Harvard, Berkeley researchers prove OSHA regulation works

In a May 30 Harvard Business Review article, researchers Michael Toffel and David Levine emphasize the weight of their recent findings that OSHA inspections benefit both workers and businesses...

OSHA Revises Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA aligns Hazard Communication Standard with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.

Caution: Do Your Safety Incentive Programs Violate OSHA's Whistleblower Rules?

On March 12, 2012, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a memo detailing the agency’s policy regarding safety incentive and disincentive policies that can discourage employee reports of injuries which may violate section 11(c), or other whistleblower statutes.

Safety is NOT a Priority!

Most workplaces have great slogans and banners that state their commitment to safety. Things like “Safety First!” or “Safety is our Top Priority!” are emblazoned across t-shirts and hats. Everybody loves to get them and wear them.

EPA forcing facilities to beef up UST leak prevention, detection

But this change could save money in long run

Watch out. EPA's planning to force facilities with underground storage tanks (UST) to beef up their ability to prevent any leaks...

EPA not sure how to limit sediment runoff

Facilities get chance to push for more flexible standard

Some good news for those with stormwater runoff issues: EPA doesn't seem to be in any rush to reissue its controversial turbidity standard that measures sediment contamination in stormwater runoff...

More managers now facing criminal charges: Here's why

Feds holding EHS pros personally liable

How likely is it that a safety manager will be thrown in jail or fined - personally - for violating a government regulation?  It might be more likely than you think, especially if your duties have expanded beyond workplace safety.  From 2007-2010, the Department of Justice (DO]) has acted on just 49 criminal referrals from OSHA...

Ladder safety: Do your people know the steps?

Nothing could be simpler than using a ladder: You just set it up and get to work, right?

Wrong. Many workers are injured on ladders each year because they underestimate or don't understand the risks. Test your people's knowledge by having them answer True or False to the following....

Cutting PPE use through process design

New way of thinking about design addresses the work itself

Here's a fresh way of thinking about worker safety protections: Rather than outfit workers with bulky and unpopular protective gear, see if you can enclose the work process and eliminate the hazard instead.  The strategy of re-engineering work processes to cut down on PPE use has been tested successfully in the pharmaceutical industry, where new kinds of high-potency drugs have also created major worker exposure problems.  When one pharma company added up all the costs of providing workers with PPE, the firm realized it was more effective to rework the process...

Why are we still having accidents?

Check your Standard Practices and your Safety Culture.

So you’ve got all your required OSHA programs in place: Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Confined Space, Personal Protective Equipment, etc. You completed all of your required training last year. Your safety program looks great on paper, all the elements are there. But you are still having too many accidents. What gives?

Everyday mistakes added up to $570K EPA fine: Why?

Yet again, another facility has been forced to pay a huge EPA penalty for violations that don't involve any release or threaten people or the environment. The latest case is that of a paint manufacturing plant in Baltimore run by the Sherwin-Williams Co. lt's paying a whopping $570,000 fine to settle hazardous waste storage violations observed by EPA inspectors.

Reminder: Its time to post your OSHA 300A Summary

It’s time to post your Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Form 300A(not the OSHA 300 log), the summary of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. The OSHA Form 300A summary must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2011 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Additional information about your annual average number of employees and total hours they worked during the cal...

Company bashed OSHA on YouTube, fined $758K

Here's a tip for safety pros: If you want to minimize the amount of attention your company gets from OSHA, don't post sprawling criticisms of the safety agency online. It seems pretty obvious, but it wasn't for All-Feed Processing and Packaging, Inc., based in Alpha, IL. Inspectors issued 23 violations....

OSHA announces major improvements to enforcement website

The current OSHA administration has made no secret about its desire to publically shame the companies it hits with violations. The agency's most recent effort: A major upgrade to its enforcement website, where it lists companies that have been cited for safety violations or other enforcement actions.

An Unprotected Trench is an Early Grave

Two workers are killed every month in trench collapses.   Since 2003, more than 200 workers have died in trench cave-ins, and hundreds more have been seriously injured.  Although trenching regulations have been in place for over 12 years, cave–ins during excavations are some of the most common and grisliest causes of worker fatalities, especially  in the construction industry, yet they are entirely preventable. When OSHA's compliance officers see a trench, they will inspect a trench.

Survey: Why workers don't wear PPE

Safety managers know it too well: Workers don't like wearing PPE. But, a new survey offers specifics on why workers don't wear the gear when they should.

The survey by Kimberly-Clark Professional uncovered that most safety pros see workers not wearing PPE when it's needed. Although only 119 pros were surveyed, they were all responsible for selecting and purchasing PPE at their company.

Convincing workers to bring issues to you - not regulators

Consider these two potential safety scenarios:

In the first, a worker files a safety complaint with your local OSHA office. It prompts an inspection, resulting in a sizable fine and negative press for your company.

In a second scenario, a worker brings that same complaint to you or another safety leader. You and your safety team eliminate the hazard and make the workplace safer.

In both cases, the hazard is corrected. The second situation is obviously preferable for safety pros, but not every company takes the right steps after it receives complaints from workers.

7 mistakes companies make on stormwater compliance

Whether facilities face drought or floods, they face a common challenge: stormwater compliance. The key to avoiding fines that can be as high as $37,500 per day per violation is a basic realization: Compliance is not about stopping the rain. It's about keeping the rain from running off your property.

Forklift Safety - Rules of the Road

Did you know that the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that forklifts cause approximately 85 fatal accidents and 34,900 serious injury accidents per year? Or that in most fatal accidents involving forklifts, the operator is the one who is killed? Many of these accidents may be avoided when safe driving skills are understood and practiced. A forklift is very different from the family car and driving one can be hazardous to your health and the health of others if the differences are not properly understood.

OSHA citations up 15%: Who's getting fined -and why

Fact: OSHA violations were up 15% in 2010. That stat and other data in OSHA's 2010 enforcement summary show the agency's made good on its promise to ramp up enforcement efforts. But the agency's going beyond just slapping companies with more fines. The summary also offers a clearer picture of how OSHA is choosing the industries and companies to inspect.

Workers' top 5 safety excuses and how to counter them

Chances are you've heard pretty much every excuse in the book from workers dropping the ball on safety procedures.
And while the more off-the-wall excuses may be entertaining (or that much more frustrating) from time to time, most safety pros can list several excuses they hear again and again. But there are ways to fight those excuses and get workers to follow safety procedures.
The PBP executive report, Employees' Top 10 Safety Excuses and How to Counter Them, lists strategies to get workers on board.
Here are the top five excuses from the report and what to say when workers try to use them...

  What Respirator?!

Investigation highlights need for emergency drills

In June 2008, a heat exchanger ruptured and caused an ammonia release at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company plant in Houston, killing one worker and injuring six. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its investigation of the incident as a case study. Among CSB's conclusions: Shortcomings in Goodyear's maintenance schedule and emergency response plan contributed to the workers' injuries.

Radiation Monitors Confirm That No Radiation Levels of Concern Have Reached the United States

JOINT EPA/DOE STATEMENT
March 18, 2011

WASHINGTON – The United States Government has an extensive network of radiation monitors around the country and no radiation levels of concern have been detected. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency RadNet system is designed to protect the public by notifying scientists, in near real time, of elevated levels of radiation so they can determine whether protective action is required. The EPA’s system has not detected any radiation levels of concern.

Three Phoenix area firms fined for hazardous waste violations

Tempe, Goodyear and Casa Grande companies to pay $131,000
SAN FRANCISCO – Three Phoenix area companies were fined for violating state and federal hazardous waste laws, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today. In separate actions, the manufacturing and processing companies will pay penalties that total $131,000.

EPA Updates National Air Toxics Assessment

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the fourth update of a computer tool that helps federal, state, local governments and other stakeholders better understand the potential health risks from exposure to air toxics. The National Air Toxics Assessment (NATA) contains 2005 emissions data submitted primarily from the states for 178 pollutants. Models are used to make broad estimates of health risks for areas of the country. The tool is not designed to determine actual health risks to individuals living in these areas.

What would you do in this situation? An employee comes to you with a safety complaint.   The hazard the employee brings up is legitimate, but he goes about the complaint all wrong.  He's disrespectful and disruptive to the point where some managers might consider firing him.  Where would you draw the line?  Was the employee a whistleblower?

OSHA backs off on ergonomic column for injury records

Heads up: The OSHA proposal to add an ergonomic injury column to illness and injury logs has been put on the back burner -for now. Under the proposed rule, employers required to record injuries and illness on the OSHA 300 log would have to use a new column to indicate which injuries were musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Central Valley Biomass Power Plants Fined More Than $830,000 For Clean Air Act Violations

Action Reduces Facilities Air Emissions By Up To 545 Tons Per Year

SAN FRANCISCO - The United States, on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District lodged consent decrees against two biomass power plants in Chowchilla and El Nido, Calif. The two companies have agreed to pay a combined civil penalty of $835,000 to resolve alleged violations of the federal Clean Air Act and District rules, including excess emissions of air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides—a precursor to ozone—and fine particulates.

Ruling puts the brakes on OSHA's latest attempt to hike fines

OSHA's using a slew of enforcement tactics to boost fine amounts against employers. One popular agency strategy: issuing more repeat citations to increase total fine amounts. But a judge recently said OSHA was reaching too far to classify hazards as repeat violations. Here's what happened in that case.

On the lighter side of Accident Reporting....

"Dear Sir:

I am writing in response to your request for additional information on the accident reporting form. I put "poor planning" as the cause of my accident. You said in your letter that I should explain more fully and I trust that the following details will be sufficient.

I am a bricklayer by trade. On the day of the accident, I was working alone on the roof...

The Year's Biggest News Items Regarding Worker Health

The top 10 safety stories of 2010
From massive tragedies caused by safety lapses to a renewed, enforcement-driven OSHA, 2010 was a major year for the safety industry. Here are the top 10 safety stories of last year, in no particular order, compiled by the editors of Safety Compliance Alert.

Deadline for posting injuries looming

Employers are required to post their annual OSHA injury and illness summary by Feb. 1 every year. And this year's deadline is fast approaching.

Protecting workers:  How OSHA conducts inspections

Somebody missed the safety meeting...

OSHA cites Miami business for deliberately failing to protect employees from lead exposure

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – 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.

Non-compliance just got more expensive: OSHA's latest tactics

You don't need to be a senior White House official to know President 0bama has been making big changes at OSHA. And most of those changes center on one main idea: ramping up enforcement. A recent report released by OMB Watch analyzed what Obama and OSHA head David Michaels have done to boost enforcement.

US oil spill: 'Bad management' led to BP disaster

The companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill made decisions to cut costs and save time that contributed to the disaster, a US panel has concluded.
In a chapter of its final report, to be published next week, the presidential commission said the failures were "systemic" and likely to recur. BP did not have adequate controls in place to ensure safety, it found.

Keeping Christmas Safe

Each year fires occurring during the holiday season claim the lives of over 400 people, injure 1,650 more, and cause over $990 million in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the outlined precautionary tips, individuals can greatly reduce their chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

Workers blame equipment for too many incidents

     Virtually all safety incidents or injuries can be attributed to one of three causes. The incident was caused by something the operator did, something another employee did, or a faulty piece of equipment. And sometimes it's a combination of those elements. But determining which element is the most common cause at your facility can be a useful tool in directing safety efforts.

     What do employees say? 

OSHA cites Huntsman Petrochemical of Houston, Texas, for endangering workers

HOUSTON – 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.

1768 ft commute to work!

OSHA seeks comments on its official interpretation of workplace noise exposure controls

OSHA issued a notice in the Oct. 19 Federal Register proposing to issue an interpretation of the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in the general industry and construction occupational noise exposure standards and to amend its current enforcement policy to reflect the interpretation. This change is intended to better protect the hearing of approximately 30 million workers who are exposed to hazardous noise each year.

OSHA hosts public meeting on Globally Harmonized System of labeling chemicals

OSHA is inviting interested parties to participate in an open, informal public meeting Nov. 30 to discuss proposals in preparation for the 20th session of the United Nations Subcommittee of Experts on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. The Globally Harmonized System was formally adopted by the United Nations in December 2002. The GHS is a single, harmonized system for classification of chemicals according to their health, physical, and environmental effects. It also provides harmonized communication elements, including labels and safety data sheets.

A Ladder Safety Don't!

Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards

for Fiscal 2010 (Oct. 1, 2009 to Sept. 30, 2010)

Federal Data

As of Oct. 8, 2010

The following is a list of the top 10 most frequently cited standards following inspections of worksites by federal OSHA. OSHA publishes this list to alert employers about these commonly cited standards so they can take steps to find and fix recognized hazards addressed in these and other standards before OSHA shows up. Far too many preventable injuries and illnesses occur in the workplace.

OSHA will hold informal public hearing on proposed rule to prevent worker injuries on walking-working surfaces

WASHINGTON – OSHA will hold an informal public hearing starting Jan. 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.

Judge upholds OSHA citations issued against Thomas Industrial Coatings

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.