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 calend...

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.

Methylene chloride hazards result in $357K OSHA fine

OSHA spells out its ergonomic enforcement plan

Can an OSHA inspector use the discovery of a series of workplace musculoskeletal disorders at a company to issue fines under the General Duty’Clause (GDC)?

While it’s not quite that easy, OSHA is now officially on the record with what we told you in February (SCA, 2/25/10, p.l): It will use the GDC to issue citations and impose fines over ergonomics.

What's driving Obama's oil drilling plan?

CLIMATE
GREENHOUSE GASES

Don't expect any relief from global warming regulation even though President Obama has joined the "Drill, Baby, Drill" chorus calling for an increase in America's oil-producing  capacity.  Obama has outlined a new energy policy that calls for opening up large tracks of offshore areas to oil and natural gas exploration.

OSHA urged to act on construction hearing standard

 IN AN EMERGENCY, THE ANSWER YOU NEED CAN BE A CLICK AWAY

Could a new OSHA hearing conservation standard be on the way for construction workers?  If some folks have their way, the answer is yes.  For 27 years, OSHA's had an occupational noise standard on the books. But that standard has excluded the construction industry.   During an “OSHA Listens" meeting in Washington, DC, on March 4, groups and experts urged the agency to change that now.

Can an iPhone reduce injuries, save lives?

IN AN EMERGENCY, THE ANSWER YOU NEED CAN BE A CLICK AWAY

You might think the iPhone is mostly for talking, texting and checking your e-mail.  But thanks to a slew of new safety applications for the iPhone, it could also be a lifesaver.
Many of these apps for the iPhone can give you the answers you need to make a crucial safety decision in a split second.  These applications range in price but can be worth it for safety pros on the go. Here's a rundown of a few apps that caught our eye.

Double whammy when it comes to OSHA fines

Watch Out! OSHA penalties are about to go up, even without Congressional approval.  OSHA head David Michaels testified before Congress that the agency will implement internal changes in its penalty policies.

That bit of news came during Michaels' comments on the parts of the bill that would significantly increase OSHA fines and the use of criminal penalties, including prison time for company executive and managers.

What's OSHA's next move?

Agency reveals 3 new targets

• Triple threat: Enforcement, standards, injury logs

Now that the new deputy sheriff has been in town for over three months, what' he targeting?
In a speech to the American Bar Association, 0 HA administrator David Michaels said Labor Secretary Hilda Solis' statement that there is a “new sheriff in town" wasn't just an abstract wish, Rather, it was a stern description of how OSHA is working.
Michaels, the aforementioned deputy, said Solis is pushing OSHA to be more aggressive.
Michaels didn't need much of a push. Even before taking over at OSHA, he'd been a vocal advocate of tougher enforcement and more regulation. Here are his top priorities:

EPA Proposes Adding More Chemicals to Toxics Release Inventory List

First program chemical expansion in more than a decade

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to add 16 chemicals to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) list of reportable chemicals, the first expansion of the program in more than a decade. Established as part of the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA), TRI is a publicly available EPA database that contains information on toxic chemical releases and waste management activities reported annually by certain industries as well as federal facilities. The proposal is part of Administrator Lisa P. Jackson’s ongoing efforts to provide communities with more complete information on chemicals.

Two Shell Chemical Companies Agree to Reduce Harmful Emissions Under Comprehensive Clean Air Act Settlements 

Agreements reduce more than 1,450 tons of harmful air emissions annually 

EPA Proposes to Revoke New Source Review Final Rule

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to revoke a January 2009 rule that changed the way existing industrial facilities combine upcoming construction projects to determine if Clean Air Act permits are needed.

EPA is concerned that the changes made last year to its “aggregation policy” would make the agency’s New Source Review permitting program less effective, allowing facilities to increase emissions that may impact air quality without a thorough review.

EPA Formally Announces Phase-in of Clean Air Act Permitting for Greenhouse Gases

Agency reiterates no stationary source requirements until 2011

WASHINGTON – Under a final decision issued today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) no stationary sources will be required to get Clean Air Act permits that cover greenhouse gases (GHGs) before January 2011. EPA has pledged to take sensible steps to address the billions of tons of greenhouse gas pollution that threaten Americans’ health and welfare, and is providing time for large industrial facilities and state governments to put in place cost-effective, innovative technologies to control and reduce carbon pollution. Today’s announcement is the first step in EPA’s phased in approach to addressing GHG emissions laid out by Administrator Lisa P. Jackson earlier this month.