Resources for workplace safety

Georgia Manufacturer Cited for Repeat Safety Violations

2013-05-16T10:10:59-05:00

Tenneco Automotive Operating Co. has been cited for 13 safety and health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration following an inspection at its manufacturing facility in Hartwell, Ga. Proposed fines total $62,000.

One repeat safety violation, with a penalty of $22,000, involves the employer failing to reduce the pressure in a compressed air device to less than 30 pounds per square inch when using it for cleaning. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Tenneco was previously cited for this same violation during an inspection in 2011.

Nine serious safety and health violations, with $37,800 in penalties, include the manufacturer exposing workers to burn hazards due to the accumulation of combustible dust and tripping hazards related to poor h

Bad Choices Lead to Workplace Accidents

2013-05-15T11:35:18-05:00

They may not know it at the time, but workers (and companies) make choices that result in workplace accidents. While there are many contributing factors to workplace accidents, on some level, bad decisions were made.

J.A. Rodriquez recently wrote an interesting article titled "Fatalities at West Fertilizer Company: Was the Enemy of Safety Responsible?" It explained how workers engage in "incremental rationalization" to bit by bit justify ultimately disastrous decisions. He analogized to our common incremental justification for violating a diet, in which the rationalization proceeds from, "I know I shouldn’t have it," to "Maybe just this once," to "I deserve this," and so forth.

I have been associated with almost 500 workplace fatalities, and my partner, Ed Foulke, another 200 or so. We have analyzed these accidents, and close to 70 percent involved errors by well-trained personnel. Most of those individuals were des

Houston Plant Cited for Failing to Protect Workers from Hazards

2013-05-07T09:39:32-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Texfab Inc. with 11 alleged serious and two other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to falls and other workplace hazards at its manufacturing plant on Link Drive in Navasota. OSHA's Houston North Area Office began the investigation in March after receiving a complaint. Proposed penalties total $48,300.

The serious violations include a missing latch on a crane-lifting hook and fall hazards into a pit and into dangerous machinery. The company also failed to ensure usage of proper personal protective equipment, supply at least grade-D air in supply air respirators, equip air respirators with high-temperature or carbon-monoxide monitors, medically evaluate workers before they wear respirators, evaluate permit-required confined spaces, provide a lockout/tagout program to control energy sources, periodically inspect a gantry crane, and provide machine guarding on point of oper

Aggregate Industries Earns Safety Awards

2013-04-23T09:42:31-05:00

Aggregate Industries US, a Holcim Group company, recently announced that three of its facilities have received safety achievement awards from the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals. The facilities were recognized for accomplishing a zero lost-time accident rate in 2012. This accomplishment is based on a company's lost-time injuries (LTI) record. An LTI is defined as an accident that requires the employee to take time off for recovery.

"We congratulate our employees for their accomplishment and unwavering attention to safety," said Graham Hardwick, senior vice president of Aggregate Industries US Midwest Region. "They have shown great commitment to implementing the company's universal safety measures and taking ownership for personal safety. We're proud of their achievements and look forward to continued excellence."

The three facilities that earned the awards were Dyer Lake Pit #34 in Burlington, Wis., Algonquin Pit #5 in Algonquin,

Ohio Manufacturer Cited after Worker's Finger is Amputated

2013-03-14T09:36:52-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Smithville Manufacturing Co. in Wooster, Ohio, for 21 health and safety violations, including one willful, after receiving a complaint that a worker's finger was amputated at the facility by an unguarded press machine. OSHA has proposed penalties of $65,800 as a result of the December 2012 inspection.

The willful violation was cited for failing to ensure point of operation guards were in place on mechanical power presses at the stamping facility, which does short-run productions of automotive parts. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

"Smithville Manufacturing has a responsibility to follow all safety guidelines, including the use of properly adjusted and adequate machine guarding to protect workers from injuries, such as amputatio

Fuel Company Cited After Worker's Death

2013-02-28T09:14:58-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Export Fuel Co. with 18 serious safety violations following the death of a worker who was crushed by a pavement roller in August 2012 at the company's facility in Export, Pa.

"Training workers to recognize and address hazards is essential, and Export Fuel failed to train its workers on the operation and maintenance of the pavement roller, which ultimately led to a worker's death," said Christopher Robinson, director of the OSHA Pittsburgh area office. "It is the employer's responsibility to provide a safe workplace by finding and fixing hazards so all workers are protected."

The serious violations include fall and electrical hazards, lack of machine and equipment guarding, lack of energy-control procedures, the company's failure to provide employee training in the maintenance and operation of construction vehicles, and a safe exit and mean

Illinois Plant Cited for Exposing Workers to Hazardous Materials

2013-01-31T11:37:39-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Flex-N-Gate Corp., which operates as Guardian West in Urbana, Ill., with six serious safety violations for failing to protect workers from exposure to hazardous materials and provide adequate emergency response plans and training at the company's bumper manufacturing plant.

The inspection was initiated in July 2012 after OSHA received a complaint alleging workers were being exposed to high levels of hydrochloric acid following a release of the acid during refilling operations. Proposed fines total $41,200.

"Manufacturers such as Guardian West, which are the subject of repeat complaint inspections, need to demonstrate a commitment to properly training and protecting workers from exposure to hazards," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria, Ill. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

58 Health, Safety Violations Found at Hoover Dam Power Plant

2013-01-24T09:37:23-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found 50 alleged serious and eight repeat safety and health violations during a comprehensive investigation at the Hoover Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant located 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas. The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation maintains and operates the power plant.

"We are concerned to have found this number of serious safety and health violations at the Hoover Dam plant," said Ken Atha, OSHA's regional administrator in San Francisco. "We expect to work closely with the agency to rectify these deficiencies and provide a safe and healthful work environment for employees."

The 50 serious safety and health violations included fall and electrical hazards, a lack of required guards on machinery, inadequate personal protective equipment, lead contamination, and the potential for overexposure to hexavalent chromium. OSHA also identified

New York Frozen-Food Plant Cited for Safety Violations

2013-01-04T09:35:25-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently cited Rosina Food Products Inc. with nine serious violations of workplace safety standards at its production facility in West Seneca, N.Y. The manufacturer of frozen-food products faces a proposed penalty of $54,750.

The inspection, which began in September, identified several deficiencies in the plant's process safety management program, a detailed set of requirements and procedures employers must follow to proactively address hazards associated with processes and equipment involving large amounts of hazardous chemicals. In this case, the process was the operation and maintenance of the plant’s refrigeration system. The chemical was anhydrous ammonia, which is used in the refrigeration system.

"The stringent and comprehensive requirements of OSHA's process safety management standard are designed to prevent catastrophic incidents, such as the uncontrolled r

Increase Performance with an Engaged, Healthy Workforce

2013-01-03T11:23:46-06:00

As you begin a new year in your organization, you must commit resources to answer the latest challenges and bring success to the bottom line. One of the main concerns in many companies is employee well-being and health. Indeed, to meet all of the challenges you face this year, you will need to ensure that your workforce is engaged and healthy.

For many people, the resolution of daily exercise is made each year only to dwindle and flame out over the coming days, weeks or, in a few fortunate cases, months. Some folks actually do make it a lifelong way of life, and I applaud those who do. However, the vast majority of people typically fall back into their old routines without making any real changes to improve their health and well-being.

Within an organizational setting, ergonomics and stretching

Georgia Chemical Manufacturer Cited for Safety Violations after Explosion

2012-12-27T10:00:20-06:00

MFG Chemical Inc. of Dalton, Ga., has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for 20 safety violations following a plant explosion that resulted in the hospitalization of approximately 40 employees of other companies who were working in the surrounding area. Proposed penalties total $77,000.

The May explosion was caused by a runaway reaction from an overheated reactor. During the production of coagulant 129, a compound used in water treatment, an increase in temperature caused the reactor to overpressurize, rupturing the dome cover and blowing a hole in the roof of the facility. In response to the incident, OSHA conducted an inspection under the agency's national emphasis program on process safety management for covered chemical facilities.

Nineteen serious violations involved exposing workers to fire and explosion hazards while they performed manufacturing duties, as well as failing to ensure that initial

OSHA cites Dover Chemical Plant for 47 Health, Safety Violations

2012-12-13T09:16:34-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dover Chemical Co. for 47 health and safety violations, including four willful violations, after an unexpected release of hazardous materials led to the temporary shutdown of the company's Dover plant and an adjacent highway in May.

Although no injuries were reported as a result of the incident, OSHA opened an investigation focused on the agency's standards for process safety management (PSM) at facilities that use highly hazardous chemicals. Proposed fines total $545,000.

The release of materials resulted from a breach of a polyvinyl-chloride piping system. Due to the nature of the hazards and the willful violations cited, Dover Chemical has been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law.

"By disregarding OSHA's common-sense regulations, this employer

7 Ways to Achieve a Culture of Safety

2012-11-12T10:26:20-06:00

How do safety leaders and managers create a culture of safety? Knowing that safety is important is clearly not enough. Slogans like "Safety First" or "Target Zero" may be powerful and eloquent, but they typically don’t produce the buy-in that is necessary.

The only way to change a culture is to get an extremely high level of repeatable buy-in. That means the message from leadership has to be very clear and simple to implement. It also means you have to be realistic about what’s working.

Have you noticed that the job site with the best safety record is the one where the boss makes everyone feel valuable, the people seem to trust one another and everyone gets along well? While there may be a few exceptions, most research confirms that people make fewer mistakes when they feel valuable. They are more loyal and watch out for each other. They are consistently willing to do more of what they are asked to do. All of this results in dramatically f

OSHA Cites Pennsylvania Recycler for Health, Safety Hazards

2012-11-06T08:21:32-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Donald R. Klein and Vortex Recycling Inc. for 27 violations of safety and health standards. OSHA initiated an inspection of the company’s New Castle facility in response to a complaint. Proposed penalties total $58,000.

The one repeat violation involved failing to remove defective or unsafe powered industrial trucks from service. The citation carries a $5,600 fine. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. A similar violation was cited in 2008.

The 25 serious violations included a variety of fall, electrical and struck-by hazards; using equipment that was improperly installed, identified and located; improperly maintaining emergency eyewash stations, shower facilities and portable fi

Accenture Life Safety Solution Named New Product of the Year

2012-11-01T14:17:20-05:00

The Accenture Life Safety Solution recently received the industrial hygiene product of the year award from Occupational Health & Safety magazine. Developed by Accenture, Industrial Scientific, Cisco and AeroScout, the wireless-enabled multi-gas detection system helps companies to remotely monitor incidents and to locate workers in hazardous locations.

The solution is designed for environments such as oil and gas refineries, chemical and manufacturing plants, utilities, mines and other locations where dense steel infrastructure can make wireless safety solutions difficult to implement.

"Worker safety is a key priority for a range of industries with operations in challenging working locations," said Massimo Pagella of Accenture Plant and Automation Solutions. "This solution can help mitigate risks by continuously monitoring the environment in the plant and automatically providing feedback on abnormalities to the control cent

Honeywell Introduces New Safety Products

2012-10-23T08:41:43-05:00

Honeywell recently unveiled several new safety products to help minimize injuries and maintain a more protective and productive workplace. The products were introduced at the opening of the 2012 National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo in Orlando, Fla.

Among the new products announced were the full-body AirCore harness, Miller's Fall Clearance Calculator, the MightyLite Leading Edge Self-Retracting Lifeline, the Uvex Carbonvision wide-view safety goggle, Oliver work boots, North's lower-profile respiratory cartridges and cartridge/filter combinations, and the QUIETPRO QP100Ex intelligent communication and hearing protection system.

The company also launched the Eyelation program, which allows end users to select and order prescription safety eyewear 24 hours a day, and the "Lead Them to Safety" initiative, which provides managers with a wide range of safety-focused best practices, tools, resources, advice and research drawn from expert sources ar

Holcim Facility Reaches Safety Milestone

2012-10-16T09:58:54-05:00

Holcim (US) Inc. recently announced that its Devil’s Slide facility in Morgan, Utah, has surpassed the eight-year mark without a lost-time injury (LTI), which is defined as an injury that requires an employee to take time off for recovery.

"We congratulate the employees of our Devil’s Slide facility for their accomplishment and untiring attention to safety," said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Holcim (US) Inc. "Our employees have shown great commitment to implementing our universal safety measures. We’re proud of what they have accomplished and look forward to continued excellence."

An industry leader in safety standards, Holcim (US) has celebrated numerous LTI milestones this year. As one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cement and mineral components, Holcim (US) has approximately 1,800 employees and operates 12 manufacturing plants and more than 50 distribution facili

OSHA Cites Delaware Manufacturer for Safety, Health Violations

2012-09-27T08:21:43-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Formosa Plastics Corp. with 16 alleged safety and health violations at its site in Delaware City, Del. Proposed penalties total $148,700.

Two repeat violations, with $66,000 in penalties, involve a failure to perform process equipment inspections and tests, inspect critical valves, and ensure that PVC dust did not accumulate on surfaces and the floor of a bagging area. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The same violation was cited following a separate investigation in March 2010.

Fourteen serious violations include electrical hazards, a deficient process safety management program, incomplete emergency shutdown procedures, no machine guarding, a lack of training for workers par

Lattimore Reaches Safety Milestone

2012-09-07T09:59:51-05:00

Aggregate Industries US recently announced that Lattimore Materials Corp. (LMC) has surpassed the 2-million-hour mark without a lost-time injury, which is defined as an injury that requires an employee to take time off for recovery.

A provider of ready-mix concrete and aggregate products to building trades in north Texas, LMC operates seven aggregate mines, 26 ready-mix sites with 35 concrete plants, four rail terminals and a fleet of more than 400 mixer and haul trucks.

"We commend Lattimore for its accomplishment and unwavering attention to safety," said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Aggregate Industries US, a Holcim Group Company. "Our employees have shown great commitment to implementing our universal safety measures. We're proud of their accomplishments and look forward to continued excellence."

As industry leaders in safety standards, Aggregate Industries US and Holcim US have also c

Inherently Safer: The Future of Risk Reduction

2012-08-10T09:55:23-05:00

An explosion at the Bayer Crop Science plant in Institute, W.Va., which killed two workers and injured eight others in 2008, raised the question of whether there was a safer alternative for storing and using highly toxic chemicals. This U.S. Chemical Safety Board video illustrates how industries can benefit from incorporating the principles of inherently safer design into making decisions while preventing accidents and reducing the consequences of accidents should one occur.

Reliability is a Green Initiative

2012-06-27T10:22:11-05:00

Demand for products has declined in many parts of the world, and with more manufacturing being shipped overseas, reliability of our existing processes is even more important than before. Many of my friends in different industries have told me about all of the initiatives being done to “green up” their facilities and processes. Going green and being environmentally responsible is a great thing, and I think we should be pushing to move more in that direction. With that said, the interesting thing that I have been hearing is that reliability is getting lost in the green push.

I think reliability is the first green initiative we should invest in. Some people will argue that reliability is not a green initiative, but I assure you that it is. It’s no mystery that part of being green is doing more with less. Improved reliability will mean a decrease in demand of raw materials and storage space for those materials.

A benefit in decreased use of raw materials me

Aggregate Industries Earns Safety Awards

2012-06-14T10:40:33-05:00

Several locations of Aggregate Industries US Midwest Region (AIMWR) have been recognized by the Safety Awards Program of the Illinois Association for Aggregate Producers (IAAP). The awards were presented during IAAP’s annual convention on May 15, 2012.

The IAAP Rock Solid Safety in Excellence Award, the highest award level, went to 11 locations: Portable AC2, Portable AC3, Portable NB1, Algonquin Pit 5, Battle Creek Plant, Chelsea Plant, Dyer Lake Pit 34, Edwardsburg/Milliken Plant, Otsego Shop, Pullman/Sweet Plant and Wayland Plant. Two more locations, Dundee Quarry and McHenry West Pit 26, received the IAAP Silver Award.

“We are extremely honored to have been presented with these awards,” said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Aggregate Industries US. “Aggregate Industries US constantly strives to improve our safety training and safety management systems. This recognition is a testame

Baldwin Filters Plant Earns Safety Award

2012-06-01T09:40:18-05:00

Baldwin Filters’ plant in Gothenburg, Neb., recently received the Safety Spirit Award for 2011 from the Nebraska Safety Council at its annual conference in Lincoln, Neb.

The award is presented to facilities based on their training activities, safety committee activities, sustainability, current year statistics and programs that are in place to achieve safety in the work place.

The Nebraska Safety Council is a nonprofit organization that provides leadership and resources to promote a safe and healthy work environment across Nebraska.

“This achievement could not have been earned without the efforts of all our employees and managers,” said Brian Riley, plant manager of the Gothenburg facility. “Our safety committee, as well as the m

Goodyear to Receive Award for Zero Waste to Landfill Program

2012-05-17T08:30:06-05:00

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company will receive a 2012 Manny Award in the "Green Initiative" category from Inside Business magazine. The award is in recognition of Goodyear's zero waste to landfill program.

Goodyear will receive the award at a banquet in Cleveland on May 17 and will be featured in the May/June issue of Inside Business.

Since 2008, Goodyear has not sent any manufacturing waste from its 53 factories to landfills anywhere in the world. The initiative was started in 2006 to reduce Goodyear's environmental impact by requiring all plants to reduce, reuse and recycle manufacturing waste.

"Goodyear believes our zero waste to landfill initiative represents a responsible next step in environmental stewardship, both through the effective management of byproducts and also the elimination of materials going into landfills," said Dave Chapman, Goodyear's director of environmental, health and safety susta

How a Visual Workplace Improves Safety

2012-05-11T10:27:04-05:00

What does a visual workplace have to do with your safety program? Well, it can be one of your best tools for promoting and maintaining awareness among your employees as well as a subtle training program.

Human beings are visual creatures. We are geared to perceive our environment through our primary sense: vision. You see, interpret and catalog enormous amounts of data through your sense of sight every day. A great deal of this is subconscious, but very real. Why not piggy-back onto this completely natural process to teach safety principles, transfer information on safety resources and keep safety in your employees’ daily thoughts?

OK, you ask, “How do I do that with visual aids?” It seems fairly intuitive to me that you think about what you see, so let’s put thi

Reliability Begins with the Essentials

2012-04-27T10:03:40-05:00

There’s a really great documentary that shows up periodically on public television. It describes the building of the Boulder (Hoover) Dam on the Colorado River back in the early 1930s. (Like many, I was never really sure if these were two separate dams.)

This was a project of truly incredible size at the time, one that needed and brought out some really innovative engineering, construction and logistical processes. However, there were some negatives brought out in the documentary. One of them being that if OSHA had been in existence at the time and visited the site, the project would have been shut down pretty much immediately.

Some of the work was incredibly dangerous. A premier high-paying job, for example, was lowering yourself by rope down the sheer 700-foot canyon wall, where the concrete would eventually bond to the rock, knocking free any loose rock that would affect the concrete bond (and, of course, avoiding loose rocks knocked free by your co-workers).

Holcim Plants Receive Safety, Environmental Awards

2012-04-19T09:42:36-05:00

Holcim Inc. recently announced that its plants in Holly Hill, S.C., and Theodore, Ala., were recognized for their safety and environmental performance during the Portland Cement Association's (PCA) spring board of directors’ meeting in Chicago.

The Holly Hill plant received the Chairman's Safety Performance Award in recognition of its exceptional health and safety programs, while the Theodore plant earned the Environmental Performance Award for steps taken beyond those required by laws, regulations and permits to minimize their impact on the environment.

"Safety and the environment are of utmost importance to Holcim," said Bernard Terver, president and chief executive officer of Holcim. "This recognition is a reflection of our employees' commitment to making sure that each of

How Ladders Enhance Safety, Reliability

2012-04-16T08:56:04-05:00

Everyone can remember a time when they needed a stepladder to get nameplate data, but with none around, climbed on top of something nearby instead. As we become more aware of safety in all of our daily activities, this behavior raises a red flag. The opportunity for a slip and fall injury here is too high to ignore, and yet human nature says it will happen too often.

When you consider the initial costs against the potential benefits, having enough ladders staged at handy intervals in your plant is a good return on maintenance dollars. You leverage those dollars by getting multiple advantages from the ladders, such as increased safety, better labor utilization and improved work quality.

Safety improves when technicians use the ladders instead of climbing on motors, oily gearboxes, handrails and u

The Link between Reliability and Safety

2012-04-11T13:32:57-05:00

Over the last year or so, the question of reducing the cost of reliability has been ever present. Many maintenance budgets have been slashed without due process or reflecting on the true cost over time. I recently attended a conference where this was a topic of conversation. Out of all the discussions that I have heard, the most effective statement was to respond to that request from a CEO or plant manager with the following question: “How much are you willing to reduce the amount spent on safety?”

Unfortunately, not everyone makes the tie that reliability and safety go hand in hand. I am reminded of a letter that Dave O’Reilly, the CEO of Chevron Corporation, sent to employees where he said, “Reliability, like safety, is a critical element of operational excellence and requires our constant attention.” I couldn’t agree more.

Reliability drives safety and vice versa. Consider that most accidents don’t occur when things are runnin

Pfannenberg Introduces Industrial Flashing Sounders

2012-04-10T09:58:48-05:00

Pfannenberg has introduced a new line of industrial flashing sounders. The new Patrol Series PA X 5 flashing sounders offer the ability to select from 80 unique tones, including continuous, sweeping, alternating, pulsing and interrupted tones, as well as simulated bells, sirens and whoops that meet international standards.

Each unit is designed as an integrated flashing sounder rather than combining a sounder with a bolted-on flashing light.

Frequency content of delivered tones has been engineered to provide more “punch-through” of obstacles such as walls and doors for a wider area of coverage.

The flashing strobe is available with either 5- or 10-joule flash energy to produce a level of alarming to suit the required area of visible coverage and haza

Roanoke Cement Receives Safety, Environmental Awards

2012-04-05T10:08:52-05:00

Roanoke Cement Company recently announced that its Troutville, Va., plant and Castle Hayne, N.C., terminal will be honored later this month for excellence in two different areas: environmental outreach and terminal safety.

The Troutville plant is the winner of the Outreach Award for the 2012 Cement Industry Energy and Environmental Awards. Sponsored by the Portland Cement Association and Cement Americas magazine, the awards are presented to individual cement facilities that exemplify the spirit of continuous environmental improvement and support this commitment with action.

The outreach category credits activities that enhance community, employee and government relations. Included among the achievements and initiatives noted for the Troutville plant were a fifth consecutive Energy Star award, the 2011 Virginia Statewide Mineral Mining

How Signage and Labeling can Improve Reliability

2012-04-04T08:24:53-05:00

The importance of signage and labeling is often underplayed or even ignored when a maintenance program is being discussed. Since we are visual creatures and the visual workplace is the direct application of this, we should take a few minutes to go over some reasons and applications for signage and labeling to get more attention in our programs.

Signage can be for several reasons, such as:

Regulatory compliance (e.g., personal protective equipment, arc flash, Department of Transportation placarding)
Access control, such as “Authorized Personnel Only”
Fire safety, such as extinguisher locations and fire exits
General safety (e.g., cautions about fork truck traffic)
Behavior and training purposes (safety reminders and CPR how-to directions)

Labeling is usually more specific but is also varied in use. Examples include:

Piping labels per ANSI standard

Georgia-Pacific Announces 2nd Great American Worker Contest

2012-03-21T15:35:58-05:00

Georgia-Pacific Professional will again honor the champions of America’s workforce with its Brawny Industrial Brand Great American Worker contest. The company is seeking individuals who combine a history of workplace safety and high work productivity with a commitment to community involvement for the chance to win a Ford F-150 truck.

“As part of our commitment to excellence, we are excited to give workers across the country an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements both in their workplace and in their community,” said Bill Tracey, Georgia-Pacific Professional vice president. “Georgia-Pacific Professional is proud to support the tireless workers who go above and beyond their duties every day. We look forward to another year of celebrating America’s unsung heroes.”

Now in its second year, the contest has added new elements for 2012. Potential Great American Workers have the opportunity to nominate themselves and ask their su

Maintenance Supervisor Coaching

2012-03-12T14:04:54-05:00

In this 3-minute, 3-second video, Dave Berube of Life Cycle Engineering discusses how to coach a maintenance supervisor to be more effective. Learn the three areas of concentration for maintenance supervisors and how using a coaching card can help maintain focus on these three areas.

What You Should Do Before a Plant Closure

2012-03-09T08:45:06-06:00

It’s happened … the announcement that a major portion of your facility is being closed for the foreseeable future. What do you do next?

Accept the news that your plant is facing an impending plant shutdown. It is not necessarily a “knockout” for the plant or your career. Remember, in the often uneven battleground called the global marketplace, just about anything can happen. Be ready to get up and start fighting again.
Designate responsibility to an individual for writing a list of possible scenarios. The individual should have enough clout to implement the chosen strategy, if necessary.
Go to the top of the company and request that sufficient funds be made available to execute the initial shutdown and preservation strategy.
Choose the right type of long-term equipment caretakers. Those selected are often security or ex-supervisory types rather than experienced operator/craftsmen with intimate knowledge

Toyota Named Company of the Year by Columbus Chamber of Commerce

2012-02-23T10:14:01-06:00

Toyota’s Columbus, Ind., manufacturing plant, Toyota Industrial Equipment Mfg. (TIEM), has been named “Company of the Year” by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. TIEM was presented the award at the chamber’s recent annual meeting.

“Toyota is very honored by this recognition,” said Toshiya Yamagishi, president of TIEM. “As a company, we are committed to enhancing our associates’ quality of life and contributing to the overall success of our community.”

Each year, the chamber bestows a number of awards of distinction in order to foster a culture of excellence. These awards recognize extraordinary contributions from the business community that reflect positively on the quality and expertise of the Columbus, Ind., community. TIEM was se

Pfannenberg Introduces Alarm Sounder

2012-02-21T09:43:10-06:00

Pfannenberg has introduced an audible alarm sounder that is specifically designed to conform with safety integrity level (SIL) 1 and 2 systems. Model DS 10-SIL capitalizes on the technology of the company’s workhorse model DS 10 and features an output of 110 decibels, a cast aluminum housing and a legacy for dependable signaling on machinery, heavy equipment and in tough industrial environments.

Enhancements for the SIL version include self-monitoring circuitry and fault-indicating contact closures to alert of failure or initiate shutdown /lockout of machinery until corrective action can be achieved, thus eliminating the need for redundant devices.

The DS 10-SIL also incorporates full statistical data supporting conformity to SIL 1 and SIL 2 requirements, a menu of 32 unique alarm ton

Achieving Zero Failures is Possible

2012-02-20T12:15:37-06:00

In his book, “Making Common Sense Common Practice,” Ron Moore of the RM Group explains that plant safety and reliability are linked and interrelated. He acknowledges that you can get better safety performance by solely focusing on improving safety practices (e.g., wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing better permitting, using proper lockout/tagout procedures, etc.). However, Moore is also of the firm belief that best-performing plants are very disciplined about all their practices, and from that get a synergistic effect in all of their performance measures.

Figures 1 and 2 show examples from a larger set of data that demonstrate the strong correlation between reliability (asset utilization capability) and safety (injury rate). This supports the statement that a more reliable plant is a safer plant.

Lean Principles Help Bus Company Reduce Downtime

2012-02-10T09:14:26-06:00

Collins Bus Corporation in Hutchinson, Kan., recently reinvented itself through implementation of lean manufacturing principles.

On peak days, Collins Bus used multiple 55-gallon drums of undercoating per day. The problem was the company experienced excessive overspray of its undercoating. The overspray drifted into the plant, creating a hazard for plant personnel. The overspray also fell onto finished buses, causing additional clean-up and thus additional production delays.

In addition to these issues, the 55-gallon drums installed in the spray booth caused further production delays, because when a drum emptied, spray operations had to stop until another drum could be installed. This took a half hour or more out of production for each changeover to a new drum.

Daubert Chemical took a proactive role in helping Collins Bus achieve its objectives by first examining how it could solve the overspray situation. The result was a reformulation of the undercoating, wh

Crown Equipment Earns Recognition from National Safety Council

2011-12-22T09:31:30-06:00

Crown Equipment Corporation recently announced that eight of its facilities have received lift-truck operator awards from the National Safety Council for outstanding safety practices. The award recognizes forklift operators for operator excellence in lift-truck operations by operating lift-truck fleets without recordable or lost-time injuries. The seven manufacturing facilities and one distribution center are all located in Ohio and support Crown’s global business.

This is not the first time Crown and its facilities have been recognized by the National Safety Council. In 2010, the company received an Occupational Excellence Achievement Award for its achievements and implementation of effective safety programs and initiatives. In that same year, the company’s manufacturing facility in Greencastle, Ind., was recognized for achieving 1 million consecutive man-hours (10 years) without a lost-time injury.

“At Crown Equipment, we take great pride in safety ex

Honeywell Adsorbents Used to Remove Radiation at Japanese Nuclear Plant

2011-12-09T09:52:36-06:00

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, recently announced that its adsorbent ion-exchange products are successfully being used by Toshiba Corporation and Shaw Global Services LLC for the cleanup of radiation-contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan.

The Simplified Active Water Retrieve and Recovery System (SARRY) is utilizing UOP IONSIV Ion Exchangers to remove and reduce radioactive materials in the contaminated wastewater. The wastewater at Fukushima Daiichi was contaminated after the earthquake and tsunami in Japan earlier this year.

"Our thoughts are with those who have been affected by this disaster," said Mike Millard, vice president and general manager of Catalysts, Adsorbents and Specialties for Honeywell's UOP. "Honeywell's UOP is proud that our advanced ion-exchange products are successfully supporting the efforts to tre

Corporate Culture Cited as Root Cause of Mine Disaster

2011-12-08T13:28:53-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) recently announced that it has imposed a fine of more than $10 million following its investigation into the April 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch-South Mine, which was operated by Performance Coal Co., a subsidiary of Massey Energy Co.

The explosion killed 29 miners and injured two, making it the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in 40 years. A report concluded that Massey's corporate culture was the root cause of the tragedy. MSHA has issued Massey and PCC 369 citations and orders.

"The tragic explosion at Upper Big Branch left dozens of families without husbands, fathers, brothers and sons," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "I made a pledge to the families of those we lost and the entire mining community to conduct the most complete and thorough investigation possible in order to find the cause of this disaster. The results of the investigation lead to the con

Nalco Plant Named Louisiana SAFE Award Winner

2011-11-07T14:08:43-06:00

Nalco has announced that its plant in Garyville, La., has been honored by the Louisiana Chemical Association (LCA) with a 2011 SAFE (Serious About Fostering Excellence) Award for the facility's environmental and safety performance and community outreach efforts.

The Garyville Plant was recognized as the best in Louisiana for class two locations with 101 to 200 full-time employees. The SAFE program evaluates a plant's performance in employee safety, contractor safety, environmental efforts and "good neighbor" activities with local communities. Winners are selected from almost 100 facilities statewide.

"Health and safety, strong environmental performance and keeping our plants, products and people secure are top priorities for all LCA members," said Dan Borne, LCA president. "Chemical manufacturers work relentlessly on this because great performance every day in these critical areas is equally important to folks who live in communities wher

Georgia-Pacific Names Winner of Great American Worker Contest

2011-09-29T15:54:51-05:00

After a nationwide search to find America’s greatest and most hard-working heroes, Georgia-Pacific Professional recently named James Bennett of Harlingen, Texas, as the winner of the 2011 Brawny Industrial Great American Worker Contest.

Bennett, an engineering manager at Cardone Industries, was selected as the national winner because of his leadership in streamlining processes, educating and mentoring his co-workers and his complete dedication to his job. In addition to being named the Brawny Industrial Great American Worker, Bennett is also a winner of a new 2011 Ford F-150 truck.

The contest, which ran from January through June, called for supervisors, co-workers, family and peers to submit a short nomination about someone who excels in their workplace and demonstrates the qua

Why Reliability Excellence is Imperative for Safety

2011-08-16T08:20:22-05:00

We tend to speak about financial issues more than moral issues in the business world. Safety is an issue that has significant ramifications from both moral and financial perspectives.

Safety is a financial imperative in today’s business world. According to a 2010 Liberty Mutual study, the annual documented direct and indirect industry cost of U.S. workplace accidents totaled $240 billion per year. The average cost to industry for a fatal accident ranges from a low estimate by the National Safety Council of $1.27 million to the enormous average of $8.6 million per fatality paid out by BP after its refinery explosion.

According to an Air Force study, the average cost of a permanent disability is $1.3 million, while a partial disability costs $210,000. Workers’ compensation premiums, which correlate directly to your accident and incident rate, amount to millions of dollars per year in even a modest-sized company. Any way you look at it, accidents are expensive.

NMHG Receives Carolina Star Award

2011-08-04T11:05:44-05:00

NACCO Materials Handling Group (NMHG), makers of Hyster and Yale lift trucks, recently received the prestigious Carolina Star Safety Award at a ceremony hosted by the North Carolina Department of Labor.

In order to qualify for the award, the company had to pass an initial assessment to prove that its facilities are a safe, healthy and productive work environment. The six elements that constitute the Carolina Star’s SEE and ACT requirements are statistics, everyone’s commitment, employee involvement, analyze hazards, control risks and training.

As the latest recipient of the Carolina Star Safety Award, NMHG joins a select group of 135 North Carolina sites.

“NMHG would like to express our gratitude to the North Carolina Department of Labor and Pitt County

ABB Facility Sets Safety Record

2011-07-20T15:37:47-05:00

By exceeding 2.5 million hours worked without a lost-time incident at both its New Berlin, Wis., campus and Fort Smith, Ark., facility, ABB has proven that a safety culture and engaged safety teams can help improve bottom-line performance.

At the company’s New Berlin facility, the number of employees has increased to more than 100 volunteers serving on numerous safety committees. The strong emphasis on safety helped the campus become the first ABB facility in North America to achieve the OSHA VPP Star Level of performance.

DuraLabel Announces Free Printer Loaner Program

2011-07-12T13:23:49-05:00

DuraLabel has announced that it will provide a free printer for qualified customers who need repairs, cleaning or tune-ups. The benefit is increased productivity and fewer work interruptions. DuraLabel printers are used to create industrial signs and labels for applications such as general safety, arc flash, pipe marking and lockout/tagout.

Once loaners are received, machines are tested and serviced. Servicing may include updating firmware, updating print headsprings, checking print head alignment and cleaning print head, platen roller, media guides and cutter assemblies. Usually loaners are returned within a week after the original printer is returned. Whenever DuraLabel customers are without a printer and they have a critical labeling job to manage, they receive a loaner. Overnight loaners are available, too.

“Customers are usually surprised and delighted to hear about the free loaner because we’ve all become so accustomed to paying extra for help,&rdq

Toyota Industrial Equipment Receives National Safety Council Award

2011-07-06T14:58:26-05:00

Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc. (TIEM) was recently awarded the Occupational Excellence Achievement Award by the National Safety Council.

The award is given to companies that have a lost-time injury rate of less than 50 percent of companies in the same business classification. The National Safety Counci

Kimberly-Clark Professional Introduces Healthy Workplace Project Award

2011-06-29T13:25:13-05:00

Kimberly-Clark Professional has announced a new awards program designed to recognize and reward companies that have made a comprehensive corporate commitment to better hand and surface hygiene in the workplace as well as to the education of its employees in the importance of "wash, wipe and sanitize" office hygiene.

The Healthy Workplace Project Award, an additional initiative of Kimberly-Clark's landmark The Healthy Workplace Project, will be awarded to companies that have demonstrated a sustained, significant effort toward breaking the cycle of germ transmission in the workplace. The award recognizes and celebrates the implementation of best practices around office hygiene initiatives as well as employee engagement and education. The announcement of the awards program was made at the 2011 Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International Conference in Washington, D.C.

"We are delighted to introduce a new awards program for companies devel

Meltric Unveils New DSDC Series Plugs and Receptacles

2011-06-21T09:58:12-05:00

Meltric Corporation of Franklin, Wis., a manufacturer of industrial-duty electrical plugs and receptacles, has introduced a new product line for electrical equipment powered by direct currents. Meltric’s DSDC Series plugs and receptacles provide safer and more robust connections for direct-current applications up to 200 amps at 250VDC, up to 100 amps at 600 VDC or up to 30 amps at 750 VDC.

The DSDC product line offers exclusive safety features including a dead-front safety shutter that prevents user access to live parts and a padlockable pawl that enables easy locking in the connected or disconnected mode. DSDC Series plugs and receptacles utilize solid silver-nickel contact surfaces for maximum performance and durability along with spring-loaded, butt-style conta

DuPont Launches "Dirty Work" Photo Contest

2011-06-20T08:49:47-05:00

DuPont Protection Technologies has announced the launch of the DuPont™ Tyvek® “Dirty Work” Photo Contest. This online contest showcases ways in which workers use Tyvek® garments to help keep safe and clean while performing the dirtiest jobs. Tyvek® provides breathable barrier protection and is used in a myriad of industries ranging from general maintenance to mold remediation to help protect workers from dry particles, aerosols, dirt and grime.

All people who wear Tyvek® garments on the job and are over the age of 18 are eligible to enter the contest. Entrants are asked to take an original photo of themselves in their filthiest state wearing a Tyvek® garment after completing their “dirty work,” then submit the photo to the contest website. Entrants also can submit their photos online via a mobile device. Entrants’ photos will be shown in an online gallery.

“Tyvek® offers lightweight and durable protection

Durasol cited for emergency response, respirator, chemical, electrical and other hazards

2011-01-20T15:52:34-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Durasol Corporation for 13 alleged serious violations of workplace health and safety standards at its Amesbury, Mass., manufacturing plant. The manufacturer of hard gum erasers faces a total of $43,800 in proposed fines.

OSHA cites Miami firm for failing to protect employees from lead exposure

2011-01-20T15:45:45-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations to Lead Enterprises Inc. in Miami, Fla., alleging that the company knowingly neglected to protect employees from lead exposure. The company is being cited with 32 safety and health violations, and $307,200 in total proposed penalties.

NAM says OSHA withdrawal of noise proposal is positive step for job growth

2011-01-19T13:11:20-06:00

National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) vice president for human resources policy Joe Trauger issued the following statement on January 19 regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) withdrawal of its proposed changes to noise control requirements.

OSHA withdraws proposed interpretation of occupational noise

2011-01-19T09:17:31-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration on January 19 announced that it is withdrawing its proposed interpretation titled “Interpretation of OSHA’s Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise.” The interpretation would have clarified the term “feasible administrative or engineering controls” as used in OSHA’s noise standard. The proposed interpretation was published in the Federal Register on October 19, 2010.

Poll: Fortune 500 firms prohibit employees from using cell phones while driving

2011-01-19T08:11:13-06:00

One out of five Fortune 500 companies that responded to a recent National Safety Council survey has a total ban on cell phone use while driving that covers all employees. More than half of these policies were implemented since 2008 – indicating corporate America is heeding the public’s growing call to eliminate cell phone use behind the wheel.

National Safety Council seeks applicants for 2011 Robert W. Campbell Award

2011-01-19T08:08:18-06:00

The National Safety Council invites organizations around the world to apply for the 2011 Robert W. Campbell Award, the world’s pre-eminent award recognizing business excellence in integrated environmental, health and safety performance. The 2011 winners will be announced at the NSC Congress & Expo, scheduled for October 30 to November 4 in Philadelphia.

Survey: 72% of workers go to work when they are sick

2011-01-19T07:31:50-06:00

Sniff, sniff. Achoo! With cold and flu season in full swing, these sounds are likely to be heard around the office. A new CareerBuilder survey finds that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of workers typically go to work when they are sick. Workplace pressures and "presenteeism" may be causing workers to go in under the weather, as more than half (55 percent) of workers said they feel guilty if they call in sick. The CareerBuilder survey was conducted nationwide from November 15 to December 2, 2010 among more than 3,700 workers.

Brady to offer online training on lockout/tagout compliance, visual workplace

2011-01-18T14:18:31-06:00

This week, Brady Corporation announced the debut of its new eLearning training program, a series of Web-based training courses on workplace safety and productivity. Brady launched the eLearning platform with two comprehensive training modules: a lockout/tagout compliance program and a visual workplace program.

Standards covers safety through slip-resistant flooring

2011-01-18T13:53:29-06:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2008 more than 8.5 million Americans sustained injuries from an unintentional slip or fall—the leading cause of all nonfatal injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), a member and accredited standards developer of the American National Standards Institute, 55 percent of slips and falls are caused by a hazardous floor, but are preventable if slip-resistant flooring is in place.

Guidance on permit-required confined spaces

2011-01-17T08:28:08-06:00

OSHA's standard on permit-required confined spaces (PRCS) says entry occurs as soon as any part of the entrant's body breaks the plane of the opening into the permit space. As clarified in an OSHA Letter of Interpretation (LOI) dated October 18, 1995, "When any part of the body of an entrant breaks the plane of the opening of a PRCS large enough to allow full entry, entry is considered to have occurred and a permit is required, regardless of whether there is an intent to fully enter the space."

U.S. Steel, Power Piping cited for energy control hazards following July 2010 explosion

2011-01-14T08:33:49-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited U.S. Steel Corporation and Power Piping Company with safety citations for failing to provide an effective energy control procedure and exposing workers to burns following an explosion at U.S. Steel's Clairton Works facility in Clairton, Pa.

MSHA report shows mining deaths rose in 2010

2011-01-14T08:24:27-06:00

Mining fatalities in the United States significantly increased in 2010, following a year marked by the fewest deaths in mining history, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration. Seventy-one miners died on the job last year, compared to 34 in 2009. Forty-eight of those deaths occurred in coal mines, and 23 occurred at metal and nonmetal operations.

Bridgford Foods Processing fined $212,000 for endangering workers

2011-01-12T12:57:09-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued the Bridgford Foods Processing Corporation facility in Chicago 10 safety citations for failing to implement and provide training for workers on lockout/tagout procedures, thereby exposing them to energized equipment. The meat processing plant is facing proposed penalties of $212,000.

OSHA cites Louisiana chemical plant with 14 workplace safety and health violations

2011-01-12T12:51:31-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Georgia Gulf Chemicals & Vinyls LLC with 14 serious violations for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards at the company's facility in Plaquemine, La. Proposed penalties total $55,000.

Federal judge hands down preliminary injunction against Rosebud Mining Company

2011-01-12T08:07:11-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration on January 11 announced that a federal judge with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania has issued a preliminary injunction against Rosebud Mining Co. In a federal lawsuit filed on December 30, 2010, MSHA claimed that personnel at the company's Mine 78 in Somerset County, Pa., and Tracy Lynne Mine in Armstrong County, Pa., provided advance notice of federal inspectors' arrival, which violates Section 103(a) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

Del Monte Foods lauded for commitment to employee health and wellness

2011-01-10T14:26:24-06:00

In recognition of its commitment to employee health and wellness, Del Monte Foods has attained the prestigious Platinum Fit-Friendly status in the American Heart Association's Start! Fit-Friendly Companies program for the second consecutive year. The program recognizes companies that champion the health of their employees and work to create a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

Making sense of electrical measurement

2011-01-10T13:13:41-06:00

Clamp meters really are the way to go in a wide range of measurement scenarios, especially if you’re working with higher amperages – or if you need a comprehensive motor test in one device.

OSHA cites MillerCoors following investigation into ammonia release

2011-01-10T11:32:29-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited MillerCoors LLC of Golden, Colo., with 10 alleged serious violations of OSHA standards following the July 2010 release in excess of 2000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia at its Golden brewery. Proposed fines total $63,500.

Tips for workers in cold weather

2011-01-10T08:44:05-06:00

Labor Department, Massey Energy reach settlement agreement

2011-01-06T08:25:35-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration and Massey Energy reached a settlement agreement January 5 in a case involving Freedom Energy Mining Company's Mine No. 1 located in Pike County, Ky. Last November, MSHA filed in federal court a motion for preliminary injunction against the mine, the first such action ever taken by the agency. Section 108(a)(2) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 provides for injunctive relief against non-compliant mine operators who habitually violate health and safety standards. Shortly thereafter, Massey announced plans to idle the mine permanently.

OSHA lockout/tagout and electrical safety training video

2011-01-05T13:38:24-06:00

The OSHA lockout/tagout protocols in this video are covered in the Control of Hazardous Energy Standard found in 29 CFR 1910.147.

Toyota Industrial Equipment plant achieves safety milestone

2011-01-05T11:41:10-06:00

Toyota Material Handling USA Inc. (TMHU) on January 5 announced that the Quality Assurance department at Toyota Industrial Equipment Manufacturing Inc. (TIEM) in Columbus, Ind., the manufacturer of the No. 1-selling lift truck in the U.S., has achieved 200,000 consecutive hours worked without a recordable accident according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The 200,000 hours represents 1,000 work days.

Study looks at enhancing food safety culture to reduce foodborne illness

2011-01-05T08:42:40-06:00

If providing safe food is a priority, why do large outbreaks of foodborne illness keep happening? Incidents like 2010's salmonella-in-eggs outbreak sickened more than 1,900 across the U.S. and led to the recall of 500 million eggs.

NSC represented on National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety & Health

2011-01-03T07:10:31-06:00

The National Safety Council is proud to announce that James Johnson, group vice president of workplace safety initiatives, has been appointed by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis to serve a two-year term on the National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety & Health. Johnson is one of five new members to the 12-person advisory committee, chosen for his experience and knowledge in occupational safety and health.

OSHA proposes $238,000 in fines against USPS mail processing facility

2010-12-29T12:34:37-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the U.S. Postal Service for willful and serious violations of safety standards following an inspection at the Central Massachusetts Processing and Distribution Center in Shrewsbury, Mass. The Postal Service faces a total of $238,000 in fines, chiefly for exposing workers to electrical hazards.

OSHA cites LM Wind Power Blades following worker fatality investigation

2010-12-29T08:17:21-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited LM Wind Power Blades Inc. of Grand Forks, N.D., with five safety violations for exposing workers to fall and crushing hazards that ultimately took one worker's life.

NHCA defends OSHA’s decision to change interpretation of noise control enforcement

2010-12-28T15:39:52-06:00

The National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) is reiterating its support for the change in workplace noise control enforcement announced on October 19, 2010 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). A number of concerns about this announced change have been raised by employers and industry groups. Unfortunately, it appears that many of these concerns may be based on misunderstandings regarding the proposed change. NHCA seeks to underscore the importance of OSHA’s proposed interpretation for American workers, and to address a number of misperceptions related to this interpretation.

MSHA announces results of November impact inspections

2010-12-22T06:53:34-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration on December 21 announced that federal inspectors issued 250 citations, orders and safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 12 coal and 10 metal/nonmetal mine operations last month.

Tips on how to stay safe and healthy while shoveling snow

2010-12-21T08:36:04-06:00

Snowstorms are a time of excitement and wonder for a child: snowball fights, sledding and closed schools. For adults, it’s the dreaded shoveling season complete with aching backs, frozen fingers or worse.

OSHA recognizes Raytheon for effective injury and illness prevention program

2010-12-17T13:58:23-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has recognized the management and employees of the Raytheon Company in Omaha, Neb., for achievement in the company's employee safety and health program.

Safety experts put spotlight on preventing job-related eye injuries

2010-12-16T13:41:42-06:00

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each day approximately 2,000 U.S. workers experience a job-related eye injury. One-third of these injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms and more than 100 of these workplace eye injuries result in lost work time. The American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) and The Vision Council have released information on the importance of enhancing eye safety and health in the workplace.

PG&E responds to NTSB report on San Bruno accident

2010-12-15T07:48:28-06:00

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) on December 14 responded to the release by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of its second interim report on the tragic San Bruno pipeline rupture on September 9, 2010. The report documents NTSB's progress on its meticulous investigation but draws no definitive conclusions as to the cause of the accident.

DOL obtains default judgment in Southern California garment manufacturer case

2010-12-14T15:04:10-06:00

A U.S. district court judge has ruled in favor of the U.S. Department of Labor in a case against a Westminster, Calif., garment manufacturer and its owner, awarding a total of $887,554 to current and former workers. Judge A. Howard Matz approved the department's request for a default judgment against Laundry Room Clothing Inc., owner Milton Kaneda and principal Sharon Kaneda after they failed to pay $380,824 in unpaid minimum wage and overtime compensation due to 115 low-wage workers. The default judgment also awards the workers $506,730 in liquidated damages.

OSHA fines Wisconsin company $787,000 following June explosion

2010-12-14T15:01:55-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration on December 14 cited the hazardous waste management processor, WRR Environmental Services Company, for failing to implement measures to prevent potentially catastrophic chemical fires and explosions at its facility in Eau Claire, Wis. OSHA has issued 14 willful and one serious citation to the company with proposed penalties of $787,000 for failing to fully develop and implement a process safety management program at the facility. This action stems from the agency's investigation of a June 29 explosion and fire at the facility.

Industrial Ceramic Products cited after worker suffers permanent arm injury in accident

2010-12-14T08:47:09-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Industrial Ceramic Products, also known as ICP, in Marysville, Ohio, with two willful, seven serious and four other-than-serious safety violations after a worker suffered a permanent arm injury while fixing a jammed machine. The manufacturer of industrial ceramic products is facing proposed penalties of $91,500.

OSHA fines Texas Linen Company $126,400 for fall hazards and repeat violations

2010-12-14T08:44:01-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued Texas Linen Company Ltd. five serious and 15 repeat citations following a safety and health inspection at the company's facility in Austin, Texas. Proposed penalties total $126,400.

New ANSI testing standard raises the bar for slip and fall safety

2010-12-10T07:32:37-06:00

The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) announced the publication of the new national safety standard for testing hard surface flooring, the ANSI/NFSI B101.1. This advancement in floor safety has been highly anticipated by the risk management and loss prevention industries.

OSHA cites Illinois plant after worker killed while operating a laser cutting machine

2010-12-10T06:54:31-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited GSI Group LLC, headquartered in Assumption, Ill., after a worker was killed at the company's Newton plant on June 7 while operating a laser cutting machine. The manufacturer of grain dryer equipment has been issued one willful and two serious safety violations for failing to have machine guarding in place.

Philadelphia paper manufacturer cited for 43 OSHA violations following worker fatality

2010-12-09T13:17:10-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Newman and Company for exposing workers to numerous workplace safety and health hazards after a worker was killed at the paper manufacturer’s Philadelphia plant.

OSHA cites New York stainless steel fabricator for hazardous conditions

2010-12-09T08:18:07-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Cannon Industries Inc. for alleged repeat and serious violations of workplace safety standards at its Rochester, N.Y., plant. The stainless steel fabricator faces a total of $71,000 in proposed fines for hazardous energy control, machine guarding and electrical hazards.

Vision and safety experts release report on workplace eye protection

2010-12-08T07:17:14-06:00

Each day, nearly 2,000 American workers suffer from avoidable workplace eye injuries that require medical treatment. Despite the risk of eye injury, many workers bypass appropriate precautions to protect their eyes. On December 8, The Vision Council, with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), announced the release of a new issue brief, Eye Safety At-a-Glance: Protecting Your Vision at Work, about the importance of protecting eyes while on the job.

OSHA fines U.S. Minerals facility in Illinois $396,000 for 28 violations

2010-12-07T15:38:44-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited U.S. Minerals LLC with willfully exposing its workers to dangerously high levels of hazardous dust, and not providing adequate breathing protection and training for workers at its facility in Coffeen, Ill. The company, headquartered in Dyer, Ind., has been issued a total of 28 health and safety citations with proposed penalties of $396,000.

OSHA bulletin and alert on diacetyl recommends safety measures to protect

2010-12-07T13:04:07-06:00

A new OSHA Safety and Health Information Bulletin and companion Worker Alert recommend that employers use safety measures to prevent exposing workers to the potentially fatal health effects of butter flavorings and other flavoring substances containing diacetyl or its substitutes.

Raytheon wins Worker Safety Excellence Award

2010-12-07T08:11:21-06:00

Raytheon recently received the Aerospace Industries Association’s (AIA) 2010 Worker Safety Excellence Award in the Aerospace Components category. Raytheon chairman and CEO William H. Swanson accepted the award November 18 at the AIA Board of Governors meeting in Phoenix. The award was presented by AIA president and CEO Marion Blakey. This is the seventh time in five years Raytheon has won a Safety Excellence Award from the association.

OSHA cites Ameriwood Industries for lack of protective gear and training

2010-12-07T08:07:46-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Ameriwood Industries Inc., a wood furniture manufacturer in Tiffin, Ohio, with two alleged serious and two alleged repeat safety violations for failing to train employees in safe work practices and require them to wear proper safety equipment when working on electrical panels. Proposed penalties total $60,000.

Steel manufacturer fined $156K for exposing workers to fall hazards, faulty equipment

2010-12-07T08:04:34-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued Republic Engineered Products Inc., a steel manufacturing company, two willful and four serious citations for exposing its workers to fall hazards and failing to maintain equipment and walkways at its Canton, Ohio, facility. The company faces penalties totaling $156,000.

OSHA extends comment period on noise control interpretation

2010-12-06T15:46:03-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration on December 6 announced that it is extending by 90 days the official comment period on the proposed interpretation titled “Interpretation of OSHA’s Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise,” which was published in the Federal Register on October 19. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments by March 21, 2011.

NRC inspectors watch maintenance, safety practices at Three Mile Island

2010-12-06T13:08:22-06:00

Resident inspectors with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission are stationed at Three Mile Island nuclear power plant to protect public safety and to be independent watchdogs over the plant's hundreds of employees and the actions they take every day. This incloudes all maintenance work (including machinery lubrication). There are inspectors stationed at all commercial nuclear facilities in the U.S. View the article at http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/321494.

Simmons Manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania certified as OSHA Star site

2010-12-03T16:20:05-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certified the Simmons Manufacturing Comapny in Hazelton, Pa., as a “Star” worksite, the highest honor in its Voluntary Protection Programs.

Huntsman Petrochemical cited for 12 serious safety violations

2010-12-02T08:04:38-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued Huntsman Petrochemical LLC, headquartered in Houston, 12 serious citations for an inadequate process safety management program and deficient lockout/tagout procedures to prevent the accidental start-up of machinery. The violations were found at the company's facility on Jefferson Chemical Road in Conroe, Texas. Proposed penalties total $75,600.

Nebraska biofuels facility cited for exposing workers to serious electrical hazards

2010-12-01T12:15:28-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued biofuel company Next Step Burwell LLC of Burwell, Neb., five serious citations and one willful citation for exposing employees to electrical hazards and failing to adequately train workers.

Voluntary standard covers chemical protective clothing

2010-11-30T13:17:31-06:00

Hazardous chemicals are used in many industries, from agriculture to manufacturing to pharmaceuticals. Whether solid, liquid or gas, they pose some of the most serious health hazards facing workers today. The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), a ANSI member and accredited standards developer, recently released an American National Standard (ANS) that addresses protective apparel for workers who come into contact with these chemicals.

New EPA tool to promote safer chemicals and products

2010-11-30T13:15:49-06:00

As part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s commitment to strengthen and reform chemical management, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on November 30 announced new criteria to help companies and other groups, such as states and environmental organizations, identify safer chemicals. As part of the agency’s Design for the Environment (DfE) program, EPA unveiled the new criteria which are an important tool under its DfE Alternatives Assessments for identifying safer alternatives to chemicals that pose a concern to human health and the environment.

Resources to protect workers from the cold

2010-11-29T16:37:59-06:00

The holidays are just around the corner, and for most of the country, so is cold weather. Many workers have jobs that require being out of doors or in the cold, putting them at increased risk from the dangers of cold weather and cold stress. For workers who must spend part of the work day out-of-doors, cold weather can be a real hazard - in fact, it may be deadly. So now is the time to begin to plan how to help your employees to cope.

OSHA fines Cooper Tire & Rubber $206,000 for willful, serious and repeat violations

2010-11-29T16:04:47-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, a manufacturer of automotive and truck tires, with nine alleged safety and health violations for failing to provide proper hazardous chemical protection to its workers, unnecessarily exposing them to fire and explosion hazards, and failing to provide fall protection from distances of more than 9 feet. Proposed penalties total $206,500.

Controller, recorder selection tips for food and beverage applications

2010-11-29T14:40:05-06:00

With food and beverage companies producing and dispatching thousands of products each day, the need to pick the best technology to help ensure high levels of product quality and safety is of paramount importance. This article provides advice about key factors in control and recording equipment selection for F&B processes.

ARC: Machine safeguarding trounced in response to global recession

2010-11-29T11:27:47-06:00

The turbulence in the global market effectively put the brakes on the machine safeguarding market around the third quarter in 2008. Effectively, the automotive market and general machinery market came to a halt leaving those suppliers with a dependency on these sectors to accept the inevitable, or more specifically, scale business to the opportunity. Thus, 2009 started with the deepest global downturn in recent history. Fortunately, in the second half of 2009, the economic downturn ended and a modest recovery began in both developing and advanced economies as global production and trade started to rebound. In advanced economies, the beginning of a turn in the inventory cycle and unexpected strength in U.S. consumption contributed to positive developments. The worldwide market for Machine Safeguarding Solutions will decline in 2009, but a strong rebound has begun in the second half of 2010 according to a new ARC Advisory Group study.

Foam manufacturer in Denver receives 24 OSHA citations

2010-11-24T14:17:37-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued Styro-Tech LLC in Denver 20 serious and four other-than-serious citations with $66,400 in proposed penalties for lacking a comprehensive safety program covering the use of flammable material. OSHA's inspection of the foam manufacturing facility was initiated under a site-specific targeting program focusing on employers with high injury and illness rates.

Weatherford International cited for allegedly exposing workers to hexavalent chromium

2010-11-24T14:14:06-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Weatherford International Ltd. with one alleged willful, 30 alleged serious and two alleged repeat violations following a safety and health inspection at the company's facility in Longview, Texas. Proposed penalties total $261,500.

6 guidelines to prevent workplace slips, trips and falls

2010-11-23T10:14:06-06:00

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, slips, trips and falls make up the majority of general industry accidents, which account for: 15 percent of all accidental deaths per year; about 25 percent of all reported injury claims per fiscal year; and more than 95 million lost work days per year – about 65 percent of all work days lost. This article offers six guidelines to help you create a safer working environment for you and your employees.

CPR is no longer as easy as A-B-C

2010-11-22T09:04:57-06:00

You may have heard that the American Heart Association (AHA) has changed its recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in its 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

OSHA certifies Chevron Energy Solutions utility plant as Star site

2010-11-19T09:38:00-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has certified Chevron Energy Solutions Fort Detrick Central Utility Plant in Fort Detrick, Md., as a "Star" site, the highest honor in its Voluntary Protection Programs.

Georgia plating company fined $300,000 for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals

2010-11-19T09:35:32-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing $300,400 in penalties against Aerospace/Defense Coatings of Georgia Inc. in Macon, Ga., for 19 health violations.

Chart: Non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work

2010-11-19T09:28:23-06:00

In private industry, the number of injuries and illness cases involving days away from work decreased 11 percent to 964,990 cases—a decline from 1,078,140 in 2008. This is the first time the number of cases has been below 1 million since data have been collected.

OSHA cites Cleveland manufacturer for 15 alleged safety violations

2010-11-17T08:37:24-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Precision Production Inc., a manufacturer of fabricated components in Cleveland, with 15 alleged safety violations. The company faces penalties totaling $149,250.

Kentucky recognizes Bowling Green manufacturer for safety and health programs

2010-11-12T13:50:07-06:00

The Kentucky Labor Cabinet on November 10 presented Sun Products Corporation of Bowling Green, Ky., with two awards for taking extraordinary measures to ensure the safety and health of its employees. Sun Products is a leading manufacturer and marketer of fabric care and dish care products.

OSHA examines ways to improve worker protection from slip, trip and fall hazards

2010-11-12T09:09:48-06:00

OSHA will hold an informal public hearing starting January 18, 2011, on the proposed rule revising the Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards to improve worker protection from slip, trip and fall hazards.

The dangers of uncontrolled chemical reactions

2010-11-11T08:52:52-06:00

This video from the U.S. Chemical Safety Board explores the dangers of uncontrolled chemical reactions.

U.S. Minerals facility cited with 30 safety violations, more than $110,000 in penalties

2010-11-11T08:06:13-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Dyer, Ind.-based U.S. Minerals LLC with 30 safety violations for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards at the company's facility in Harvey. Proposed penalties total $110,400.

Judge upholds OSHA citations issued against Thomas Industrial Coatings

2010-11-11T08:03:12-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration on November 9 announced that the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission recently ruled in favor of upholding citations issued to Thomas Industrial Coatings Inc. of Pevely, Mo., following an investigation into two separate worker deaths at the same worksite.

OSHA fines Interstate Brands $274,500 for failing to train and protect workers

2010-11-10T13:16:18-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Schiller Park, Ill.-based Interstate Brands Corporation, a manufacturer of bakery products, with 20 alleged safety violations for failing to properly train workers who operate powered industrial trucks, and protect workers from electrical shock hazards and dangerous high-speed rotating equipment. Proposed penalties, from two OSHA inspections at the company's plant, total $274,500.

Fortune Plastic and Metal Texas cited for allegedly exposing workers to lead poisoning

2010-11-10T13:14:28-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Fortune Plastic and Metal Texas LLC with six alleged serious and six alleged repeat violations following a safety and health inspection at the company's worksite in Dallas. Proposed penalties total $125,000.

Early employer-based flu vaccinations can protect health, improve bottom line

2010-11-10T13:12:52-06:00

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, who presented the findings at the American Public Health Association’s 138th Annual Meeting & Exposition in Denver, developed an economic model to suggest that not only should employers get their employees vaccinated, they should do so as early as possible.

Rockwell safety team helps customers sleep at night

2010-11-10T12:02:25-06:00

Specialists from the Safety Solutions business at Rockwell Automation share best practices for improving worker safety while maintaining or increasing productivity.

How to keep moisture and water from automation cabinets

2010-11-10T12:01:01-06:00

David Connaughton from Parker Balston discusses how to safely and efficiently keep moisture and water from automation cabinets.

How to safely and efficiently troubleshoot drive applications

2010-11-10T11:59:26-06:00

Reed Buell from Fluke Corporation discusses how to safely and efficiently perform troubleshooting for typical drive applications.

Study shows no increased cancer risk for semiconductor industry workers

2010-11-10T08:52:58-06:00

An exhaustive, five-year epidemiological study conducted by researchers from Vanderbilt University covering more than 100,000 semiconductor industry workers found no association between overall cancer mortality and working in wafer fabrication cleanrooms, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) reported on November 10. The $7.5 million study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Vanderbilt University Department of Medicine and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and supported by a research grant from SIA.

Republic Engineered Products fined $143,000 for exposure workers to hazards

2010-11-08T13:39:55-06:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Republic Engineered Products Inc., a steel manufacturing company in Lorain, Ohio, with one alleged willful, four repeat and eight serious safety violations for exposing its workers to fall hazards, failing to provide protective equipment and failing to maintain equipment at its Lorain facility. The company faces penalties totaling $143,000.

Amtec Corp. cited for safety violations after explosion kills 2 workers

2010-11-05T13:24:56-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Amtec Corporation, a contractor at the U.S. Army's Space & Missile Defense Command, Redstone Arsenal, in Huntsville, Ala., for safety violations following an explosion that killed two workers.

Chemical Safety Board seeks to ban natural gas blows

2010-11-04T14:27:30-05:00

U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso calls for a ban on the cleaning out of debris from gas piping using pressurized natural gas, a practice that is referred to in the industry as a gas blow.

Workglove guidance: Cool hands are safer hands

2010-11-04T11:18:09-05:00

Measuring the moisture management properties of workgloves is quite a challenge. When hands become hot and sweaty, workers’ first reaction is to remove their gloves, which may expose those hands to hazards such as electrical current. Read this article for background on workglove composition and find solutions to keep worker hands cool and safe.

MSHA asks for preliminary injunction against Freedom Energy Mining Company

2010-11-04T08:14:26-05:00

In an unprecedented legal move, the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration November 3 filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky a motion for preliminary injunction against Freedom Energy Mining Company's Mine No. 1. Located in Pike County, Ky., Freedom's Mine No. 1 is owned by Massey Energy Company.

Glove selection tips for the food industry

2010-11-03T16:02:46-05:00

Workers in any food processing environment face a number of hazards, including sharp-edged tools, materials and surfaces, temperature extremes, the food products themselves, grease, bacteria and the harsh solutions and chemicals used to clean and sanitize processing areas. Selecting the right hand protection products for these various hazards can help protect workers while potentially reducing insurance and indemnity costs.

Best practices for creating a safety culture take center stage at forum

2010-11-03T09:11:01-05:00

Automation professionals – including manufacturing innovators, decision-makers, designers and engineers – on November 2 learned how to better protect personnel, equipment and the environment using advanced machine safety technologies and best practices at the Safety Automation Forum in Orlando, Fla.

Are you up to speed on OSHA’s protection regulations?

2010-11-02T10:11:14-05:00

How familiar are you with OSHA’s employee protection regulations? Take the 12-question quiz in this article and find out.

OSHA's top 10 list of most frequently cited standards

2010-11-01T09:26:08-05:00

Recently, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration released its Top 10 List of most frequently cited OSHA standards. The list covered fiscal year 2010 (October 2009 through September 2010).

CBM and RCM help to maximize safety, uptime at YICT

2010-11-01T08:34:15-05:00

Being one of the biggest single container terminals in the world brings certain expectations from the operators and customers alike. Professionalism, reliability and efficiency are three of the most important and, coupled with a high regard for safety, are major focus areas for the Yantian International Container Terminal (YICT), in Shenzhen, southern China.

Fisher-Barton plant celebrates 1 million hours of no lost time

2010-10-28T15:27:06-05:00

Fisher-Barton South Carolina recently celebrated one million hours worked without a lost-time accident. Fisher-Barton’s current string of safety began in December 2005.

Chart: Private industry workplace injuries and illnesses decline

2010-10-28T15:12:54-05:00

Non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses among private industry employers declined in 2009 to a rate of 3.6 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers — down from 3.9 cases in 2008. The total recordable case injury and illness incidence rate among private industry employers has declined significantly each year since 2003, when these estimates were first published.

OSHA cites Illinois company for failing to lock out machine energy sources

2010-10-28T07:17:41-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited C & F Packing Company Inc. of Lake Villa, Ill., with two alleged willful and 12 serious violations for failing to ensure lockout procedures and guarding devices were applied to machinery. Proposed fines total $140,700.

FDA awards $18.5 million in grants for food and feed safety

2010-10-27T14:36:01-05:00

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration awarded 84 grants worth $18.5 million in fiscal year 2010 to help state and local regulatory agencies defend against and respond quickly to threats to the food supply and to outbreaks of foodborne diseases.

Contain arc flash with GE protection system

2010-10-27T09:49:31-05:00

This video outlines GE's innovative Arc Vault Protection System. This product can contain an arc flash in less than 8 milliseconds.

OSHA recognizes Texas power plant for safety and health excellence

2010-10-27T06:27:28-05:00

Power Resources Ltd. in Big Spring, Texas, has earned membership in the Voluntary Protection Programs of the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration at the Star, or highest, level for achieving three years of excellence in employee health and safety.

Siemens recalls circuit breakers due to fire hazard

2010-10-26T13:46:19-05:00

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Name of Product: Siemens and Murray Circuit Breakers, Load Centers and Meter Combos

Ryobi recalls cordless drills due to fire hazard

2010-10-26T13:43:10-05:00

PPE assessment can positively impact bottom line

2010-10-26T13:16:35-05:00

The economic downturn has incited many companies to take a closer look at how they can reduce their day-to-day operating costs. In many instances, a personal protective equipment (PPE) assessment can help maximize a company’s strengths and identify opportunities for improvements that can positively impact the bottom line.

Gun powder manufacturer fined $1.2M, issues 54 citations after deadly explosion

2010-10-25T11:31:09-05:00

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 54 workplace safety and health citations with penalties totaling $1.2 million to gun powder substitute manufacturer Black Mag LLC, following an investigation into the causes of a deadly explosion in May at the company’s worksite in Colebrook, N.H. The explosion took the lives of two workers who had been on the job for only a month.

Roanoke Cement site marks anniversary

2010-10-25T11:25:34-05:00

Roanoke Cement Company's Front Royal (Va.) terminal celebrated its 10-year anniversary on October 20 with a luncheon focusing on safety.