Labor Gains Obama Policies Rued by Companies From Cooper Tire to Walmart Oct 30, 2009
Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are fighting two labor-related Obama nominees still awaiting confirmation: member Craig Becker, an attorney for the Service Employees International Union, and OSHA director nominee David Michaels, who has written a book criticizing industry opposition to regulations ... OSHAs acting director, , signaled a new tone at the agency in a speech to the Wisconsin AFL-CIO last month ... One of the first things he did when he arrived, Barab said,... (Bloomberg)
Nevada OSHA Under Fire Oct 30, 2009
Federal officials say Nevada OSHA is failing to protect workers ... A review of Nevada OSHA was launched after 25 construction workers were killed in the state between January 2008 and June 2009 ... The federal probe revealed that Nevada OSHA weakened penalties against a major hotel firm after two workers died at the Orleans Hotel, despite a history of similar problems at the company. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
OSHA fines T&C Construction for violations Oct 27, 2009
OSHA fines Hoover's Ttruction for safety violations - Birmingham Business Journal ... OSHA fines Hoover's Ttruction for safety violations ... The U.S. Department of Labor s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated a full inspection of a T&C work site after an OSHA compliance officer noted employees laying brick were exposed to a fall hazard, said a news release. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
NH foundry fined $250,000 by OSHA Oct 25, 2009
OSHA also found managers did not properly fit workers with masks to protect them from lead dust. Calls from the Concord Monitor to the factory were not returned Friday. (Concord Monitor)
OSHA issues safety reminders Oct 24, 2009
CHICAGO ; After a recent increase in the number of workers killed while performing grain handling operations such as loading, emptying and cleaning storage bins, the U.S. Department of Labor;s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reminding employers and workers of available resources and OSHA standards that identify hazards and offer solutions to prevent fatalities. OSHA;s grain handling facilities standard includes a requirement that employers provide workers entering bins or tanks... (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Border fence boondoggle Oct 17, 2009
Deathportal, Are you perhaps implying that the employers of illegals are also bypassing OSHA,or are you suggesting that employers are not paying illegals at least minimum wage ... Yes, clyde, the employers who hire illegals do indeed disregard OSHA and minimum wage issues. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Our inheritance Oct 16, 2009
Downgrading OSHA safety standards. Passing anti-labor laws to weaken unions. (Weymouth News, MA)
Columbia Police Department roof leaking Oct 16, 2009
Boyer said Tennessee OSHA officials have inspected the building and deemed it safe to work in. He said the conditions were causing problems, but the environment wasn t dangerous, and mold was not a problem. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
OSHA fines Cambridge embalming fluid co. $138K for safety violations Oct 15, 2009
Workers exposure to excess formaldehyde levels can impact their health, while the other conditions cited here pose more acute safety levels, said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA s area director for Middlesex and Essex counties, in a press release ... In their release, OSHA noted that the plant lacked a process safety management program to address any hazards associated in using large amount of formaldehyde ... OSHA issued The Dodge Co. with 38 serious citations for these hazards plus four citations for... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents made inappropriate compliments to females when crossing the border? Oct 14, 2009
kirikoyo wrote on Oct 13, 2009 9:05 AM:" Concerned citizen, that was really brave, to expose that abuse. Unfortunately this is an area where all kind of abuses are perpetrated including: people waiting for hours to be seen by their "physicians", making long lines in the stores event though there are more than 80 % cash registers not in use. people getting promoted without having proper education or by doing sexual favors; local agencies wasting millions of dollars in buying coffee, raising the... (El Centro Imperial Valley Press, CA)
Obama Regulators Step Up Enforcement Oct 14, 2009
The injuries affect laborers from computer keyboard operators to poultry processors and cause about 60 percent of workplace injuries, according to OSHA studies ... Barab led the last attempt to enact ergonomics standards while at OSHA during the Clinton administration, when the GOP-controlled Congress and Bush repealed the rules two months after they took effect ... Awaiting Senate approval is Obama's nominee for OSHA director, David Michaels, an Energy Department assistant secretary under... (CBS News -- US)
Injury And Hazards In Home Health Care Nursing Are A Growing Concern Oct 9, 2009
These types of injuries are serious as they can result in infection with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitis and HIV." A critical finding of this study was the statistical correlation between needlesticks and exposure to stressful conditions in the patients' household. Nurses reporting household stressors, such as cigarette smoke, unsanitary conditions, air pollution, and vermin, were nearly twice as likely to report needlestick injuries. Most significant was the fact that home healthcare... (Science Daily)
OSHA proposes Frit fines Oct 9, 2009
We are currently reviewing the OSHA citations stemming from an incident on April 3, 2009 ... The company has 15 business days from receiving the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Mobile or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, OSHA officials said ... According to a statement from OSHA s Mobile office, the agency cited the company with five willful violations relating to. (Brewton Standard, AL)
OSHA proposes fining NH co. for excavation cave-in Oct 8, 2009
Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's area director, says the case is a textbook example of how an excavation can become a grave in seconds. The company has 15 days to comply, meet with OSHA or contest the fine. (Concord Monitor)
Nine injured in scaffolding collapse Oct 7, 2009
contractors, the N.C. Department of Labor and OSHA to investigate the. matter. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Power lines delay New Meadows construction Oct 7, 2009
Clohecy said when the crew was working on the windows on the left side of the front of the building they were within 10 feet of high voltage electrical lines, a violation of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. They can t do anything within 10 feet of the wires, said Clohecy. (Boxford Tri Town Transcript, MA)
Safety Specialist Oct 7, 2009
Monitors the activities of contractor elements to ensure their safety programs are in compliance with KSC and OSHA directives ... Must possess working knowledge of OSHA, NASA, Air Force, and other Federal, State, and local statutes. (Florida Today)
John Kelly: Time runs short on space plan Oct 6, 2009
Contactors horewhipping the workers, no job related training except for OSHA mandated. And you didn't think Mr. Obama wasn't briefed by the departing administration. (Florida Today)
Small Businesses Brace for a Hit From the H1N1 Flu Oct 5, 2009
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) contains a general duties clause that specifies employers must keep a safe workplace, which can be used to justify sending a sick employee home, he says. In this sluggish economy, however, resistance is to be expected. (Time.com)
A political murder-suicide Oct 4, 2009
I guess it would have to be Goodbye Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, FDIC, FEMA, USDA, OSHA, NEA, EPA. But I imagine that politicians would still receive their top-drawer health plans, pensions, pay packages and perks. Make poor people pay, because who cares about them, anyway. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
The Pres' Palouse Park Bench - An Open Letter Oct 3, 2009
OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) says you should only be exposed to that amount of noise for 15 minutes. In short, it's loud as hell. (Washington State Sports -- Rivals.com)
Hanscom earns honors from OSHA Oct 3, 2009
"Long may she wave" were the words of Marthe B. Kent, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regional administrator, as she stood alongside Hanscom Air Force Base leaders, employees and invited guests to watch as the Voluntary Protection Program Star flag was raised over the base Sept. 24, signifying the base s status as the first Air Force installation to earn OSHA's highest recognition. The ceremony, held in front of the Electronic Systems Center headquarters building, celebrated... (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Logan needs new leaders Oct 3, 2009
Chad T wrote on Oct 3, 2009 3:18 AM:" For all you profit driven, in it for the money, calls for licensing. Are you the owner of your home? Why did you buy your house? When you go to sell the home I hope you are not looking to make a 'profit', because I would then ask you to get a business license and have the city come tell you what is wrong with your home. So when you go to sell your home call me I will pay you what you bought it for. I would not ask you to lower your standards and make a... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Bloomer firm agrees to pay $474,000 OSHA penalty Oct 2, 2009
Bloomer firm agrees to pay 474,000 OSHA penalty ... A-1 Excavating of Bloomer will pay OSHA 474,000 in penalties in a settlement announced Wednesday ... In one case, OSHA investigated the company in August after the April death of Eugene Hakes Jr., 33, of Cadott, who was killed at a work site in New Richmond. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Worker seriously injured after fall Oct 2, 2009
The investigation has been turned over to the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA investigators from the Braintree office responded to the scene and are coordinating with Cohasset Police Detectives. (Cohasset Mariner, MA)
A-1 agrees to settle for OSHA, paying $474,000 in penalties Oct 1, 2009
A-1 agrees to settle for OSHA, paying 474,000 in penalties ... OSHA had proposed 861,000 in penalties for three excavation hazard inspections ... In one case, OSHA investigated the company in August after Eugene Hakes Jr., 33, of Cadott was killed at a worksite in New Richmond. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Student group lights up discussion on tobacco ban Sep 30, 2009
And if lawmakers need additional real world data to further highlight the need to eliminate these onerous and arbitrary laws, air quality testing by Johns Hopkins University proves that secondhand smoke is up to 25,000 times SAFER than occupational (OSHA) workplace regulations ... As for secondhand smoke in the air, OSHA has stated outright that ... -Letter From Greg Watchman, Acting Sec y, OSHA, To Leroy J Pletten, PHD, July 8, 1997. (Washington University Student Life, MO)
Seward ship repair facility cited for alleged safety violations Sep 30, 2009
According to OSHA, which began investigating the facility after a complaint was filed about conditions on the dredging barge Paula Lee, the work site had multiple safety issues, including lack of gas testing in confined spaces, tripping and electrical hazards, danger of people of being struck by compressed air equipment, and damaged hooks and slings ... A "willful" violation is one "committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard of worker safety and health," according to OSHA. The... (Anchorage Daily News)
Tri-States Escalante Station earns prestigious status Sep 25, 2009
At the end of Russell's speech he jokingly suggested OSHA and NMED take a look at Wall Street, that there might some danger there. Also in attendance was Tri-State's Executive Vice President Ken Anderson. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
BP asks for more time to make plant improvements Sep 24, 2009
OSHA spokeswoman Diana Petterson said the agency had received a request from the company for more time and is presently taking that request under advisement as part of its ongoing inspection at BP. ... BP spokesman Daren Beaudo said the company is working with OSHA to resolve any concerns but would not comment on the status of its agreement with the agency ... But attorneys representing blast victims who objected to a federal plea agreement between BP and the Justice Department that settled... (KHOU.com, TX)
OSHA: BP Failed To Make Improvements Sep 24, 2009
BP spokesman Daren Beaudo told the Galveston County Daily News that the company believes it is "full compliance," but is working with OSHA on the concerns. Beaudo says BP Products has completed more than 550 OSHA citation abatement requirements and process safety related recommendations ... BP, in an agreement with OSHA, promised changes at its Texas City refinery and paid a $21. (Click2Houston, TX)
Omaha company fined $52,000 for OSHA violations Sep 23, 2009
Sioux City Journal : Omaha company fined 52,000 for OSHA violations ... Omaha company fined 52,000 for OSHA violations ... Monarch Oil has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Omaha director, or contest the findings. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Omaha Company Faces $52K Fine After Worker Burned Sep 23, 2009
An OSHA spokesman said it's imperative that the company inspect machinery and train its workers. A safety inspection also found seven potential violations. (7 KETV Omaha)
OSHA issues fine in fatal accident Sep 19, 2009
An OSHA spokesperson said the Dallas Division of IESI, one of the countries largest waste management companies, was cited for seriously violated safety laws ... Documents show OSHA inspectors found that workers were exposed to being crushed or struck by metal trash dumpsters ... "It's not that they did not have a safety program, it just was not adequate according to OSHA standards," said Elizabeth Todd, the agency's acting regional director. (Terrell Tribune, TX)
Hispanic Contractors wins OSHA grant Sep 19, 2009
OSHA awards Hispanic contractors group safety training grant - San Antonio Business Journal ... OSHA awards Hispanic contractors group safety training grant ... In all, OSHA awarded training grants to 30 recipients, including labor unions, employer associations, colleges and universities and nonprofit organizations. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Brockovich takes on Lafarge (15) Sep 13, 2009
Think about it folks, 174 pounds of mercury - OSHA sets the limit of mercury in a worker's environment at 0. 1mg p/cubic foot. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
Labor commissioner explains departments functions Sep 13, 2009
Fields said their OSHA division is the complete opposite of what most people believe ... You are also exempt from federal OSHA coming onto your place and writing you up unless it's a catastrophic injury or fatality. (Alva Review Courier, OK)
Obama Speaks Out on Health Care Sep 13, 2009
" He went on to call TRICARE "world class health care," concluding on a personal note. "I am grateful to have four sons now serving in the military, and I know that their families appreciate the availability of TRICARE," he said. by Void_Master September 12, 2009 12:38 PM EDT I used to think that people such as myself should have the opportunity to opt-out of participating in a statist society. But I have come to realize that that is the wrong approach. More accurately, those who insist on... (CBS News)
Long-Term Lead Exposure Linked to Heart Deaths Sep 10, 2009
Current OSHA guidelines are probably inadequate, researchers say ... For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys use blood to measure lead ... The current OSHA standards, which are based on blood lead levels and permit up to 40 micrograms of lead per deciliter, are probably inadequate, Weisskopf said. (MEDLINEplus)
Accident kills worker at Stow supermarket construction site Sep 9, 2009
According to Diana Petterson, a spokeswoman for OSHA, the office has six months to complete the investigation. Ted Fitzgerald, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Division of OSHA, said the office is investigating the fatality to determine if there were any safety. (Beacon Villager, MA)
Lessons from a virtual bank run Sep 8, 2009
CAFO workers are considered to be a major vector for human-to-human virus transfer, but CAFOs aren't routinely inspected by the government agency that is supposed to look after worker safety, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). However, OSHA typically exempts facilities with fewer than 11 employees from routine inspection unless otherwise requested by employees or other agencies ... The operators concentrate the animals, automate their feeding and waste disposal and staff... (Salon)
Deadline set in Redwood IP lawsuit Sep 8, 2009
OSHA fined International Paper $77,000 in the months following the explosion for one alleged willful violation and one alleged serious violation. The willful violation was starting the boiler without adequate steam and not developing safe procedures to start it up when the primary power boiler is offline, according to OSHA. ... The serious violation was failing to have written procedures to determine that an adequate amount of odorant was being added to the natural gas supply line, according to... (The Clarion-Ledger)
Settlement proposals due in IP mill explosion suit Sep 8, 2009
The American Civil Liberties Union and the United Farm Workers Union filed a lawsuit Thursday against Cal-OSHA, accusing it of not being capable of protecting the state's 650,000 farm laborers from heat injury and death ... It cites as evidence six farmworker deaths last year -- three more than Cal-OSHA recognizes -- injuries of farmworkers this year and widespread violations of laws that Cal-OSHA inspectors have found in recent months ... OSHA fined International Paper $77,000 in the months... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Van Jones: "Im Bad! Im Slick!" Sep 7, 2009
But Jones says, "The person I'm really patterning my life after is Ralph Nader." Not Nader the election spoiler, but Nader the lifelong consumer advocate, whose policy triumphs include the creation of OSHA and the EPA. "Hey," Jones says, "Nader got more legislation passed than almost any president.". "TOTALLY LEFT OUT". (FastCompany)
Obama Says Save as Nest Eggs Take Hit Sep 6, 2009
Does OSHA know about it. 145 degree heat from sun-up 'till sundown (was this where you did the 24hr shifts. (CBS News)
Pilots raise stink over lack of lavatories Sep 5, 2009
FAA says it doesn't regulate lavatories, and OSHA says issue isn't its jurisdiction. By Mike M. Ahlers CNN. (CNN -- US)
LETTER: Dining service staffhas big responsibility Sep 5, 2009
Our membership here is not protected like the private sector with Federal OSHA coverage. NANCY E. KINGERY. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Suburban company cited for workplace safety issues Sep 5, 2009
OSHA levied fines totaling $275,000 on Metal Improvement Co. The company does business as E/M Coating Services. Inspectors found safety problems including electrical hazards, improper oxygen cylinder storage and fire hazards in a spray booth. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Metro poultry facility fined by OSHA Sep 4, 2009
The s (OSHA) has fined Brigham Farms $69,500 for alleged safety violations at its Ball Ground, Ga ... The violations come from a previous inspection in August 2008 that revealed workers exposed to propionic acid and formaldehyde were not provided an eye wash and shower area, and the employer has not implemented a hazard communication plan when using chemicals such as propionic acid and formaldehyde, OSHA said ... The citations also include 11 alleged repeat violations with a proposed penalty of... (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Community Pride Award recognizes flood effort Sep 4, 2009
Regulated by OSHA, the program recognizes small employers who operate an exemplary safety and health management system. Even with all of the construction, renovation and inspections, the store was able to meet its sales goals. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
The Party of Nos pre-existing condition Sep 1, 2009
While in power it voted against expanding health care for children, voted against extending unemployment compensation, voted against raising the federal minimum wage, watered down environmental and OSHA safety standards, passed anti-labor laws, cut entitlement programs to the bone, failed to fund the No Child Left Behind fiasco, and repairing America s failing infra-structure never even made the priority list. However, the Party of No s responses were not all negative. (Holbrook Sun, MA)
More of this story Aug 30, 2009
Allen said that federally, any hole dug as deep as a person s waist requires bracing, per federal OSHA guidelines. A June 2007 study of beach sand collapses by Dr. Bradley Maron, while he was at the Harvard Medical School, recommended that beach visitors only dig as deep as their knees. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Students invited to enter safety video contest Aug 30, 2009
The contest, sponsored by Oregon OSHA, is designed to increase awareness about safety on the job for young people, with the theme of Save a Friend. Work Safe. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Xcel Energy, Public Service Company of Colorado and Others Indicted for OSHA Violations That Caused Death of Five Men in October 2007 Aug 29, 2009
DENVER, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Xcel Energy, Inc., Public Service Company of Colorado, RPI Coating, Inc., and two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver late yesterday on charges that the defendants violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace safety and health rules and regulations that resulted in the death of five men at the Cabin Creek Hydro Plant, near Georgetown, Colo. The indictment was announced today by U.S. Attorney David Gaouette... (PR Newswire)
Xcel indicted in fatal fire Aug 29, 2009
The federal (OSHA) ruled last year that the fire was "preventable" and could have been avoided if the companies involved had followed their safety procedures ... The five workers who died -- Gary Foster, Don DeJaynes, Dupree Holt, Anthony Aguirre and James St. Peters -- were working deeper inside the penstock than four others who escaped, and were blocked by fire, so they couldn't get away and died due to asphyxiation, OSHA ruled last year ... Because the penstock was considered a "confined... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Key Dem Calls Party Moderates "Brain Dead" Aug 28, 2009
"Bwaaa haaa haaa!!!! by speakinup23 August 27, 2009 10:32 PM EDT troll 00004000 by hungry1968-16 August 27, 2009 8:25 PM EDT by salmoc44 August 27, 2009 8:20 PM EDTStill, if all the Republicans out there hiring illegals weren't hiring them, those illegals wouldn't come here. Face it, Republicans love cheap labor and tend to have a problem with brown people. That's a contradiction that they'll have to learn to deal with before the immigration problem can be seriously addressed.That's why Bush... (CBS News)
Outside editorial: The complexities and legacy of Ted Kennedy Aug 27, 2009
Among the legislation and programs Kennedy was instrumental in creating: the Americans with Disabilities Act, the S-CHIP program that provides health insurance to poor children, the Medicare prescription drug benefit, COBRA, family leave, No Child Left Behind, Meals on Wheels and OSHA. He was a player in establishing peace in Ireland, fought for sanctions on South Africa over apartheid, and opposed the Vietnam and Iraq wars. He was compassionate, and stood up for the little guy throughout his... (Juneau Empire)
Kennedy championed workers rights Aug 27, 2009
Worker safety: In 1970, Kennedy was one of the leaders who helped pass the Occupational Safety and Health Act, which essentially created OSHA. Prior to passage of the act, there were few federal health and safety protections for workers. Kennedy succeeded in defeating attempts to weaken the law in later years, Eisenbrey said, and in the 1990s he also extended the reach of OSHA to the U.S. Postal Service ... While the postal service was covered by OSHA, the government agency did not have to pay... (MSNBC -- Politics)
RedState Morning Briefing Aug 26, 2009
President Obama has nominated David Michaels to be the assistant secretary for OSHA and is just another in the list of Obama nominee/appointees to be anti 2nd Amendment. After the Virginia Tech tragedy Michaels wrote. (Human Events Online)
OSHA putting more inspectors on construction sites in Texas Aug 26, 2009
In a May announcement, the Department of Labor, which OSHA is under, said it is focusing on Texas because the state has the highest rate of construction site fatalities in the country ... OSHA is conducting this initiative to raise awareness, Elizabeth Todd, an OSHA representative based in its regional office in Dallas, said in an email ... I didn t know OSHA was ever out of the inspection business, said Jeffrey Nielsen, executive vice president of the Houston Contractors Association. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Village plans to lower trash fees Aug 25, 2009
The Parks and Recreation staff has completed the wall separating the pool maintenance supplies from the other storage items as required by OSHA. Median landscaping maintenance continues. Stephens mentioned possible plans to paint jeans and shirt on Loomis figure for La Fiesta de Colores during May. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
75 comment(s) Aug 24, 2009
Muskieres wrote on Aug 23, 2009 4:30 PM:" Yeah! Pat's back! Time to fire up the propaganda machine again!Upset with all the lawyering? Gee, if I recall wasn't it the union who filed a lawsuit against GPC for turning certain people salaried? Or called OSHA trying to get GPC in trouble? The irony is you like lawyering when it only works for you. If lawyers are involved it is because you provoked them.So the CEO was smiling and waving. He can, he is winning. By picketting his dads house all you did... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
City calls on DNR to conduct sand study Aug 21, 2009
alan_shore_CPandS wrote on Aug 20, 2009 12:31 PM:" New Developments in Crystalline Silica RegulationChapter Author: Robert E. GlennSeries: Ceramic Engineering and Science ProceedingsSummaryThe 1987 reclassification of crystalline silica by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to the category of carcinogenic to humans seems to have initiated a flurry of regulatory activity regarding silica by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the National Toxicology Program, and the... (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
pihms, Inc. - A New Name for KCRS, Inc. Aug 20, 2009
The workflow ensures that best practices are used to remain compliant with all FML and OSHA regulations. Pihms, Inc. is headquartered in Pittsburgh with offices in Atlanta and Glasgow, Scotland. (PR Newswire)
WTC owner says $300K-a-day penalities almost over Aug 20, 2009
NATE/OSHA Partners Improve Safety by 40. A recent NATE/OSHA Partnership study indicates a 40% decrease in the year-over-year accident incidence rates for participants ... Further, the study shared statistics regarding the enhanced safety initiatives implemented by the National Association of Tower Erectors (NATE), the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) and Partner companies, including: developing and actively engaging in industry-specific training and voluntary tower-site... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
