OSHA has announced a new enforcement policy that excludes monorail hoists from the requirements of Subpart CC—Cranes and Derricks in Construction, as long as employers meet other OSHA requirements.
The policy change was made in response to comments from stakeholders and in recognition that a monorail hoist—which is attached to a fixed monorail mounted on equipment such as trucks, trailers, or scaffolding systems—is significantly different from other cranes and derricks in construction.
Some monorail hoists can be extended and contracted in only a fixed horizontal direction. They do not rotate, swing on a hinge, or boom out much farther than the equipment on which they are mounted. They are often used in construction to hoist precast concrete components, storage tanks, and mechanical equipment.
Under the new policy, the agency will not cite employers for failing to meet the requirements of Subpart CC if they meet the requirements of the overhead hoists and general training standards.
The general industry requirements for monorail hoists remain intact.
Pentabromodiphenyl Ether Mixture Listed as Carcinogen in California
Effective July 7, 2017, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) added pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)] to the list of chemicals known to the state to cause cancer for purposes of Proposition 65.
The listing of pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)] was based on formal identification by the National Toxicology Program (NTP), an authoritative body, that the chemical causes cancer. The criteria used by OEHHA for the listing of chemicals under the “authoritative bodies” mechanism can be found in Title 27, Cal. Code of Regs., section 25306.
The documentation supporting OEHHA’s determination that the criteria for administrative listing have been satisfied for pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)] is included in the “Notice of Intent to List Pentabromodiphenyl Ether Mixture [DE-71 (Technical Grade)]” posted on OEHHA’s website and published in the May 5, 2017 issue of the California Regulatory Notice Register (Register 2017, No. 18-Z). The publication of the notice initiated a public comment period that closed on June 5, 2017. OEHHA received no public comments on pentabromodiphenyl ether mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)].
A complete, updated chemical list is published in this issue of the California Regulatory Notice Register and is available on the OEHHA website at http://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list.
LSC Communications is a STAR of Workplace Safety and Health
LSC Communications North Plant of Crawfordsville, Indiana, achieved recertification as a STAR site in Indiana’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). LSC Communications is recertified for continuing and expanding excellence in workplace safety and health programs.
“LSC Communications prioritizes the safety and health of its employees, which makes for a great role model for other companies in the industry,” said Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner Rick J. Ruble. “Managers and employees at this international company understand how to succeed by protecting themselves and each other while getting the job done.”
LSC's traditional and digital print-related services and office products serve the needs of publishers, merchandisers, and retailers around the world. The company is part of the LSC Communications Inc., which employs more than 20,000 across the globe. Crawfordsville’s North Plant is operated by a team of approximately 100 Hoosier employees.
Part of promoting an exceptional culture of occupational safety and health, the North Plant has created several employee incentive programs to incorporate safety and community involvement. Employees actively participate in the Crawfordsville Area Safety Action Team, along with “B SAFE” Hazard Recognition and Near Miss Reporting program. Lastly, they created a “Lead & Shine” breakfast to provide managers an opportunity to reward employees who go above and beyond safety and housekeeping expectations.
“LSC in Crawfordsville demonstrates a proven success plan at keeping their team safe,” said Commissioner Ruble. “Their workplace accident and incident rate continues to remain low.”
For the last recorded three-year average, the North Plant’s Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) was 1.5, less than half the industry average of 3.2.
Fort Wayne Cintas Site Recertified STAR in State’s Safety and Health Program
Cintas Corporation Location G64 of Fort Wayne, Indiana, achieved recertification as a STAR participant in the Indiana Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Alongside Cintas’s more than 40 VPP sites across the country, Location G64 maintains the title of excellence and remains a model of proactive occupational safety and health for Hoosier workers.
“We don’t award the STAR title in VPP easily,” said Indiana Department of Labor Commissioner Rick J. Ruble. “The title is earned through visible hard work and dedication from both employees and managers in preventing accidents and eliminating hazards. The agency is proud to recognize the commitment to protecting Hoosier workers the Cintas site as demonstrated.”
One of Cintas Corporation’s approximately 400 sites, Location G64 is a 36,700 square foot facility operated by a team of 89 employees.
Location G64 supplies rental uniforms, entrance mats, restroom and hygiene supplies and promotional products for businesses in northeastern Indiana and western edges of Ohio. The facility also has a laundering process for garments and bulk products, and a fleet of service vehicles to deliver products.
The superb culture of workplace safety and health has proved fruitful by a successfully low recordable injury rate. Location G64’s Total Case Incident Rate (TCIR) for a three-year average is 1.2 per 100 workers, 75% less than the national average of five. Additionally, the site’s Days Away Restricted or Transferred (DART) is 0.4, which is 88% less than the national average of 3.5.
Safety News Links
Most Employers Affected by OSHA’s Delay of New Rule
Utility Worker Killed by Debris from Home Blast