September 18, 2018 • Volume 17, Issue 18 • 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/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/themes/custom/osha/images/qt_banner.jpg)
OSHA QuickTakes Newsletter Issue
ALERT: If you are in an area affected by Hurricane Florence, visit OSHA's Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage for important safety and health information.
TOP STORIES
![Photos of construction workers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/accsh.jpg)
OSHA Seeks Members to Serve on Committee for Improving Construction Workers' Safety and Health
OSHA is accepting nominations for individuals to serve on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The group advises the Secretary of Labor on developing standards and policies affecting the construction industry. OSHA is seeking employee, employer, state safety and health agency, and public representatives with experience and expertise in construction-related safety and health issues to fill 14 vacancies. Nominations must be submitted to www.regulations.gov or by mail or facsimile before November 16. For more information, read the Federal Register notice.
![5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/trenchingpsa.jpg)
New Public Service Announcement on Trench Safety Available
OSHA released a new public service announcement on trench safety that features U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. The 45-second video, "5 Things You Should Know to Stay Safe," highlights well-known and proven safety measures that can eliminate hazards and prevent worker injuries. For more information on protecting workers in trenches, see OSHA's Trenching and Excavation webpage.
![Tip of the Week](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/tipoftheweek.jpg)
OSHA Website to Feature Safety Tip of the Week Starting Sept. 24
Every Monday, beginning on Sept. 24, OSHA's homepage will feature a brief safety tip to help employers and workers prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Each tip will link to educational and training resources.
ENFORCEMENT
![Florida icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/florida_1.png)
Florida Roofing Company Faces Penalties for Exposing Employees to Fall Hazards
Coastal Roofing, Inc., faces $105,283 in proposed penalties for exposing workers to fall and other hazards. After being inspected as part of OSHA's Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction, the company was cited for failing to properly extend a portable ladder above a roof landing. OSHA also issued citations for failing to ensure workers used fall and eye protection. For more information, read the news release.
Five Contractors Cited Following Florida Pedestrian Bridge Collapse
Five contractors were cited for exposing employees to crushing and fall hazards after a pedestrian bridge collapsed in Miami. One employee was fatally injured and four employees suffered critical injuries. Figg Bridge Engineers; Network Engineering Services, Inc.; Structural Technologies, LLC; Munilla Construction Management, LLC; and The Structural Group of South Florida, Inc., collectively face $86,658 in proposed penalties. Read the news release for more information.
![Alabama icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/alabama.png)
Alabama Recycling Plant Cited after Worker Hospitalized for Fall
Thorpe Plant Services, Inc., and Steel Dust Recycling, LLC, were cited for fall and confined space hazards after an employee was hospitalized following a 30-foot fall. Thorpe faces $175,528 in proposed penalties; and Steel Dust's penalties total $28,270. For more information, read the news release.
Alabama Woodworking Company Cited for Exposing Employees to Fire and Explosion Hazards
Structural Wood Systems, Inc., faces $85,362 in proposed penalties following an inspection under OSHA's national emphasis programs on combustible dust and amputations. The company was cited for allowing combustible wood dust to accumulate, failing to ensure employees used protective eyewear and respirators, and failing to implement a respiratory protection and confined space program. Read the news release for more information.
![Mississippi icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/mississippi.png)
Two Companies Cited after Fatal Fall at Communication Tower Worksite in Mississippi
Midway Tower Service, Inc., and Bracken Equipment Holdings, LLC, for exposing employees to fall and struck-by hazards after an employee suffered fatal injuries. Midway Tower was cited for exposing employees to fall and struck-by hazards, failing to remove or replace damaged equipment, and not capping the ends of rebar. Bracken Equipment, a crane rental company, was cited for not removing damaged equipment from service. The companies face $20,990 in proposed penalties. For more information, read the news release.
![California icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/california_0.png)
California Cites Cargo Company after Forklift Operator Suffers Fatal Injury
California OSHA issued six citations and $205,235 in penalties to SSA Pacific, Inc., after a worker sustained fatal injuries when he was thrown from a forklift that collided with a concrete piling. Inspectors determined that the company disabled the seat belt warning and other safety features, and failed to ensure the safe operation and condition of forklifts.
![Michigan icon](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/michigan.png)
Michigan Fines Box Manufacturer for Exposing Workers to Amputation and Fall Hazards
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued 17 citationsand $144,900 in penalties to Packaging Specialties, Inc., for repeatedly exposing workers to safety hazards. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to protect workers from amputation hazards, train workers to safely operate aerial lifts, and conduct periodic safety inspections for the control of hazardous energy. The company was cited for these violations in 2015 and 2017.
COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS
![SHARP - Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Program logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/sharplogo_1.png)
Maryland's On-Site Consultation Program Helps Window Manufacturer Reduce Injuries and Costs
Acadia Windows & Doors, Inc., participated in OSHA's free On-Site Consultation Program following a visit from a Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) consultant. The company corrected all hazards identified by the state consultants and implemented a hearing conservation program. Acadia was first OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) certified in 2007, and has maintained that status for over 10 years. Since collaborating with MOSH, Acadia employees have worked more than 3,500 days without injuries resulting in lost days from work. The company also saved 15 percent on workers' compensation costs. For more information, read the success story.
![OSHA Partnership logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/partnershiplogo.png)
Partnership Will Promote Workplace Safety during Georgia Construction Project
Choate Construction Co., and Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc., signed a strategic partnership agreement with OSHA to promote worker safety and health during the construction of a development project in Savannah. Under the agreement, contractors will conduct weekly training on common hazards such as falls, noise, rigging, heat, silica, and the proper use of respirators and personal protective equipment. Read the news release for more information.
![OSHA Alliance program logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/alliancelogo_0.png)
OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health
- The Consulate of Mexico in Portland, Oregon signed a two-year agreement to provide training and education programs on workers' rights and employers' responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
- The Workers Defense Project renewed a three-year agreement to develop training and education programs for construction workers regarding the focus four hazards.
- The Latino Community Development Agency signed a two-year agreement to prevent worker exposures to hazards in the construction industry including falls, electrocution, excavation collapse, and struck-by and caught-in-between hazards.
- The Consulate of Mexico in Orlando renewed a two-year agreement to develop training and education programs for workers and employers in Central and Northern Florida.
SAFETY AND HEALTH RESOURCES
![OSHA QuickCard screenshot](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20201218203802im_/https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/quicktakes/trenchingcard.jpg)
New Trenching Publication Available From OSHA
An updated trenching operations QuickCard provides information on protecting workers around trenches, including daily inspections, and trench wall safety. Before entering a trench, remember: Slope It. Shore It. Shield It.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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