June 04, 2019 • Volume 18, Issue 10 • A twice monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health.
![OSHA QuickTakes - OSHA, Occupational Safety and Health Administration](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/themes/custom/osha/images/qt_banner.jpg)
OSHA QuickTakes Newsletter Issue
TOP STORIES
![Tornado](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/tornado.jpg)
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Natural disasters can create a variety of hazards for workers. Preparing for an emergency plays a vital role in ensuring that employers and workers have the necessary equipment, know where to go, and know how to stay safe when an emergency occurs. OSHA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response page provides information on how to prepare and train for emergencies and the hazards to be aware of during cleanup and recovery operations.
![Get help now. If you're having trouble coping with work-related stress, talk with s omeone who can help. Call 1-800-273-8255. Para espanol 1-888-628-9454. suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/suicideprevention.jpg)
Suicide Prevention Resources
Suicide is a serious public health concern that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, workplaces, and communities. A new webpage provides confidential resources to help identify the signs and how to get help.
ENFORCEMENT
![California state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/california_0.png)
California Fines Aircraft Engine Manufacturer Following Worker Injury
California OSHA issued eight citations and $52,705 in penalties to Hanwha L&C USA, LLC, after a forklift crushed a worker’s foot. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to train and evaluate workers on operating a forklift, ensure proper use of safety shoes, develop precautions for the handling of stone slabs, and provide training to workers on how to avoid crushing hazards. For more information, visit OSHA’s powered industrial trucks safety and health topics webpage.
![Florida state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/florida_1.png)
Online Pet Supply Retailer Cited After Worker Fatality at Florida Distribution Center
OSHA cited Chewy, Inc., after a worker suffered fatal injuries while operating a stand-up industrial truck. The company faces maximum penalties of $14,323 for exposing workers to struck-by and crushing hazards. For more information, read the news release and visit OSHA’s powered industrial trucks safety and health topics webpage.
![Kansas state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/kansas.png)
Contractors Cited for Exposing Workers to Asbestos While Restoring Kansas Library
OSHA inspectors found that a restoration company and subcontractor failed to comply with asbestos removal standards. Belfor Property Restoration was fined $39,780 for three serious violations related to asbestos abatement. The subcontractor, Custom Crushing & Company, faces $193,596 in penalties for 23 serious violations, including failing to provide workers with respiratory protection, personal protective clothing, and training. Read the news release for more information and visit OSHA’s asbestos webpage.
![Nebraska state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/nebraska.png)
Nebraska Excavating Company Cited After Two Workers Injured in Trench Collapse
T.H. Construction Co. faces $106,078 in penalties for failing to use protective systems after two workers were seriously injured when a trench collapsed. For more information, read the news release and visit OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage.
Nebraska Steel Erection Company Cited After Worker Suffers Fatal Fall
Daubert Construction was fined $19,890 for failing to protect workers from fall hazards after a worker suffered a fatal fall through an unguarded skylight. Read the news release for more information and visit OSHA’s fall prevention campaign webpage.
![Pennsylvania state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/pennsylvania.png)
Pennsylvania Manufacturer Cited for Workplace Safety Hazards Following Worker Amputation
Champion Modular, Inc., was fined $687,650 after a worker suffered an amputation. OSHA issued willful and serious citations to the company for failing to use machine guarding, provide fall protection, and train workers on hazard communication and hearing conservation. For more information, read the news release and visit OSHA’s machine guarding webpage.
![Texas state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/texas.png)
Texas Rubber Company Cited for Exposing Workers to Serious Hazards
Custom Rubber Products, LLC, was issued $530,392 in penalties and cited for four willful violations for exposing workers to amputation, machine guarding, and caught-in hazards. The company was cited for similar hazards in 2014 after a worker was severely injured. Custom Rubber remains in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Read the news release for more information and visit OSHA’s machine guarding webpage.
![Washington state icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/washington.png)
Washington Cites Dollar Tree for Exposing Workers to Safety Hazards
The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued 24 citations and $503,200 in penalties to Dollar Tree for allowing blocked emergency exit routes, unsafe use of ladders, and improper stacking of merchandise. For more information, read the news release and OSHA’s emergency exit routes fact sheet.
Safety and Health Outreach
![Water. Rest. Shade.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/waterrestshade2.jpg)
Keeping Workers Safe from Heat Hazards
OSHA is urging employers to protect workers from heat-related illnesses and hazards. As we enter the summer season, warmer and more humid weather can increase the risk to workers both outdoors and in indoor workplaces with hot conditions. Learn how to keep workers safe by preventing heat hazards.
![In June focus on finding & fixing hazards. Develop a systematic approach and take our challenge! Safe + Sound www.osha.gov/safeandsound](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/safeandsound_findandfix_0.jpg)
Safe + Sound Challenges You to Find and Fix Hazards in the Workplace
Join OSHA’s Safe + Sound campaign during June to focus on finding and fixing hazards! Effective safety and health programs should include a process for finding and fixing workplace hazards. Get started by taking our Check on Safety Challenge! Safe + Sound is a year-round campaign to encourage every workplace to have a safety and health program. Find out more on the Safe + Sound website.
COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS
![SHARP - Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/sharplogo_1.png)
Pennsylvania Manufacturer Works with On-Site Consultation Program to Eliminate Workplace Injuries
Polymer manufacturer Polytek® Development Corp. was accepted into OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program after working with the agency’s On-Site Consultation Program to bring the company’s injury rate down to zero. Polytek® achieved this by setting company-wide health and safety goals, introducing new hazardous materials training, and implementing hazard reporting procedures. For more information, read the success story.
![OSHA Partnership logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/partnershiplogo_1.png)
Partnership Will Promote Safety During Wisconsin Construction Project
Market & Johnson, Inc., and several labor organizations signed an agreement to protect workers during the construction of a commercial building project in Hudson, Wisconsin. The partnership focuses on preventing work-related injuries and fatalities through increased training, implementing best practices, and developing effective safety and health programs. Read the news release for more information.
![OSHA Alliance logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203429im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/alliancelogo_fixed.png)
Labor Organization Renews Alliance to Protect Electrical Workers
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 55, renewed a four-year agreement to provide training that will help protect the safety and health of electrical utility workers. The focus will be on the recognition and prevention of hazards such as electrocution, fires, explosions and falls; and the development of effective safety and health programs.