OSHA has issued a final rule that broadens the current exemption for digger derricks used in the electric-utility industry. The exemption has been expanded to include telecommunications work in addition to electric-utility work. This final rule provides a complete exemption from having to follow the requirements of Subpart CC of the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. The digger derricks exemption is part of the Cranes and Derricks final standard that was issued August 9, 2010.
Digger derricks are pieces of equipment used to drill holes for utility poles. These digger derricks are commonly used by companies to place poles inside holes and attach transformers and other items to the poles.
OSHA published a direct final rule and a companion notice of proposed rulemaking on November 9, 2012, and received a significant adverse comment on the direct final rule during the comment period. The agency then withdrew the direct final rule on February 7, 2013. After considering the comment, OSHA is issuing this final rule based on the notice of proposed rulemaking.
The rule becomes effective June 28, 2013.
GHS Worker Training PowerPoint Now Available
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 customizable PowerPoint that you can use for on-site worker training. The training program, which covers all of OSHA’s required GHS Hazard Communication training requirements, is in a format that is easy to understand.
Pricing and options:
Environmental Resource Center’s OSHA GHS Training PowerPoint for Workers:
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.
* $99 per license. Reproductions of the PowerPoint may not be made without authorization. Multiple copies can be purchased for $99/copy (1–10); $79 (11–20), or 69 (21+).
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.
Newark RCRA and DOT Training
Irvine RCRA, DOT, and HazCom Training
Dayton RCRA and DOT Training
Massachusetts Contractor Faces $290,700 in Fines for Exposing Workers to Falls
The wood framing contractor, based in Everett, Massachusetts, faces a total of $290,700 in proposed fines following an inspection by OSHA's Concord Area Office.
OSHA standards require that employees working 6 feet or more above a lower level be protected against falls by personal fall arrest systems, guardrails or safety nets. Additional fall hazards stemmed from ladder misuse and personal fall arrest systems that could allow workers to fall more than 6 feet and strike lower levels. As a result, three willful citations were issued with $200,500 in fines. 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.
"The sizable penalties proposed here reflect the gravity and recurring nature of these hazards, plus this employer's knowledge of and refusal to correct them," said Rosemarie Ohar, OSHA's New Hampshire area director. "This is unacceptable. Falls remain the number one killer in construction work, having cost the lives of 264 workers in 2010. Employers who fail to supply and ensure the use of proper and effective fall protection safeguards are gambling with the lives and well-being of their employees."
Four repeat citations, with $75,900 in fines, are for hazards similar to those cited in 2009 and 2011 at work sites in Boston, Lakeville, Lexington, New Bedford, and Newbury, Massachusetts, and in Portsmouth. These hazards include lack of fall protection training, no eye protection for workers using pneumatic nail guns, ungrounded electrical cords, and missing handrails. 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.
Finally, Twin Pines was issued three serious citations, with $14,300 in fines, for wood and metal trusses inadequately braced during installation, missing fire extinguishers and no protection from falling objects. 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.
"All employers must plan ahead to identify fall hazards and use the proper type of fall protection, provide proper and properly maintained equipment and train workers to protect themselves against fall hazards," said Ohar.
New York Medical Lab Fined $58,000 for Inadequate Bloodborne Pathogen Safeguards
OSHA has cited Laboratory Corp., of America Holdings, headquartered in Burlington, North Carolina, for alleged repeat and serious health violations following a November 2012 complaint inspection of its Schenectady, New York, location by OSHA's Albany Area Office.
OSHA found that phlebotomy technicians who drew blood did not receive required training until after working with the blood. In addition, workers were not trained on procedures in the event of an exposure incident. One repeat citation was issued with $38,500 in proposed fines. Similar hazards were cited in 2011 at a Jersey City, New Jersey, facility.
"The failure of Laboratory Corp., to provide adequate and timely training needlessly placed workers at risk," said Kimberly Castillon, OSHA's area director in Albany. "The health and wellness of the Laboratory Corp., workers depends on this company promptly and effectively addressing these issues at all its locations."
"An effective illness and injury prevention program in which management and employees work together to identify and prevent hazardous conditions, such as these, is a key tool in protecting the health and safety of employees in the workplace," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator for New York.
Quality Trailers Enterprise Fined $55,300 Following Safety Complaint
Proposed fines from the February 4 complaint inspection total $55,300.
"Quality Trailers Enterprises has a responsibility to train and protect workers from known hazards, such as noise and machinery in its manufacturing facility," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "OSHA is committed to common-sense safety and health regulations, which protect workers on the job."
Ten serious safety violations involve lack of machine guarding; failing to develop a lockout/tagout program to control the release of hazardous energy while servicing and maintaining equipment and training workers in the program; lack of fire extinguisher training; failing to train workers in the operation of powered industrial trucks; not providing welding shields and curtains; and exposing workers to live wiring.
Additionally, five serious health violations were cited for exposure to noise; lack of personal protective equipment; improper oxygen cylinder storage; allowing combustible paint residue to accumulate in the paint booth; and failing to conduct a workplace hazard assessment program and to develop and train workers on a hazard communication program.
Wal-Mart Store Fined $50,000 for Repeat and Serious Safety and Health Hazards
OSHA has cited Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., for two repeat violations of workplace safety and health standards at its Great Falls store. The Bentonville, Arkansas-based retailer faces a total of $50,000 in proposed fines following a January inspection by OSHA's Billings Area Office that was initiated as part of the agency's Site Specific Targeting Program.
Wal-Mart workers were exposed to amputation hazards while pushing and pulling bread loaves through the blades of a bread slicer. This repeat violation carries a $25,000 proposed fine. A similar violation was cited in January 2009 at the same store.
"The best way to control and prevent amputations caused by stationary machinery is machine safeguarding," said Jeff Funke, the agency's area director in Billings. "This employer had been previously cited for this specific piece of equipment and failed to ensure that corrective actions were taken and maintained."
In addition, Wal-Mart failed to make suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body in the event of an emergency due to potential electrolyte exposure near a battery charging station for electrical pallet jacks. The same violation was cited three times in stores in Arlington, Texas, in 2010, and in Norristown and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in 2009. OSHA has proposed a $25,000 fine because of the recurrent nature of this violation.
Hawaii Resort Cited with 14 Safety and Health Violations
OSHA has cited the Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue with 14 violations of workplace safety and health standards, including nine serious. The hotel faces $48,000 in proposed fines following a routine inspection by OSHA's Honolulu Area Office.
The incorrect use of flexible cords as substitutes for fixed wiring, exposure to energized parts, and failure to ensure only qualified personnel worked on energized circuits were also identified as serious violations during the inspection.
"Hotel employers must make safety a top priority for workers by recognizing such basic occupational hazards and doing what is needed and required to mitigate risks," said Galen Lemke, director of OSHA's Honolulu Area Office. "Hospitality begins with the well-being of those who provide it to hotel guests."
The employer was also cited for five other-than-serious violations, including failure to accurately complete OSHA's log of recordable work-related injuries and illnesses. 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.
OSHA conducted the inspection on February 14 under a local emphasis program for hotels. The Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue employs more than 270 workers.
OSHA Announces June 4 Safety Stand-Down at Work Sites Throughout Southeast to Focus on Heat-Related Illnesses and Injuries
Workers will voluntarily stop work from 7 to 8 a.m. EDT to conduct safety training focused on the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and preventive steps to take while working in the hot weather.
Every year, thousands of workers nationwide suffer from serious heat-related illnesses. If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which has killed, on average, more than 30 workers annually since 2003. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond the level that normally can be cooled by sweating. Heat illness initially may manifest as heat rash or heat cramps. It can quickly become heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if simple prevention steps are not followed.
"This stand-down is intended for all those working in hot weather, such as workers in agriculture, construction, baggage handling, roofing and landscaping, and others who work outdoors," said Teresa Harrison, OSHA's acting regional administrator for the Southeast. "It is the employer's responsibility to protect workers from injury and illness."
In preparation for the summer season, OSHA has developed heat illness educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as a curriculum to be used for workplace training.
OSHA has released a free application for mobile devices that enables workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites. The app displays a risk level for workers based on the heat index, as well as reminders about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level.
OSHA Announces Safety Stand-Down at Florida Work Sites to Focus on Heat-Related Illnesses and Injuries
Workers will voluntarily stop work from 7 to 8 a.m. EDT to conduct safety training focused on the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and preventive steps to take while working in the hot weather.
Every year, thousands of workers across the country suffer from serious heat-related illnesses. If not quickly addressed, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke, which has killed, on average, more than 30 workers annually since 2003. Labor-intensive activities in hot weather can raise body temperatures beyond the level that normally can be cooled by sweating. Heat illness initially may manifest as heat rash or heat cramps. It quickly can become heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if simple prevention steps are not followed.
"This stand-down is intended for all those who work in hot weather, such as workers in agriculture, construction, baggage handling, roofing and landscaping, and others who work outdoors," said Teresa Harrison, OSHA's acting regional administrator for the Southeast. "It is the employer's responsibility to protect workers from injury and illness."
In preparation for the summer season, OSHA has developed heat illness educational materials in English and Spanish, as well as a curriculum to be used for workplace training.
OSHA has released a free app for mobile devices that enables workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites. The app displays a risk level for workers based on the heat index, as well as reminders about protective measures that should be taken at that risk level.
For more information about OSHA's heat illness prevention campaign or this event, contact Jeff Romeo, acting area director of OSHA's Jacksonville Area Office, at 904-232-2895; Les Grove, area director of OSHA's Tampa Area Office, at 813-626-1177; or Brian Sturtecky, acting area director of OSHA's Ft. Lauderdale Area Office, at 954-424-0242.
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