The California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) plans to list the chemical ethylene glycol (EG) as known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint) under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. This action is being proposed under the authoritative bodies listing mechanism.
Ethylene glycol meets the criteria for listing as known to the state to cause reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint) under Proposition 65, based on findings of the NTP-CERHR. In 2004, the NTP-CERHR published a report on ethylene glycol titled, “NTP-CERHR Monograph on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Ethylene Glycol” (NTP-CERHR, 2004). This report satisfies the formal identification and sufficiency of evidence criteria in the Proposition 65 regulations.
OEHHA is relying on the NTP-CERHR’s discussion of data and conclusions in the report that EG causes reproductive toxicity. The conclusion in the NTP-CERHR Monograph identifies EG as causing developmental toxicity in laboratory animals, and satisfies the formal identification criteria in the Proposition 65 regulations.
With regard to developmental toxicity, NTP-CERHR concluded that there is clear evidence of adverse effects for reproductive toxicity (developmental endpoint) in laboratory animals at high oral doses.
“The panel concluded that EG produces developmental toxicity in rodents after oral exposure to high doses. The critical developmental rodent studies showed that oral exposure of pregnant females to high doses of EG (≥ 500 mg/kg bw/day in mice and ≥ 1,000 mg/kg bw/day in rats) caused increased fetal deaths, skeletal malformations and external malformations, as well as reduced body weights in offspring.” (NTP-CERHR, 2004: NTP Brief, page 2)
“There were sufficient data to conclude that oral gavage exposure to high doses of ethylene glycol causes developmental toxicity in mice and rats, including axial skeletal malformations, reduced body weights, external malformations, and increased post-implantation loss.” (NTP-CERHR, 2004: Summary and Conclusions of Reproductive and Developmental Hazards, page II-116)
The studies cited by NTP-CERHR in support of these conclusions were reviewed by OEHHA with regard to the sufficiency of evidence criteria in regulation (Section 25306(g)(2)). Information reviewed for each of the cited studies included parameters related to biological plausibility in humans, including adequacy of experimental design, pattern of dosing, route of administration, numbers of test animals, choice of species, choice of dosage levels, and maternal toxicity. On the basis of the studies, effects and species identified above, OEHHA concluded that the sufficiency-of-evidence criteria in the regulation were met.
OEHHA is requesting comments as to whether ethylene glycol meets the criteria set forth in the Proposition 65 regulations for authoritative bodies listings. In order to be considered, OEHHA must receive comments by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2014.
EPA’s New Solvent Wipe, Shop Towel Rule Demystified
- Does the rule apply to both cloth and paper wipes and rags?
- What solvents can be on the towels, and which are prohibited?
- Does the rule also apply to towels that contain characteristic hazardous waste?
- Can P or U-listed wastes be on the towels?
- How must the towels be stored on-site?
- Do they need to be tested for anything?
- How long can they be stored?
- How must the containers be marked or labeled?
- How must they be prepared for transportation?
- Where can you ship them and what are the disposal and recycling options?
- What are the documentation requirements?
- How is the new rule impacted by current state regulations?
Did You Miss OSHA’s December 1 GHS Hazard Communication Training Deadline? Use Environmental Resource Center’s GHS OSHA Hazard Communication Training PowerPoint
With OSHA’s adoption of the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals, virtually every chemical label, MSDS—now called Safety Data Sheet (SDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard.
OSHA’s December 1, 2013, deadline under the revised Hazard Communication Standard required that all employees at your site who work with, or are exposed to, hazardous chemicals be trained to understand the new classification system, labels, warning statements, precautions, pictograms, and safety data sheets for chemicals at your worksite.
Environmental Resource Center is making available a PDF presentation or a customizable PowerPoint that you can use for on-site worker training. The training program, which is designed to cover your site’s GHS Hazard Communication training requirements, is in a format that is easy to understand.
Price and options:
Multiple PDF copies can be purchased for $99/copy (1–10), $79/copy (11–20), or $69/copy (21+).
Multiple PowerPoint copies can be purchased for $199/copy (1–10), $179/copy (11–20), or $169/copy (21+).
Options*:
1. Customized PowerPoint: Send us your written GHS hazard communication plan and 10–20 safety data sheets. We’ll create a custom training program for your site: $899
2. If you have not updated your hazard communication plan, let Environmental Resource Center update it for you: $799
3. Customized PowerPoint and hazard communication plan: $1600
*Call 800-537-2372 for Spanish pricing.
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, safety data sheet (formerly called “material safety data sheet” or MSDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on safety data sheets.
Virginia Beach RCRA and DOT Training
Cary HAZWOPER Refresher and IATA/IMO Training
St. Louis RCRA and DOT Training
CSB Releases Analysis Showing Cause of Rupture and Hydrogen Blast
The catastrophic rupture occurred in a ten-inch pipe at the bottom of a reactor in the mobile distillate dewaxing unit. It led to a massive release of hydrogen, which caught fire immediately and exploded, sending a blast wave across the refinery into a subdivision. The blast wave damaged over 100 homes, many with shattered glass. Two of the homes were severely damaged, including one that was displaced off its foundation.
There were four workers near the process unit at the time of the explosion. They were blown to the ground but were not seriously injured. Another worker had been taking readings next to the pipe that failed just one to two minutes before the release.
The report also examines the history of the pipe that ruptured, determining that the component that failed had no record of ever being inspected for corrosion as it thinned over the years.
CSB Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso said, “The findings in the Exponent report are all too familiar: Mechanical integrity programs at refineries repeatedly primarily emphasize inspection strategies rather than the use of inherently safer design to control the damage mechanisms that ultimately cause major process safety incidents. This is the same syndrome we found in the Bay Area Chevron refinery fire of 2012 and the Tesoro refinery explosion and fire that killed seven in Anacortes, Washington, in 2010. Fortunately, there were no fatalities resulting from the explosion and it was only by chance no one was in the immediate area. But many lives were disrupted as residents in Woods Cross, just north of Salt Lake City, had to move out of homes pending repairs.”
CSB Investigation Lead Dan Tillema said, “The metallurgical analysis details the same kind of sulfidation corrosion at the Silver Eagle Refinery that we found in the Chevron accident; sulfur compounds in the process stream corroded a steel piping segment, causing the pipe walls to become severely thin. This incident is also similar to Chevron in that, while sulfidation is a well-known damage mechanism at refineries that requires regular inspection and monitoring, the segment that failed has no record of ever being inspected.”
The CSB investigation team notes that the examination of the ruptured pipe segment and adjacent piping clearly indicated wall thinning had occurred in the piping component. The elbow adjacent to the pipe segment that failed was noted to have an original thickness of 0.719-inch. A 2007 thickness measurement of the elbow indicated a wall thickness of 0.483-inch, indicating years of thinning had taken place. The adjacent straight-run segment that failed was found to have a wall thickness as low as 0.039-inch and there were no records of any previous inspection. The CSB’s investigation previously noted records indicating other serious wide spread mechanical integrity deficiencies and gaps across the refinery at the time of the incident and will address these issues in the final report.
Dr. Moure-Eraso said, “This is an investigation where we have had to delay its completion due to, ironically, a pressing series of accidents in the oil production and refining sector. However, I want people to know that work has been continuing as this report shows, and that the CSB is working hard to assure refineries and indeed all chemical operations are operated more safely.”
The November explosion was the second accident at the refinery that year. On the evening of January 12, 2009, two refinery operators and two contractors suffered serious burns resulting from a flash fire. The accident occurred when a large flammable vapor cloud was released from an atmospheric storage tank that contained an estimated 440,000 gallons of light naphtha. The vapor cloud found an ignition source and the ensuing flash fire spread up to 230 feet west of the tank farm.
Burrows Paper Fined $298,100 for Serious and Repeat Safety Violations
OSHA has cited Burrows Paper Corp., based in Little Falls, for repeat and serious safety violations at two of the company’s work sites. Burrows faces $298,100 in proposed fines following inspections by OSHA’s Syracuse Area Office.
“The proposed fines reflect both the gravity of the cited hazards and the employer’s refusal to use required safeguards,” said Chris Adams, OSHA’s area director in Syracuse. “Workers could have been injured in falls, electrocuted, or suffered other injuries because of the employer’s repeated failure to ensure a safe workplace.”
The inspections were initiated as part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting inspection plan. The inspections were conducted because the company’s injury and illness rates exceeded national incident rates for 2009 and 2010. Burrows is a food grade paper and packaging manufacturer that has five paper machines in four mills located in New York and Mississippi. It employs approximately 700 workers.
During the inspection of the company’s Mohawk Valley Mill at 489 West Main St., OSHA inspectors found three serious safety violations for stairways that lacked railings; papermaking machines that lacked guarding to prevent employee contact with their moving parts; and an electrical hazard related to the use of electrical equipment not approved for the location. Additionally, inspectors identified six repeat violations for safety hazards related to falls, lack of eyewash stations, and additional machine guarding and electrical hazards.
The inspection of the East Mill at 730 E. Mill St. found two serious safety violations for exposure to combustible paper dust, electrical issues and a malfunctioning exit light. Additionally, it identified found four repeat safety violations for machines with insufficient guarding.
A repeat violation exists when an employer has been cited previously for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any of its facilities in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA had previously cited Burrows in 2010 and 2011 for similar hazards at locations in Little Falls and Lyons Falls. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
EPA Begins Effort to Reduce Children’s Exposure to Lead Paint in Connecticut
In an effort to improve compliance with laws that protect children from lead paint poisoning, EPA is sending letters to approximately 200 home renovation and painting contractors, property management companies, and landlords in and around New Haven, Connecticut, announcing a compliance assistance and enforcement initiative.
This Rule requires individual renovators and firms performing renovations to be trained and certified so that they follow lead safe work practices during renovations of pre-1978 housing and child-occupied facilities in order to protect children from lead poisoning.
The letter EPA is sending to New Haven-area contractors, landlords, and property management companies invites these entities to an information session at the New Haven Health Department office, 54 Meadow Street, New Haven, on April 16, 2014, from 3 to 6 pm where EPA will provide an overview of the RRP Rule requirements, and introduce an expedited settlement offer for one violation of the RRP Rule. The letter also notifies the contractors that EPA will be inspecting a number of them in June 2014.
During April and May, EPA will offer compliance assistance on the RRP Rule to companies and the public in the New Haven area. In June, EPA lead inspectors will inspect numerous renovation, painting and property management companies in the New Haven area regarding their compliance with the RRP Rule. The inspections may be followed up with enforcement.
Besides increasing protection for children’s health, EPA aims to ensure a “level playing field” for individuals and companies that are already complying with the RRP Rule. EPA is coordinating with many agencies, including the New Haven Health Department and the Connecticut Department of Public Health on this initiative.
EPA is doing this initiative in the New Haven area because public health records indicate that New Haven has one of the highest rates of childhood lead exposure in New England. Infants and children are especially vulnerable to lead paint exposure, which can cause lifelong impacts including developmental impairment, learning disabilities, impaired hearing, reduced attention span, hyperactivity, and behavioral problems. Because New England has so much older housing stock, lead paint is still frequently present in buildings that were built before 1978, when lead paint was banned.
OSHA Fines Precision Custom Coatings LLC $185,400 for Willful and Repeat Violations
OSHA’s investigation began in September 2013 in response to a referral from the Totowa Police Department after a machine operator’s hand was crushed while moving materials through a roller machine. During the investigation, OSHA was contacted about another incident where an employee suffered a partial hand amputation while performing machine maintenance. Proposed penalties total $185,400.
“With the proper machine guarding in place, this company could have prevented these needless, life-altering injuries,” said Lisa Levy, director of OSHA’s Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. “Employers are responsible for eliminating or controlling hazards when the operation of a machine or accidental contact could injure the operator or others. This employer’s failure to do so created catastrophic consequences.”
The willful violation, with a $70,000 penalty, reflects the company’s failure to use danger tags and proper guards on machinery to warn and protect employees from burn hazards. A willful violation is one committed with intentional or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
The repeat violation, with a $38,500 penalty, was due to a lack of machine guarding to protect operators from hazards created by ingoing nip points and rotating parts. The company was cited for the same violation in December 2011.
Carrying a $76,900 penalty, the serious violations include:
- Lack of a midrail on an aerial lift work platform
- Lack of standard railings on an open-sided platform more than 4 feet above a lower level
- Liquefied petroleum gas containers not stored properly
- Lack of danger tags to warn of burn hazards on dry can rollers
- Inadequate lockout/tagout procedures and training for controlling hazardous energy
- Lack of training for employees operating powered industrial trucks
- Powered industrial truck left unattended with elevated forks
- Lack of guards for rotating shafts and portable grinder
“A first step toward preventing such hazards is for an employer to develop and implement an illness and injury prevention program where management and workers proactively identify and eliminate hazardous conditions,” said Robert Kulick, OSHA’s regional administrator in New York.
OSHA Schedules Meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
OSHA will hold a meeting of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health May 7-8, 2014, in Washington, D.C. Work groups will meet May 7 and the full committee will meet May 8.
The full committee agenda includes remarks from Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, updates on rulemaking projects from OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, discussion on the proposed rule on Beryllium: Alternatives for Construction and on updates to OSHA’s standard on eye and face protection in construction and proposed amendments and corrections to OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks standards. In addition, the committee will discuss items from the proposed Standards Improvement Project IV and a presentation on 29 CFR 1926, Subpart V, Power Transmission and Distribution.
Work groups and the full committee will meet in Room N-3437 A-C, US Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20210.The following work groups will meet May 7: Health Hazards, Emerging Issues, and Prevention through Design from 10 a.m. – noon; Temporary Workers from 1-3 p.m.; and Training and Outreach from 3:15-5:15 p.m. The full committee meeting will be held from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., May 8. All meetings are open to the public.
Comments and requests to speak must be submitted by April 18, 2014.
Wisconsin Central Limited Ordered to Pay More than $352,000 in Back Wages, Damages to Injured Conductor
OSHA has found Wisconsin Central Limited railway in violation of the Federal Railroad Safety Act for terminating a conductor following the reporting of a workplace injury that occurred in Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
“The majority of complaints received by OSHA under the Federal Railroad Safety Act involve allegations that a railroad worker has been retaliated against for reporting an on-the-job injury. No worker should feel his job is at risk for reporting an injury or seeking medical attention,” said Nick Walters, OSHA’s regional administrator in Chicago. “When employees are disciplined for reporting workplace injuries, safety concerns or illnesses, worker safety and health are clearly not the company’s priority.”
OSHA has ordered Wisconsin Central, a subsidiary of the Canadian National Railway, to pay the conductor $352,082.75. Included in the amount is $217,082.75 in back wages, applicable employment taxes, $60,000 in compensatory damages and $75,000 in punitive damages. The company also will be required to reinstate the worker, pay reasonable attorney’s fees, remove disciplinary information from the employee’s personnel record and must provide whistleblower rights information to workers.
The conductor was within his 60-day probationary period when the injury occurred. The injury was reported later that day, but not before the end of his shift. On his last day of probation, he was issued a removal-from-service letter that rejected his employment application. Later, the railroad stated that he had violated a company rule by failing to report an injury before his workday ended.
Either party in these cases can file an appeal with the department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges.
OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and 21 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health care reform, nuclear, pipeline, worker safety, public transportation agency, maritime, and securities laws.
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or provide protected information to the employer or to the government.
Interlake Mecalux Fined $71,700 for Exposing Workers to Amputation, Serious Hazards
OSHA has proposed penalties of $71,700, following the October 2013 complaint inspection of the Melrose Park-based plant.
“Interlake Mecalux workers were exposed to dangerous hazards daily, putting them at risk of amputation due to a lack of required safeguards,” said Angie Loftus, OSHA’s area director for the Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. “The company must identify and correct workplace hazards and provide workers with required safety training.”
The failure to provide required machine guarding and protect workers adequately from moving machine parts during servicing and/or maintenance activities are primary causes of amputations. In 2012, more than 5,000 workers suffered an amputation injury on the job.
Eleven serious safety violations were cited, including exposing workers to amputation hazards by failing to protect workers adequately through lockout/tag out devices during machinery servicing; failing to train workers in energy control procedures; failing to inspect procedures annually; and lack of machine guarding on presses and other mechanical equipment.
Other serious violations involve issues, such as unguarded floor and wall openings exposing workers to fall hazards; failing to provide electrical personal protective equipment for employees doing electrical work; and use of damaged extension cords.
Additionally, the company was cited for six other-than-serious violations for improper use of ladders and failing to maintain records on crane inspections and maintenance. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.
EICA Industries Inc. Exposes Workers to Preventable Struck-By and Amputation Hazards
The inspection found that workers were exposed to struck-by hazards associated with rigging and moving heavy metal with overhead cranes. Workers also were exposed to amputation hazards from a failure to provide machine guarding and for failing to develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures. During the five-year period from January 2006 through December 2011, Region VI investigated 46 fatal accidents at metal fabrication establishments, which resulted in 48 deaths.
“This employer exposed its workers to avoidable workplace hazards that can cause serious injuries and possibly death,” said Jack Rector, OSHA’s area director in Fort Worth. “Employers must recognize the hazards that exist in their workplaces and develop safety and health policies and procedures to protect workers on the job.”
The 17 serious safety violations include failing to provide required machine guarding; regularly inspect overhead cranes, hoists, hooks, and slings; develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures; provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords; provide forklift training and certification; and ensure all lifting devices were inspected and rated sufficient to carry heavy materials, such as spreader bars.
EICA Industries was also cited for three other-than-serious violations for failing to maintain the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses, develop a list of chemicals in the workplace and have material safety data sheets readily available.
Tulsa Developer Exposes Workers to Fall Hazards
Case Development, LLC, the general building contractor of an apartment complex in Norman, has been cited by OSHA for serious and repeat violations and a proposed fine of $90,600 following a November 2013 inspection. OSHA found the company failed to protect workers from dangerous falls and other serious hazards. In 2012, there were 269 fall-related fatalities out of the 775 construction-related fatalities nationwide.
“Workers who work at heights are at risk for serious injury or death if they fall,” said David Bates, OSHA’s area director in Oklahoma City. “To protect these workers, employers must provide fall protection, such as safety harnesses.”
Two repeat violations, with a fine of $77,000, were cited for failing to protect workers in aerial lifts from falls and failing to require fall protection for workers conducting residential construction. The company was cited for similar violations during a July 2009 inspection in Tulsa and a March 2010 inspection in Oklahoma City.
Two serious violations, with a fine of $13,600, were cited for failing to ensure workers exposed to overhead hazards wore head protection and that ladders were used in a safe manner.
It was developed in partnership with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and NIOSH’s National Occupational Research Agenda program.
Under the program, OSHA may inspect any of the employer’s facilities if it has reasonable grounds to believe there are similar violations.
Jarvis Metals Recycling Cited for Multiple, Serious Safety and Health Violations
OSHA has cited Jarvis Metals Recycling, Inc., of Lubbock for 24 safety and health violations. With a proposed penalty of $64,400, the company was cited for exposing workers to unguarded machinery and electrical, noise, chemical and fall hazards at the company’s Olive Avenue facility. OSHA’s Lubbock District Office initiated the safety and health inspections in November 2013 under the agency’s Site- Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where high injury and illness rates occur.
“It is unacceptable that an employer has chosen to expose workers to preventable hazards,” said Joann Figueroa, area director in El Paso. “It is the employer’s responsibility to find and fix dangers in the workplace. This employer failed to do that.”
The 20 serious violations include failing to maintain electrical components in accordance with standards for safe electrical installations; guard industrial machinery; install a complete guardrail system; train workers about lead and cadmium hazards, as well as fall and struck-by hazards while operating powered industrial trucks with attachments; prevent overexposure to noise; provide a hearing conservation program; store compressed gas cylinders properly; and label stored propane properly.
The four other-than-serious violations include failing to remove damaged slings from use; issue and use approved respirators; establish a respiratory protection program; and repair damaged stairs.
The company, which employs about 63 workers statewide, was cited in April 2008 for 6 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation. Some of the current violations are similar to those found in the 2008 inspection.
IOSHA and Pilkington Settle on Safety Orders
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) has reached an agreement with Pilkington North America to settle four Safety Orders issued as a result of two inspections in 2012. The first was a follow up inspection after a work-place fatality and the second was a complaint inspection later in 2012.
As a result of the settlement, Pilkington will complete all safety abatements by December 31, 2014. Additionally, the company will post warning signs on or near hazards, provide machine guarding training for employees and provide dedicated personnel to eliminate all remaining hazards. IOSHA will conduct a follow-up inspection to verify that all hazards have been eliminated.
Pilkington also agreed to payment of $495,500 in penalties for the inspections and resulting Safety Orders. This combined penalty is the highest issued in IOSHA history.
“This agreement stresses the seriousness of the safe operation of production machinery and will create a significantly safer workplace for Pilkington employees, said Labor Commissioner Rick J. Ruble. “The agreement shows a sincere commitment on the part of Pilkington North America to improve workplace safety.”
OSHA Regional Offices in Dallas and Chicago Form Alliance with the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago to Promote Worker Safety and Health
The US Department of Labor’s Dallas and Chicago OSHA regional offices signed an alliance with the Consulate General of the Philippines in Chicago establishing a collaborative relationship to keep workers safe and healthy on the job. The goal of the alliance is to increase access to education and training resources that promote worker rights and employer knowledge of their responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
“All workers have the right to safe and healthful jobs, and it is important to educate workers about their rights, which includes the right to receive training about job hazards in a language and vocabulary they understand,” said Eric S. Harbin, OSHA’s acting regional administrator in Dallas.
Alliance participants in OSHA’s Dallas region, which includes Philippine nationals employed in Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma, will develop training and education programs in general industry and construction. OSHA’s Chicago region will include Philippine nationals employed in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio. Some of the serious safety and health issues the alliance will focus on involve preventing falls from elevated work surfaces, electrocution, heat illness, exposure to hazardous chemicals and struck-by dangers.
“This cooperative agreement allows us to work together to ensure that workers have a safe workplace, so that at the end of each day, they can go home to their families,” said Nick Walters, OSHA’s regional administrator in Chicago.
The signing ceremony was held at the OSHA Chicago Regional Office and was signed by Harbin, Walters and Consul General of the Philippines Leo M. Herrera-Lim.
The purpose of each alliance is to develop compliance assistance tools and resources and to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
RISE, Inc. Recognized for Workplace Safety and Health
RISE, Inc., in Angola, Indiana, has earned Indiana Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program () certification, a distinguished workplace safety and health recognition.
“INSHARP certification is a milestone for workplace safety,” Indiana Department of Labor (IDOL) Commissioner Rick J. Ruble said. “RISE, Inc., is a prime example of dedication to Hoosier workplace safety and health. Their commitment to maximizing employee participation while working to improve their worksite safety and health program is a model for all businesses to follow.”
To participate in INSHARP, a company must develop, implement, and maintain an exemplary worker safety and health management system and pass a comprehensive safety and health evaluation by the IDOL. In addition, the facility’s occupational injury and illness rates must be below the national industry average. Less than 50 Indiana employers have achieved INSHARP certification.
With more than 174 employees, RISE, Inc., is an employment training and rehabilitation center for adolescents and adults with intellectual and/or physical disabilities. RISE, Inc., has been operating in Steuben County for more than 50 years.
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