHA, recordkeeping, safety and health programs, and OSHA 10-hour courses for general industry. To get specific dates, agendas and to register, visit the Pacific Coast Safety Fest website.
New Publications on Tree Care and Silica Offer Worksite Safety Solutions Falling tree limbs, moving vehicles, overhead power lines, and high noise levels are a few of the dangers professional tree care workers may encounter. OSHA’s new resource, Solutions for Tree Care Hazards, highlights common hazards in the tree care industry, and provides safety measures for employers and workers. OSHA is also publishing a revised fact sheet that summarizes the major requirements of the respirable crystalline silica standard for general industry and maritime.
Employers Must Post 300A Injury/Illness Summary Until April 30
OSHA reminds employers of their obligation to post a copy of OSHA’s Form 300A, which summarizes job-related injuries and illnesses logged during 2017. Each year, between Feb. 1 and April 30, the summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to employees are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer employees and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements. Visit OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule webpage for more information on recordkeeping requirements.
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