At OSHA’s national office, a handful of executive staff, senior compliance staff, and information technology staff remain on their jobs to address critical workplace emergencies. Just one senior safety compliance officer and one senior health compliance officer remain at each of OSHA’s 92 field offices.
Similarly, only 22 of the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 540 employees and 1,069 of EPA’s 16,025 workers remain at work during the shut-down.
GHS OSHA Hazard Communication Training PowerPoint Now Available in English and Spanish
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.
By December 1, 2013, all employees at your site that work with, or are exposed to, hazardous chemicals must 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.
Pricing and options:
Multiple PDF copies can be purchased for $99/copy (1–10); $79/copy (11–20); or $69/copy (21+).
Multiple copies can be purchased for $199/copy (1–10), $179/copy (11–20), or $169/copy (21+).
Additional 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 SDSs.
New York Rail Car Interior Manufacturer Fined $170,000 for 24 Safety and Health Violations
The company faces $170,100 in proposed fines following inspections by OSHA's Albany Area Office that began in March 2013 in response to a worker's complaint.
"Testori's deficient safety protocols place its workers at grave risk of injury, including amputation risks and death," said Kimberly Castillon, OSHA's Albany area director. "The fact that no serious injuries resulted from these hazards is fortunate because workplace safety must be established through proactive initiative, not complacency. The large penalties proposed in this case reflect the severity of the hazards and this employer's disregard for safety."
Testori was cited for one willful violation for failure to develop, document and use lockout and tagout procedures for controlling potentially hazardous energy when workers performed maintenance on machines, such as sanders and presses. Maintenance activities, which include clearing debris from machines, changing router bits and sanding belts, and cleaning equipment, are necessary to prevent the unintended activation of machinery during these activities. This willful violation carries a $63,000 fine.
Additionally, Testori was cited for six serious health violations, including failure to provide workers with adequate personal protective equipment and fit test respirators worn by workers. The proposed penalties for the serious violations are $106,200. One other-than-serious violation for inadequate record keeping carries a proposed penalty of $900.
A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing, or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. 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. 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.
Knoxville RCRA and DOT Training
Atlanta Environmental, Transportation, and Safety Training
San Diego RCRA and DOT Training
New 3M Hearing Conservation Smartphone & Tablet App Now Available
3M has developed a new mobile and tablet app for Hearing Conservation. This app contains basic information to help you learn more about hearing conservation in a workplace environment. Using the free app, industrial hygienists and safety professionals can quickly assess sound levels in an environment; get answers to frequently asked hearing conservation questions; view a full catalog of hearing protection options from 3M, find out more about how to assess proper fit for hearing protection products, understand how to set up a Hearing Conservation program and contact 3M technical or customer service with any additional questions.
This app is available for download free for iOS and Android devices.
Fort Worth F&D Head Co. Exposes Workers to Amputations, Struck-by Hazards
OSHA has cited Fort Worth F&D Head Co., for 18 serious safety violations, carrying $88,200 in proposed penalties, for exposing workers to struck-by and amputation hazards.
"Because of the lack of machine guarding throughout this facility, this company exposed workers to serious amputation hazards and struck-by hazards associated with overhead crane operations," 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."
OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office began an inspection on April 17 under the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on workplaces with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses. The inspection found that workers were exposed to struck-by hazards associated with rigging and moving of heavy metal with overhead cranes, and to amputation hazards from a lack of guarding and lockout/tagout procedures.
The serious safety violations include failing to provide required machine guarding; regularly inspect overhead cranes, hooks and slings; develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures; provide strain relief for flexible electrical cords; and ensure all lifting devices were inspected and rated sufficient to carry heavy materials, such as spreader bars and hydraulic lifts.
The SST program is one of OSHA's main programmed inspection plans for high-hazard, nonconstruction workplaces that have 20 or more workers. The SST plan is based on data collected from a survey of 80,000 establishments in high-hazard industries.
New York Pipe Manufacturer Cited for after Worker Fatally Struck by Forklift
National Pipe and Plastics, Inc., of Vestal, was cited by OSHA for 16 serious violations of workplace health and safety standards after a March 22 incident in which a truck driver working for a separate company was fatally struck by a forklift driven by a National Pipe employee. The total proposed penalties are $67,000.
OSHA inspectors determined that two of the 16 violations found following the March inspection related to the truck driver's death; the truck driver was picking up a load of pipes at the plant. Inspectors found that the forklift had an inoperative backup alarm, and the forklift driver did not have a clear view of the travel path.
"Establishing safety protocols to address foot traffic in these areas would have helped prevent this tragic incident. National Pipe should have maintained equipment properly, such as the forklift's backup alarm, and ensured forklift operators maintained focus on their path of direction," said Chris Adams, OSHA's area director for Syracuse. "This company must comply with OSHA standards and implement these safety protocols."
OSHA inspectors found additional serious health and safety violations, including failure to maintain surfaces free of combustible dust, maintain fixed stairs at the proper angle, provide handrails on exposed sides of stairways, and provide portable metal ladders with slip-resistant rungs.
"One means of preventing accidents and injuries is through an effective safety and health management system where employers and employees work together to evaluate, identify and eliminate hazards proactively," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.
USA Brass Company Inc. Overexposes Workers to Lead
OSHA has cited USA Brass Company, Inc., in Bozeman for 10 serious violations, with $45,500 in proposed penalties, after a May inspection conducted under the agency's national emphasis program for lead found workers overexposed to the metal. The company buys and provides brass for individual reloaders and commercial ammunition manufacturers.
Staff from OSHA's Billings Area Office found serious violations, including failure to conduct initial determinations of worker overexposure to lead; implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce lead exposure; provide workers with adequate respiratory protection and personal protective clothing; prohibit food and beverages from areas with excessive accumulations of lead; and train workers on lead hazards.
"The toxic effects of occupational exposure to lead have been well-known for a long time, but this employer did not have basic safeguards to protect workers against this hazard," said Jeff Funke, the agency's area director in Billings. "Employees exposed to lead must be evaluated to assess exposure levels accurately and, if necessary, implement engineering controls to train and ensure the use of personal protective clothing and equipment, including respirators."
Other serious violations include failing to implement respiratory protection, hearing conservation and hazard communication programs; have adequate housekeeping procedures; perform required medical examinations; and post required signs in hazardous areas.
USA Brass was also cited for one other-than-serious violation for not certifying forklift operators' training and evaluations.
Fiberdome Inc. Cited for Exposing Workers to Airborne Hazards
Fiberdome, Inc., has been cited by OSHA for 10 health violations and $49,500 in penalties following a March investigation of the Lake Mills fiberglass manufacturing plant. Workers were exposed to styrene-a chemical used extensively in the manufacture of plastics, rubber and resins-in excess of permissible limits.
OSHA initiated the inspection after receiving a referral alleging workers were experiencing respiratory irritation due to chemical exposure.
"Workers at this manufacturing plant continue to be exposed to chemical hazards that can cause severe respiratory illness," said Kim Stille, OSHA area director in Madison. "Companies must be aware of the hazards that exist in their facilities and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of illness."
Seven serious violations include allowing worker exposure to airborne concentrations of styrene in excess of recommended exposure limits, as well as failing to develop a written respirator protection program and provide adequate respiratory protection and training to workers. Other violations involve failing to conduct a personal protection equipment hazards assessment and train workers on hazards associated with chemicals used in the factory; provide safety data sheets to a physician treating a worker for occupational illness; and to keep the production area free of excess fiberglass and styrene. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.
One repeat violation was cited for failing to require workers to use appropriate hand protection when exposed to hazardous chemicals. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. A similar violation was cited in 2011 at the same facility.
Two other-than-serious violations were cited for record-keeping deficiencies and failing to properly label containers carrying hazardous chemicals.
Oregon OSHA Adopts Federal OSHA Changes in Construction Revising the Exemption to Digger Derricks
This rulemaking is to keep Oregon OSHA in harmony with recent changes to federal OSHA’s standards.
In December 2012, Oregon OSHA proposed to make the Federal OSHA amendments published in the November 9, 2012 Federal Register, in 1926.1400 Scope, to broaden the exemption for digger derricks, and in 1926.952 Mechanical Equipment. However, on February 7, 2013, OSHA published in the Federal Register a withdrawal of the direct final rulemaking (November 9, 2012 Federal Register) and instead, it moved forward with proposed rulemaking that was published at the same time as the direct final. Therefore, Oregon OSHA did not proceed with rulemaking adoption concerning the digger derricks exemption at that time.
Federal OSHA then published in the May 29, 2013 Federal Register, their final rule revising the exemption for digger derricks. Comparing the November 9, 2012 to the May 29, 2013 Federal Registers, they are essentially identical in rule amendments, with a slight clarifying sentence structure change in 1926.952. The intent remains the same.
Oregon OSHA adopted the amendments from the May 29, 2013 Federal Register in construction, Division 3/V and 3/CC. Oregon OSHA Administrative Order 5-2013 was adopted and effective September 13, 2013. Oregon OSHA Contact: Tom Bozicevic, Central Office at 503-947-7431; or e-mail at
Oregon OSHA Cites Cornelius Construction Company $70,000 for Fall Violation
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division cited Munoz Construction $70,000 for not protecting its employees from falls. The fine was based on a willful violation and was the result of an inspection at a Portland apartment complex on February 27, 2013. The employer appealed the citation but agreed to it following an informal conference with Oregon OSHA.
During the inspection, an Oregon OSHA inspector observed two employees working on a second-story roof standing on trusses. Neither employee was wearing fall protection. The owner was on site and said his employees were comfortable working without fall protection, even though it was available in the company trailer.
"Falls are the primary source of serious injury and deaths in construction," said Oregon OSHA Administrator Michael Wood. "With that in mind, there is simply no excuse for an employer to decide that compliance with the rules is not necessary."
The typical penalty for a first-time violation ranges from $400 to $1,000 for a small employer and increases with each repeat violation. A willful violation, where an employer intentionally or knowingly allows a violation to occur, can result in a $70,000 penalty.
Employees were working at 12 feet on a house without fall protection.
In addition to the 10-foot rule, employees working at six feet or above a lower level also need to be protected from falls near open windows, doors, mezzanines, balconies, or walkways. There are different ways to comply with Oregon OSHA's fall protection rule, such as using guardrails, catch platforms, and personal fall arrest systems. Since 2000, the agency has placed an emphasis on fall hazard inspections in construction.
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