SafetyCertified OSHA Answers & Help!

Ask the OSHA Expert

2010-01-08T08:21:00.003-06:00

Q. Can argon or CO2 cylinders be stored with oxygen and/or acetylene? Are they compatible or do they all have to be stored separately?

A. Where gases of different types are stored at the same location, cylinders (empty or full) should be grouped by the type of gas; e.g., flammable, oxidizer, toxic or corrosive.
Oxygen cylinders, full or empty, should not be stored in the same vicinity as flammable gases (this would include the acetylene). Oxygen cylinders must be separated from flammable gases by at least 20 feet or by a fire wall five feet high with a fire rating of 0.5 hours.

Argon is an inert gas and can be stored with any other type of cylinder. Carbon dioxide is not flammable and can be stored with the oxygen.

You might find the following document useful. It was published by the State of Montana Occupational Safety and Health Bureau:
http://erd.dli.mt.gov/safetyhealth/brochures/compressedgassafety.pdf

You might also find this checklist helpful, which was put together by NIOSH for use in schools:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-101/chklists/r1n29c~1.htm

Email your questions to our SafetyCertified OSHA & Safety Expert at oshadvisor@safetycertified.com

OSHA Wants to Hear from You!

2010-01-07T14:38:00.003-06:00

OSHA Announces Informal Public Hearing on Hazard Communication Rule

WASHINGTON -- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold three informal public hearings to accept comments and testimony on the proposed rule to align the agency's Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).

The first hearing will begin March 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the auditorium of the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. Additional hearings are scheduled for March 31 in Pittsburgh and April 13 in Los Angeles. OSHA will provide the location for the Pittsburgh and Los Angeles hearings in a future notice.

A number of countries, including the United States, and international organizations participated in developing the GHS to address inconsistencies in hazard classification and communications. The system provides a single, harmonized system to classify chemicals, labels and safety data sheets with the primary benefit of increasing the quality and consistency of information provided to workers, employers and chemical users.

Those interested in attending the hearings must provide a notice of intention to appear by January 18, 2010. Notices may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov. Notices can also be submitted by regular mail to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-H022K-2006-0062, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. 20210. Submissions not exceeding 10 pages can be faxed to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648.

Technical inquiries should be directed to Maureen Ruskin, OSHA, Office of Chemical Hazards-Metals, 202-693-1950. Press inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Ashley, OSHA, Office of Communications, 202-693-1999.

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels’ Remarks at Making Green Jobs Safe Workshop

2010-01-05T12:33:00.002-06:00

Remarks Prepared For
DAVID MICHAELS
Assistant Secretary of Labor
For Occupational Safety and Health

NIOSH Going Green Workshop

Making Green Jobs Safe:
Integrating Occupational Safety & Health into Green and Sustainability

Washington, DC
Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I want to express my thanks to NIOSH for organizing this timely and visionary workshop, and for inviting OSHA to be a participating partner.

Thanks to all the participants for your hard work, innovative thinking and contributions over the past two days. As we tackle the challenging issues discussed in this workshop, OSHA will continue to solicit your ideas.

As you're aware, I was just sworn in last week as Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. I think it's very fitting and proper that my first speech as Assistant Secretary should address the issue of green jobs - what green jobs mean for the earth, for our economy and for American workers.

We're all aware of the job opportunities that green jobs offer, and in the present economy, new technologies with the potential of new jobs are especially welcome.

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis recently announced nearly $55 million in green job grants, authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These grants will support job training and labor market information programs to help workers, many in underserved communities, find jobs in expanding green industries and related occupations.

But in addition to job opportunities, there are many concerns that we need to consider - which is why you have gathered here this week.

To read the rest please click here.

2009-12-23T14:38:00.001-06:00

SafetyCertified wishes you a safe and wonderful Holiday Season. Merry Christmas to all!

HOLIDAY SAFETY FACTS

2009-12-22T17:21:00.000-06:00

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately one tenth of one percent (0.12%) of residential fires involve a Christmas Tree -- both real and artificial.

At NO time can a Real Christmas Tree START or CAUSE a fire. Christmas Trees do not spontaneously combust.

In 1998 more than 32 million Real Christmas Trees were used in the U.S. Of these, only 0.00093% were ignited in home fires.

Christmas Trees are not as likely to be the first item ignited in residential fires as many other common household items:
- newspapers and magazines -- 13 times more likely
- boxes or bags -- 10 times more likely
- curtains or drapes -- 9 times more likely

Overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences - these types of fires can be just as dangerous with an artificial tree.

The National Fire Protection Association tracks fires and their causes. According to their data, of all residential fires, Christmas Trees, both Real and fake, are ignited in less than 1/10 of one percent (0.1%) of all the home fires. Keep that in mind if you see a sensational blazing tree on the "Action News". These trees are often doused in a flammable liquid or cut many months prior to harvest time. Trees that are kept fresh during the holiday season using the NCTA care tips are extremely difficult to ignite.

For more information and tips log on to the National Christmas Tree Association and have a safe and Happy holiday!

http://www.christmastree.org

Welding, Scaffolding Among Topics Addressed at Maritime Advisory

2009-12-18T16:33:00.002-06:00

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a two-day Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH) meeting Jan. 19-20, 2010, in Washington, D.C. to address welding, scaffolding and other safety and health issues in maritime industries.

In addition to addressing welding and scaffolding hazards, the agenda will include discussions on arc flash guidance; commercial fishing industry guidance; safety zones in marine terminals; and speed limits in marine terminals.

The committee advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA on matters relevant to the safety and health of workers in the maritime industries, primarily shipyards, marine terminals and longshoring, and commercial fishing.

Committee and workgroup meetings will be held at the U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210. The Longshore Workgroup will meet Tuesday, January 19, 2010, in Room C-5515-1A and the Shipyard Workgroup will meet in Room C-5521-4. Committee members meet Wednesday, Jan. 20 in Room C-5521-4.

Submit comments by January 5, 2010, to Danielle Watson, Office of Maritime, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3609, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210; phone 202-693-1870 or fax 202-693-1663. General information inquiries should be directed to Joseph Daddura, Office of Maritime, at 202-693-2067.

Ask the OSHA Advisor

2009-12-16T14:16:00.001-06:00

In today’s economy, business are hiring all different kinds of workers: full-time employees, part-time employees, contractors, sub-contractors, outsourcing and agency workers. So how do you know whose injuries count and need to be added to the OSHA Recordkeeping? Since OSHA is cracking down on recordkeeping, we wanted to make sure you had an easy way to determine who you are responsible for.

OSHA Advisor offers the following advice:
The OSHA Recordkeeping Standard (29 CFR 1904) requires an employer to record on the OSHA 300 Log the recordable injuries and illnesses of all employees on their payroll, whether they are labor, executive, hourly, salary, part-time, seasonal, or migrant workers.

Employers must also record the recordable injuries and illnesses that occur to employees who are not on their payroll if the employer supervises those employees on a day-to-day basis. In other words, if an employer obtains labor from a temporary help service, employee leasing service, or personnel supply service; they must record injuries and illnesses to those persons if the employer supervises those persons on a day-to-day basis.

The definition of the term "supervise" is key in this context. Day-to-day supervision occurs when "in addition to specifying the output, product or result to be accomplished by the person's work, the employer supervises the details, means, methods and processes by which the work is to be accomplished."

If you have any further questions, SafetyCertified offers a tool to walk people through the recordkeeping process. Email me if you would like to know more blittle@safetycetified.com

US Labor Department forms Alliance with Mexican Consulate

2009-12-15T11:22:00.001-06:00

NEW YORK -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Wage and Hour Division today signed an alliance with the Consulate General of Mexico in New York as part of an effort to promote the labor and human rights of Mexican and other Hispanic workers. The New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) and the Catholic Migration Office (CMO) of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn are also part of the alliance.

Alliance participants will work collaboratively to support a call center that will provide Mexican and other Hispanic workers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut education, guidance and assistance about their rights in the workplace.

"It's very simple. The law says every worker has both the right to proper compensation for hours worked and to a safe workplace," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The purpose of this alliance is to provide Mexican and other Latino workers in the tri-state area with the information and resources that will help them recognize and challenge unsafe and improper working conditions, and to raise awareness of their rights as working people. After all, knowledge is a worker's most valuable tool."

Under the alliance, a LABORAL call center will be operated by the CMO. Callers to a toll-free number, 877-52-LABOR (525-2267), will receive information, guidance and assistance in English and Spanish regarding labor issues, including minimum wages, proper overtime compensation, youth employment rules, migrant and seasonal work protections, and the labor rights and responsibilities of workers and employers. When appropriate, the center will direct calls and claims to the U.S. Department of Labor. All information provided by individuals will remain confidential.

The alliance was signed at the Mexican consulate by OSHA Regional Administrators Robert Kulick (New York) and Marthe Kent (New England); Wage and Hour Division Northeast Regional Administrator Corlis L. Sellers; Ambassador Ruben Beltran, Consul General of Mexico; CMO Executive Director Edward Dominguez; and NYS DOL Deputy Commissioner for Wage Protection and Immigrant Affairs Terri Gerstein.

Talk to OSHA LIVE

2009-12-04T16:39:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON – On Monday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. EST, the U.S. Department of Labor will make available at http://www.dol.gov/regulations video remarks by Secretary Hilda L. Solis outlining the department's regulatory agenda. From 2 to 3 p.m. EST at the same Web location, the secretary will host a live Web chat — open to the public and members of the press — to discuss the contents of the agenda. Questions may be submitted in advance of the chat following the video presentation.

The Department of Labor's full regulatory agenda, scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on the morning of Dec. 7, will focus on improving the lives of working Americans and leveling the playing field for businesses that play by the rules.

Secretary Solis' Web chat will be followed on Dec. 7, 8 and 9 (at the same Web address) by chats hosted by the heads of these Labor Department agencies: the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Office of Labor-Management Standards, the Wage and Hour Division, the Employment and Training Administration, the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs and the Employee Benefits Security Administration. A schedule will be posted at the site.

This event is open to news media and stakeholders.

WHO: Secretary Hilda L. Solis
WHAT: U.S. Department of Labor's regulatory agenda rollout
WHEN: Video remarks: Dec. 7 – 10 a.m. EST
Live Web chat: Dec. 7 – 2 to 3 p.m. EST
WHERE: http://www.dol.gov/regulations

Beginning on Monday, Dec. 7, at 10 a.m. EST, reporters may submit questions (include outlet and affiliation) for the secretary's Web chat via e-mail to Reporters.solis@dol.gov.

The public may also submit questions via e-mail beginning at 10 a.m. to Webmaster@dol.gov.

OSHA Wants to Hear from You!

2009-12-03T12:46:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) Dec. 10-11, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

The meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Dec. 11 at the U.S. Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Building, Rooms N-3437 A-C, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20210.

Submit comments and requests to speak electronically at http://www.regulations.gov/, the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Comments not exceeding 10 pages may also be sent via facsimile at 202-693-1648 or by mail to the OSHA Docket Office, Room N-2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20210.

All press inquiries should be directed to Jennifer Ashley, OSHA, Office of Communications, at 202-693-1999 or ashley.jennifer@dol.gov. General information inquiries should be directed to Michael Buchet, OSHA, Directorate of Construction, at 202-693-2020 or buchet.michael@dol.gov.

The committee advises the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on the formulation of standards affecting the construction industry and on policy matters arising in the administration of the safety and health provisions of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act, and the OSH Act of 1970.

OSHA Guidance Document Focuses on Training, Personal Protective Equipment for Safeguarding Emergency Medical Responders

2009-12-01T16:55:00.002-06:00

WASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a guidance document, Best Practices for Protecting EMS Responders During Treatment and Transport of Victims of Hazardous Substance Releases, that addresses adequate training and personal protective equipment for emergency medical services responders who assist victims of hazardous substance release incidents.

This document, a companion to OSHA's Best Practices for Hospital-Based First Receivers, advises that employers provide, at a minimum, awareness level training to EMS responders. Workers receiving awareness-level training are not permitted to rescue or treat contaminated patients, but are responsible for notifying authorities if they suspect hazardous substances at a scene. Operations-level training teaches EMS responders skills for entering hazardous areas and caring for contaminated individuals.

"Healthcare workers, including EMS personnel, play a critical role in a community's emergency response program," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Emergency workers who protect the lives of victims at dangerous incidents should not risk becoming victims themselves because they lack proper training and protective clothing."

The guidance document helps employers to determine the type of training and PPE needed by anticipating the EMS responder's role in a worst-case scenario, identifying hazards associated with the responder's assigned duties, and developing an emergency response plan detailing safe accomplishment of those duties.

SafetyCertified wishes you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

2009-11-25T14:19:00.001-06:00

OSHA Issues Crowd Control Guidelines for Protecting Workers During Retail Sales Events

2009-11-24T12:39:00.002-06:00

OSHA has published a fact sheet providing crowd control guidelines for retailers to protect workers during major sales events. Last year, a worker was trampled to death while a mob of shoppers rushed through the doors of a large store to take advantage of an after Thanksgiving Day "Black Friday" sales event. The store was not using the kind of crowd control measures recommended in the fact sheet. Following the recommendations will help avoid worker injuries during the holiday shopping season.

Click Here for Fact Sheet

OSHA Finds Problems Identified in GAO's Report Alarming

2009-11-23T12:16:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) welcomes the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report on the under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses and OSHA's audit process.

The report identifies a number of factors that may contribute to the inaccuracy of employer injury and illness records, as well as problems with the audits that OSHA conducts to ensure their accuracy.

"Accurate injury and illness records are vital to protect workers' health and safety," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "They not only enable OSHA to better target its resources and determine the effectiveness of its efforts, accurate numbers are also an important tool that workers and employers can use to identify hazards in their workplaces."

The report identifies worker intimidation as well as a number of disincentives that may discourage workers and employers from reporting work-related injuries and illnesses. The report also notes widespread reports from occupational health practitioners who were pressured not to record an injury or illness.

Acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA Jordan Barab announced that the agency will move swiftly to implement the recommendations made by the GAO. Additionally, in response to numerous studies of under-reporting and congressional interest, on Oct. 1, OSHA implemented a National Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping. OSHA will send inspectors into worksites across the country to review the occupational injury and illness records prepared by businesses.

"Many of the problems identified in the report are quite alarming, and OSHA will be taking strong enforcement action where we find underreporting," Solis said.

OSHA Cites New Bedford, Mass., Seafood Processor following Worker Death in Ice Machine

2009-11-16T16:01:00.002-06:00

BRAINTREE, Mass. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited a New Bedford, Mass., seafood processor, for 23 alleged violations of workplace safety standards after a worker was killed on May 4 when he became caught in the moving parts of a large industrial ice-making machine that activated while he was performing maintenance work inside it.

OSHA found that the plant lacked specific steps and procedures to power down and lock out the ice machine's power source before employees entered it. The agency's investigation also found that workers were not trained to recognize and address the hazard of the machine operating without warning. In addition, the plant lacked a program and employee training for working in confined spaces, such as the ice machine, and ladders were not available to ensure safe entry and exit from the ice machine.

"This is exactly the type of grave accident that OSHA's hazardous energy control, or 'lockout/tagout' standard, is designed to prevent," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for southeastern Massachusetts. "For the safety of their workers, employers must always ensure that machinery is powered down and its power sources locked out before workers perform maintenance. Employers must also ensure that workers are properly trained for work in confined spaces."

Additionally, OSHA's inspection identified unmarked exit doors and a lack of emergency exit route lighting, no eyewash or drenching facilities for employees working with corrosive chemicals, a lack of material safety data sheets and chemical hazard communication training, unguarded open-sided floors, a missing safety latch on a hoisting hook and several electrical-related hazards.

All told, these conditions resulted in the issuance of 19 serious citations, with $62,800 in proposed fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. The company also has been fined $4,000 for four other-than-serious hazards, including incomplete recording of injuries and illnesses. The combined penalties total $66,800.

Let us know if you would like to preview the SafetyCertified Lockout/Tagout course: Control of Hazardous Energy blittle@safetycertified.com

Workplace H1N1 Influenza Precaution and Protection

2009-11-11T14:56:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued commonsense fact sheets that employers and workers can use to promote safety during the current H1N1 influenza outbreak.

The fact sheets inform employers and workers about ways to reduce the risk of exposure to the 2009 H1N1 virus at work. Separate fact sheets for health care workers, who carry out tasks and activities that require close contact with 2009 H1N1 patients, contain additional precautions.

"Protecting our nation's workers is OSHA's top priority," said Jordan Barab, the agency's acting assistant secretary. "These fact sheets are tools we have developed to help ensure America's workers stay healthy and our businesses remain viable. OSHA's new fact sheets will help all employers identify appropriate actions to protect their workers."

OSHA's "Workplace Safety and H1N1" Web site provides easy to understand information appropriate for all workplaces and more extensive guidance for those involved in higher risk health care activities. The fact sheets are advisory in nature and informational in content.

As new information about the 2009 H1N1 virus becomes available, these workplace fact sheets will be updated. Employers and workers should review OSHA's http://www.osha.gov/h1n1 site often to ensure they have the most up-to-date information when making decisions about their operations and planning.

First World Pneumonia Day

2009-11-09T14:12:00.001-06:00

November 2nd was the first World Pneumonia Day. A diverse group of health, humanitarian, business and industry, advocacy, faith based and community organizations have come together to increase worldwide awareness about the global burden of pneumonia and the prevention and treatment options that will have the greatest impact on reductions in child mortality and morbidity. CDC has provided technical assistance to this coalition.

Pneumonia is a leading killer of both children and adults around the globe. Few know that pneumonia kills approximately 2 million children under the age of five years worldwide each year. Resource-poor countries are particularly hard hit—for every child who dies of pneumonia in a developed country, more than 2,000 children die of pneumonia in developing countries. In the US, over 1 million children and adults are admitted to the hospital for pneumonia each year.
The CDC has released a comprehensive story on Prevention Detection and care in an effort to reduce the deaths attributed to pneumonia both in the US and worldwide.

SafetyCertified has many courses to teach preventing disease spread. To make these courses available to employees, contact us today blittle@safetycertified.com

To read the rest of the CDC’s storey click here

FOLLOW UP: Gunman Kills 12, Wounds 31 at Fort Hood

2009-11-06T11:22:00.002-06:00

NBC News and msnbc.com
updated 9:48 p.m. CT, Thurs., Nov . 5, 2009

An Army psychiatrist who opened fire at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 12 people and wounding 31 others, was shot but captured alive, military officials said late Thursday.

The gunman, identified as Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, was wounded at the scene but was captured alive and was in stable condition, Lt. Gen. Robert W. Cone, commanding general of the Army’s III Corps, said at a press conference late Thursday.

Eleven of the victims died at the scene, military officials said. A 12th died later at a hospital, NBC station KCEN-TV of Waco reported. Cone said that most of those who were shot were military but two were civilians.

Cone also said that a female officer who was thought to be the first responder shot Hasan and was herself wounded and had undergone surgery at a hospital. It was not clear if the officer was a military policewoman or a civilian officer.

Col. Ben Danner said the suspect was shot at least four times. "I would say his death is not imminent," Cone said, adding that Hasan was in custody at a hospital.

It initially was reported that Hasan had been killed at the scene. But Cone said at the press conference that Hasan had been in custody since the incident occurred, and there was no explanation of the earlier report.

To read the rest of the story click here

BREAKING NEWS: 12 Dead, 31 Wounded in Shootings at Fort Hood in Texas

2009-11-05T16:30:00.002-06:00

Texas - A shooting at Fort Hood military post in Texas killed 11, wounded as many as 31, and left the gunman dead, the Army said.

The shooter was killed and two other suspects were in custody, Lt. General Bob Cone said. All three were U.S. soldiers.

Cone said witnesses reported seeing more than one shooter, but that the primary shooter used two handguns.

The shooting took place 1:30 p.m Thursday at the post's Soldier Readiness Center where soldiers who are about to be deployed or who are returning undergo medical screening.

"We have a terrible, tragic situation here," said Cone. "Soldiers, family members and the civilians that work here are absolutely devastated."

Cone said the injuries "vary significantly."

A motive wasn't immediately known.

The victims were a mix of civilian and military, but no children were involved, officials said.

The FBI ruled out terrorism.

Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said the shooting was a terrible tragedy for all of the military families affected.

The base and area schools were on lockdown after the mass shooting, and all those on the Army post were asked to gather for a head count.

FoxNews.com's Michelle Maskaly and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

SafetyCertified will update.

OSHA Addresses Workplace Violence and Fatigue at Upcoming International Conference on Work Stress and Health

2009-11-04T14:06:00.001-06:00

WASHINGTON - The dangers to workers of violence and fatigue are among topics OSHA presenters will address at the 8th international conference on occupational stress and health, "Work, Stress and Health: Global Concerns and Approaches," Nov. 5-8, 2009, in San Juan, PR.

Presenters will describe how alarm accessibility, unobstructed views from inside and outside the workplace and brighter lighting help reduce violence and improve security for workers. Discussions will also include the impact of working long hours and how fatigue contributes to depression, illness and other symptoms experienced by recovery personnel.

"Protecting workers' safety and health is a global issue," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Workplace violence and other occupational hazards that threaten workers' health and safety should be a concern for employers everywhere."

In addition to OSHA representatives, U.S. and international leaders and professionals in the research, business, labor, medical and social science fields will meet to discuss the global effects of work, stress and health on people in developed and developing countries.

The conference is co-sponsored by the American Psychological Association, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Society for Occupational Health Psychology and the University of Puerto Rico. Visit the conference's Web site for additional details and registration information.

Forklifts now used as "Drink Mixers"

2009-11-03T13:34:00.005-06:00

Check out the video below. This error cost the company more than $100,000! Just a friendly reminder why forklift training is so important.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/33599428#33599428

"Courtesy of YouTube"

US Department of Labors OSHA Issues Record-Breaking Fines to BP

2009-10-30T15:53:00.003-05:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today announced it is issuing $87,430,000 in proposed penalties to BP Products North America Inc. for the company's failure to correct potential hazards faced by employees. The fine is the largest in OSHA's history. The prior largest total penalty, $21 million, was issued in 2005, also against BP.

Safety violations at BP's Texas City, Texas, refinery resulted in a massive explosion — with 15 deaths and 170 people injured – in March of 2005. BP entered into a settlement agreement with OSHA in September of that year, under which the company agreed to corrective actions to eliminate potential hazards similar to those that caused the 2005 tragedy. Today's announcement comes at the conclusion of a six-month inspection by OSHA, designed to evaluate the extent to which BP has complied with its obligations under the 2005 agreement and OSHA standards.

"When BP signed the OSHA settlement from the March 2005 explosion, it agreed to take comprehensive action to protect employees. Instead of living up to that commitment, BP has allowed hundreds of potential hazards to continue unabated," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Fifteen people lost their lives as a result of the 2005 tragedy, and 170 others were injured. An $87 million fine won't restore those lives, but we can't let this happen again. Workplace safety is more than a slogan. It's the law. The U.S. Department of Labor will not tolerate the preventable exposure of workers to hazardous conditions."

For noncompliance with the terms of the settlement agreement, the BP Texas City Refinery has been issued 270 "notifications of failure to abate" with fines totaling $56.7 million. Each notification represents a penalty of $7,000 times 30 days, the period that the conditions have remained unabated. OSHA also identified 439 new willful violations for failures to follow industry-accepted controls on the pressure relief safety systems and other process safety management violations with penalties totaling $30.7 million.

"BP was given four years to correct the safety issues identified pursuant to the settlement agreement, yet OSHA has found hundreds of violations of the agreement and hundreds of new violations. BP still has a great deal of work to do to assure the safety and health of the employees who work at this refinery," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab.

The BP Texas City Refinery is the third largest refinery in the United States with a refining capacity of 475,000 barrels of crude per day. It is located on a 1,200-acre facility in Texas City, southeast of Houston in Galveston County.

A willful violation exists where an employer has knowledge of a violation and demonstrates either an intentional disregard for the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970, or shows plain indifference to employee safety and health. A penalty of up to $70,000 may be assessed for each willful violation.

A notification of failure to abate can be issued if an employer fails to correct a cited condition and the citation is a final order of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. A penalty of up to $7,000 may be assessed for each day that the violation remains uncorrected.

OSHA's New Letter of Interpretation Requires that Construction Workers Wear High-Visibility Warning Garments

2009-10-29T14:06:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON - High-visibility warning garments are required safety attire for highway and road construction workers according to a new letter of interpretation recently released by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

"Highway construction workers should not suffer serious or fatal injuries simply because they could not be seen," said acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab. "Requiring the use of reflective vests is essential to help prevent workers from being injured or killed."

In 2004, OSHA issued a letter of interpretation about the use of high-visibility apparel in highway construction. The letter emphasized that section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act requires workers in highway work zones to wear high-visibility apparel.

However, the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission ruled that OSHA's letter indicated a more limited position: high-visibility garments are only required where the Federal Highway Administration's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) mandates their use.

Therefore, OSHA is issuing a new letter stating that all highway and road construction workers must wear high-visibility apparel regardless of whether the MUTCD requires them. OSHA considers road and construction traffic a well-recognized hazard to highway/road construction workers. Bureau of Labor Statistics reinforced the need for using safety apparel when data from 2003 to 2007 showed there were 425 road construction work zone fatalities.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

US Labor Department's OSHA issues report

2009-10-28T14:53:00.000-05:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a report on Nevada's occupational safety and health program that reveals a number of serious concerns with the program's operation, including failure to issue appropriate willful and repeat citations, poorly trained inspectors and lack of follow-up to determine whether hazards were abated. The comprehensive evaluation of the Nevada OSHA plan points to an urgent need for corrections in oversight and changes in all phases of its workplace safety and health program.

Twenty-five workplace deaths occurred in Nevada from January 2008 through June 2009. Those deaths, in addition to extensive media coverage revealing Nevada OSHA's poor handling of the fatality investigations and several serious complaints filed with federal OSHA about Nevada's state plan administration, compelled OSHA's investigation.

"The safety of workers must be priority one, and the U.S. Department of Labor is stepping up review of state OSHA plans to ensure that is the case," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I am pleased that Nevada OSHA cooperated fully throughout the evaluation process and that the state agency's new leadership has pledged to take prompt corrective action."

Between July and August 2009, OSHA monitors evaluated Nevada's workplace fatality investigations, as well as information from all Nevada OSHA inspections conducted from January 2008 through June 2009. OSHA identified a number of systemic issues that caused great concern: Identified hazards were not cited, families of deceased workers were not notified of fatality investigations nor provided opportunities to speak to investigators – though family members may provide information pertinent to a case, and Nevada OSHA investigators demonstrated limited knowledge of construction safety hazards.

The details of OSHA's Nevada report raised concerns about OSHA's monitoring of all state plan states. Jordan Barab, the Labor Department's acting Assistant Secretary for OSHA, added, "As a result of the deficiencies identified in Nevada OSHA's program and this administration's goal to move from reaction to prevention, we will strengthen the oversight, monitoring and evaluation of all state programs."

Barab also pointed out the benefits of state programs: "Many state programs have shown they have the flexibility to deal with workplace hazards that are sometimes not addressed by federal OSHA, and we strongly support their initiative and dedication."

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health programs. Federal OSHA approves and monitors the state plans and provides up to 50 percent of an approved plan's operating costs. Nevada, one of 27 states and American territories approved to operate its own safety and health enforcement program, has been a state plan state since December 1973. OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

US Labor Department's OSHA Addresses Need for Combustible Dust Standard

2009-10-26T12:43:00.001-05:00

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust.

"It's time for workers to stop dying in preventable combustible dust explosions," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Workplace safety is not a slogan. It's a priority clearly embodied in our laws."

"Last year, 14 workers lost their lives in a combustible dust explosion at Imperial Sugar in Port Wentworth, Ga. Since 1980, more than 130 workers have been killed and more than 780 injured in combustible dust explosions," added acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Jordan Barab.

OSHA has been conducting a Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) since October 2007; a status report is available on OSHA's Combustible Dust Safety and Health Topics page. The NEP has resulted in an unusually high number of general duty clause violations, indicating a strong need for a combustible dust standard. The general duty clause is not as effective as a comprehensive combustible dust standard would be at protecting workers. Responses to questions posed in the ANPR will help the agency propose an effective combustible dust standard.

Support for a combustible dust standard came from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board in 2006 and again in 2008 during a congressional hearing when the board said a new standard, combined with enforcement and education, could save workers' lives.

Combustible dusts are solids ground into fine particles, fibers, chips, chunks or flakes that can cause a fire or explosion when suspended in air under certain conditions. Types of dust likely to combust include metal (aluminum and magnesium), wood, plastic or rubber, coal, flour, sugar and paper.

The public has 90 days to comment on the proposed ANPR. The agency also will conduct stakeholder meetings and will analyze all information and comments received from the public in developing a proposed rule on combustible dust.