Prevent Heat Related Deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently issued a report on OSHA's review of 20 heat-related enforcement cases from 2012 to 2013. 

Of the 13 enforcement cases that involved worker fatalities, nine of the deaths occurred in the first three days of working on the job, four of them occurring on the worker's first day. In all 20 cases, heat illness prevention programs were found to be incomplete or absent, and no provision was made for acclimatizing new workers to the heat. Acclimatization is a critical part of preventing heat illnesses and fatalities, and workers should gradually build up workloads and exposure to heat by taking frequent breaks for water and rest in shade or air conditioning.

OSHA's national Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Workers, now in its fourth year, raises awareness among workers and employers about the risks for heat-related illness or death and provides tools to help prevent them. The agency's review found that the core elements of its campaign, "Water. Rest. Shade.," remain critical components of a comprehensive heat illness prevention program that can help save workers' lives. It is also recommended that employers have prevention programs that include oversight, hazard identification, a formal acclimatization program, modified work schedules as necessary, training, monitoring for signs and symptoms, and emergency planning to prevent heat-related fatalities.

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. Since its 2011 launch, approximately 160,000 users have downloaded the app. 

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?

 

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.

 

Houston RCRA and DOT Training

 

Charlotte RCRA, DOT, and Storm Water Training

 

Nashville RCRA and DOT Training

 

CSB Promotes Resources on Hot Work Safety

 

CSB Chairperson Rafael Moure-Eraso said, "The CSB has examined multiple deadly hot work accidents. Our call to industry is to follow effective hazard analysis and combustible gas monitoring procedures when welding and cutting in and around storage tanks. These simple steps will save many lives."

Hot work is defined as burning, welding, or similar spark-producing operations that can ignite fires or explosions. The CSB has conducted numerous investigations into fatal hot work accidents, with final reports, which are available at the following links:

Hot work accidents occur throughout many industries in the US, including food processing, pulp and paper manufacturing, oil production, fuel storage, and waste treatment.

CSB Investigations Supervisor Donald Holmstrom states in the video, "We typically hear about hot work accidents weekly. It has become one of the most significant types of incidents the CSB investigates, in terms of deaths, in terms of frequency."

The CSB began investigating hot work hazards following a July 17, 2001, explosion at the Motiva Enterprises refinery in Delaware City, Delaware. A work crew had been repairing a catwalk above a sulfuric acid storage tank farm when a spark from their hot work ignited flammable vapors in one of the tanks. Following the July 29, 2008, accident at the Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) in Tomahawk, Wisconsin—which killed three maintenance workers and injured another—the CSB began systematically tracking hotwork incidents. The CSB determined the 2008 explosion resulted from welding above an 80-foot-tall storage tank that contained highly flammable hydrogen gas—the product of bacterial decomposition of organic fiber waste inside the tank.
 the CSB deployed investigators to five other sites where hot work ignited flammable gas or vapor, including an explosion at MAR Oil in La Rue, Ohio, that killed two contractors in October 2008; an explosion that killed one and injured another at EMC Used Oil in Miami, Florida, in December 2008; an explosion that killed a contract welder at ConAgra Foods in Boardman, Oregon, in February 2009; an explosion at A.V. Thomas Produce in Atwater, California, in March 2009 that severely burned two employees; and the explosion of a massive gasoline storage tank that killed three workers at a TEPPCO Partners fuel distribution facility in Garner, Arkansas, in May 2009.

In November of 2011 two contractors at the E. I. DuPont De Nemours Co., located in Buffalo, NY were performing welding atop a 10,000 gallon slurry tank when hot sparks ignited flammable vapors inside the tank, causing an explosion that killed one contractor and seriously injured another.  The CSB said a primary cause of the blast was the failure of the company to require that the interior of storage tanks—on which hot work is to be performed—be monitored for flammable vapor. A proposed recommendation urges DuPont to require monitoring the inside of storage tanks—and the area around tanks—before performing any hot work, which is defined as welding, cutting, grinding, or other spark-producing activities.

Just last week there was a deadly accident in Moss Point, Mississippi. According to media report one man was killed and three others injured while performing welding work on a tank that was supposed to be empty. The CSB is following up on this incident and is in the process of gathering additional information.

1. Use Alternatives – Whenever possible, avoid hot work and consider alternative methods.
2. Analyze the Hazards – Prior to the initiation of hot work, perform a hazard assessment that identifies the scope of the work, potential hazards, and methods of hazard control.
3. Monitor the Atmosphere – Conduct effective gas monitoring in the work area using a properly calibrated combustible gas detector prior to and during hot work activities, even in areas where a flammable atmosphere is not anticipated.
4. Test the Area – In work areas where flammable liquids and gases are stored or handled, drain and/or purge all equipment and piping before hot work is conducted. When welding on or in the vicinity of storage tanks and other containers, properly test and if necessary continuously monitor all surrounding tanks or adjacent spaces (not just the tank or container being worked on) for the presence of flammables and eliminate potential sources of flammables.
5. Use Written Permits – Ensure that qualified personnel familiar with the specific site hazards review and authorize all hot work and issue permits specifically identifying the work to be conducted and the required precautions.
6. Train Thoroughly – Train personnel on hot work policies/procedures, proper use and calibration of combustible gas detectors, safety equipment, and job specific hazards and controls in a language understood by the workforce.
7. Supervise Contractors – Provide safety supervision for outside contractors conducting hot work. Inform contractors about site-specific hazards including the presence of flammable materials.

Free Online Course on Chemicals and Health Offered by the Johns Hopkins University

Learn about chemicals in our environment and in our bodies and how they impact our health in a free, six-week, online course offered by the Johns Hopkins University. The lectures cover policies and practices related to how chemicals get into our bodies (exposures), what they do when they get there (toxicology), how we measure them (biomonitoring), and their impact on our health. The course will be taught at the college level and assumes a basic knowledge of biology and chemistry. 

Rust-Oleum Corp. Exposes Workers to Silica Dust, Amputation, and Electrical Hazards, Fined $189,000

 OSHA initiated its inspection in February 2014, following a complaint alleging improper storage of material and inadequate forklift training. The proposed penalties total $188,500.

Inhalation of respirable crystalline silica particles can cause silicosis, a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease. Leading scientific organizations, including the American Cancer Society, have confirmed the causal relationship between silica and lung cancer.

 "Workplace hazards need to be addressed immediately and prevented from reoccurring by implementing an effective safety and health program."

One repeat violation was cited for allowing employees to perform maintenance and servicing of equipment without ensuring the machine could not restart. 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 facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for this same violation in January 2011 at a workplace in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.

OSHA cited the employer for 26 serious violations for exposing an employee to crystalline silica at levels of more than two times the exposure limit; failing to develop procedures to protect workers from moving machine parts during servicing and maintenance; exposing workers to crushing and struck-by hazards by not replacing or repairing damaged storage rack shelving; and allowing electrical equipment to be installed or used without following manufacturer instructions. The employer failed to administer and implement an occupational noise monitoring program; to provide adequate protective equipment, such as a chemical apron for employees working with corrosive materials; and did not develop or implement a written hazard communication program for employees working with hazardous chemicals.

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.

Rust-Oleum Corp., has been in business since 1921 and acquired the Clarkston facility, formerly Synta, Inc., in September 2012. Synta was established in 1993 and is a paint and coating manufacturer that sells its products through home improvement, hardware, and other retail stores. Synta employs approximately 1,500 workers. The company's corporate headquarters is in Vernon Hills, Illinois.

OSHA has conducted six previous inspections at Synta in the last five years. Most recently, in April 2012, Synta was cited for failure to have machine guarding and an eyewash station and lack of a hazard communication plan.

At the time of the inspection, two staffing agencies were on-site, Impact Staffing Corp., and Precision Employment Group. The staffing agencies did not maintain supervision at the company and were not knowledgeable about hazardous conditions at the facility. No citations were proposed for the staffing agencies.


OSHA just concluded three weeks of hearings on the proposed rule and is now receiving post-hearing comments.

Malibu Teachers Face Firing for Balking at Toxic Classrooms

The new Malibu High School interim principal has vowed to terminate teachers who refuse to occupy classrooms contaminated with toxic compounds. That threat violates state laws shielding workers from retaliation for raising health and safety concerns, according to a letter sent by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) to the superintendent of Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).

During the first official meeting between Principal David Jackson and the department heads on August 1, several teachers voiced concern over returning to classrooms containing carcinogenic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at levels much higher than federal limits and which have not been remediated. According to teachers in attendance, Mr. Jackson reportedly said, "If you don't go back on the first day I'll give you a warning, if you don't go back on the second day I will write you up, if you don't go back on the third day I'll write you up again, if you don't go back on the fourth day, I'll fire you."

"The California Labor Code is unmistakably clear—workers cannot be fired for refusing to work in unhealthful or illegal conditions," stated PEER Senior Counsel Paula Dinerstein whose organization is representing teachers at Malibu Middle and High School and Juan Cabrillo Elementary School who have come forward with health problems ranging from four cases of thyroid cancer to migraines and hair loss which they believe are due to campus conditions. "Besides being illegal, threatening to fire teachers who have already been diagnosed with cancer is just plain callous."

PEER is urging SMMUSD Superintendent Sandra Lyon to direct her administrators to refrain from threats and provide safe alternative sites for teachers and students who are scheduled to resume classes later this month. The Malibu campuses have been roiled since it was learned last fall that PCBs and pesticides were found at levels that risk human health back in 2009 but school officials hid this information from parents and teachers. This November, the district began testing caulking and found four classrooms were over federal safety limits. In July, independent tests revealed additional classrooms with levels of PCBs much higher than previously reported.

Concerned and frustrated parents are planning a protest but Principal Jackson also said that he will seek to have any parent who steps on school property arrested. Since June, parents have asked that portable classrooms substitute for any building in violation of federal law that has not been remediated. The district has refused this request. As a consequence, many parents have already removed their child from the district and many others are still undecided what to do when school begins August 19th.

"The district is rapidly losing the confidence of its teachers and parents," added Dinerstein, noting that the SMMUSD has hired yet another public relations firm, in addition to two law firms and other consultants. "The district needs to change course from its pattern of denials, dissembling and threats. It needs to immediately start a dialogue about providing safe, acceptable options for its students, teachers and staff."

OSHA and the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association to Host Safety and Health Fair

OSHA and the Georgia Hispanic Construction Association are sponsoring a construction safety and health fair for construction workers and their families on Saturday, August 16, from noon to 5 p.m. EDT at Lowe's Home Center, 4950 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Chamblee 30341.

"OSHA is committed to ensuring a safe workplace, and our goal is for workers to recognize the good safety practices that employers have a responsibility to implement," said Christi Griffin, director of the Atlanta-West Area Office. "This is an opportunity for Hispanic workers to involve their families and educate them on the culture of workplace safety and health, so that everyone knows what to expect in a safe workplace."

OSHA staff will distribute Spanish-language publications and answer questions about occupational safety and health issues. The fair will feature a variety of free construction-related workshops and classes covering fall protection, trenching, heat illnesses, personal protective equipment, silica, and other workplace hazards. Exhibitors and vendors will be on-site to conduct tool and equipment safety demonstrations.

In addition to its strong outreach, OSHA has a vigorous enforcement program, having conducted more than 38,997 inspections nationwide last fiscal year and exceeding its inspection goals for the last several years. In fiscal year 2013, OSHA found nearly 77,211 violations of its standards and regulations.

The event sponsors include Lowe's; Univision Atlanta; El Nuevo Georgia; Precision 2000; Fulcro Insurance; DeWalt; Holder Construction; and Georgia 811.

Holly Refining & Marketing-Tulsa LLC Fined $184,800 for Repeat and Serious Safety Violations

Proposed penalties from this February 2014 follow-up inspection total $184,800.

"Failure to ensure hazards are eliminated and do not reoccur is essential for employee safety and health. Negligence, such as that demonstrated by Holly Refining & Marketing, is unacceptable," said David Bates, OSHA's area director in Oklahoma City. "Previously cited violations were still present in the follow-up inspection, and those hazards expose workers to possible injuries, illness and even death."

The five repeat citations, with a penalty of $170,500, were issued for failing to ensure that:

• Workers were protected from contact with hot surfaces of refinery process equipment
• Floor grating in the processing unit was secure and level
• Ladder floor openings and open-sided floors were guarded to prevent falls from heights
• Electrical equipment and wiring were maintained in a safe condition

Three serious violations, with a penalty of $14,300, were cited for failing to ensure anchoring of posts and framing for fall protection railings were complete and effective; to ensure floor holes in walking and working surfaces were guarded or covered; and to ensure metal fan blades were guarded effectively.

Plastic Systems LLC Fined $174,240 for Exposing Workers to Unexpected Machine Startups

 Proposed penalties total $174,240. 

"Inspectors found workers at risk of potential injuries from preventable workplace hazards, including the unexpected startup of machinery during maintenance or servicing, the lack of machine guarding and electrical hazards," said Joann Figueroa, OSHA's area director in El Paso. "OSHA's standards must be followed to keep workers safe."

The six repeat violations, with a penalty of $112,860, were cited for failing to address specific lockout/tagout techniques for the servicing and maintenance of machinery and conduct annual inspections of these techniques and procedures. The employer failed to ensure workers had operable portable fire extinguishers and were trained to use them. Improper maintenance resulted in electrical hazards, including conductors with damaged insulation. Plastic Systems was cited previously in a 2011 inspection at the El Paso facility.

The remaining 15 violations, including 11 serious with a penalty of $61,380, were cited for failure to ensure workers knew the type and magnitude of energy that needed lockout control; provide machine guarding on injection molding machines; maintain electrical components and equipment in a manner that complies with safety requirements; properly record injuries and illnesses; adequately distribute portable fire extinguishers; and replace damaged circuit breaker boxes.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Fined $92,400 for Refrigeration System Violations

 

One such chemical is anhydrous ammonia, widely used as a refrigerant in industrial facilities, including breweries. Ammonia can be a health hazard because it is corrosive to the skin, eyes, and lungs. It is a flammable vapor.

"Anheuser Busch has a responsibility to ensure the safe operation of its refrigeration systems by implementing an engineering process for the detection and control of potential ammonia systems releases," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director in Columbus. "Exposure to ammonia can have serious health consequences. Failure of these systems, such as over pressurization, can result in explosion and fire. Workers should not be put at risk because this company failed to implement the required protections."

The February 4, 2014, inspection found the Anheuser-Busch plant failed to develop procedures for normal and emergency shutdown and restarting refrigeration systems. The company's process hazard analysis failed to address the dangers of over pressurization and ammonia release completely, and failed to address engineering controls and their potential failure. In addition, the company did not install ammonia detection systems or a continuous emergency ventilation system.

The company was issued two repeat citations for failing to document properly the ammonia refrigeration system and the building ventilation design for use in emergencies. The company failed to document the design for a suction header pressure relief system adequately. The company was cited for similar violations in 2010 at a brewery in Cartersville, Georgia.

Anheuser-Busch, headquartered in St. Louis, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev SA, a global brewer, and operates under the Anheuser-Busch name and logo.

McCleskey Mills Inc. Exposes Workers to Amputations, Falls, other Serious Hazards

McCleskey Mills, Inc., has been cited by OSHA for 28 safety and health violations for exposing workers to amputations, falls, and other safety hazards. The agency initiated the February 2014 inspection at the peanut processing plant in Rochelle after receiving a complaint. Proposed penalties total $72,553.

"McCleskey Mills cannot continue to expose its employees to these hazards and must immediately address the lack of safety controls," said Robert Vazzi, director of OSHA's Savannah Area Office. "An effective safety and health management system would have identified these hazards and corrected them. This company has to do more to protect its employees."

The serious violations were cited for exposing workers to fall hazards due to missing railings on platforms, stairs and ladders, failing to protect workers from moving parts of machines during repairs and servicing, and for blocking an exit by installing a piece of sheet metal in front of a door. Additionally, the employer failed to provide workers with personal protective equipment or have an emergency eyewash station or shower located adjacent to work areas that required them. McCleskey was cited for four additional safety violations with no monetary penalties assessed.

 The page offers fact sheets, posters, and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures.

McCleskey Mills processes and provides raw, shelled peanuts to manufacturers and customers in the United States and abroad. McCleskey employs 70 workers at this facility and approximately 200 workers nationwide.

Corizon Health Inc. Cited for Inadequate Workplace Violence Safeguards, Fined $71,000

The company faces $71,000 in fines following an inspection by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office that began February 7, 2014, in response to a complaint.

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.

"Corizon failed to address the serious problem of assaults against its employees until OSHA began its inspection," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "Corizon needs to develop and implement an effective, targeted workplace violence prevention program that includes administrative and engineering control, as well as personal protective equipment and training, to reduce the risk of violence against its employees."

OSHA found that the number of workplace violence incidents involving Corizon medical, dental, and psychiatric employees at Rikers increased from eight in 2011 to 39 in 2013. In addition, during the course of OSHA's investigation, six workplace-violence-related incidents occurred between February 11 and May 14, 2014. These included threats, physical assault, a Corizon employee locked in a cell by an inmate and the circulation of a hit list of Corizon staffers targeted by inmates.

"Corizon was aware of the workplace violence incidents; its employees lost more than 280 days of work in 2013 and 2014 due to workplace violence incidents. Yet the issue has not been addressed sufficiently," said Richard Mendelson, OSHA's assistant regional administrator in New York. "For the safety and well-being of Corizon's employees at Rikers, effective change is necessary and needed now."

Elements of an effective workplace violence prevention program could include, but may not be limited to:

• Administrative controls, including job site hazard assessment, evaluation of existing controls, implementing new policies, procedures and incident reviews
• Engineering controls, including the installation of panic alarm systems and protective barriers, and configuring treatment areas to maximize an employee's ability to escape from workplace violence
• Personal protective equipment, such as personal alarm systems for all staff, and an appropriate system and way to contact security/correctional officers
• Training encompassing workplace violence prevention, stress management, recognition of signs of potential violence, and post-incident procedures and services to treat employees traumatized by a workplace violence incident

Corizon also was cited and fined $1,000 for failing to review and certify correctly the OSHA 300A illness and injury reporting form.

OSHA Fines AFAM Concept $59,700 for Repeat and Serious Violations

AFAM Concept, Inc., a Chicago-based hair products manufacturer, has been cited by OSHA for one repeat, 12 serious, and two other- than-serious safety and health violations following a complaint inspection. 

"AFAM Concept must develop safety procedures for dangerous and known hazards," said Kathy Webb, OSHA's area director in Calumet City. "OSHA takes unsafe conditions seriously and wants to protect workers and hold employers accountable for safety."

The April 29, 2014, inspection found AFAM failed to develop procedures to protect workers from moving machine parts during servicing and maintenance, potentially causing lacerations, amputations, and death. The company was cited for a similar violation in June 2012 at the same facility.


Other serious violations found at the AFAM facility included failure to require the use of fall protection equipment and to install railings on a platform that exposed workers to fall hazards of up to 10 feet. 

Additionally, two other-than-serious violations cite AFAM for failing to maintain injury and illness logs and to inspect powered industrial vehicles.

AFAM manufactures, distributes, and markets beauty and personal care products, such as relaxers, shampoos, conditioners, treatments and styling products worldwide. The company operates as a subsidiary of JF Labs, Inc., which manufactures hair care products for retail customers in the United States. Both companies are based in Chicago.

Dimensional Machine Works LLC Fined $57,750 for Exposing Workers to Amputation Hazards

 

"By failing to guard machinery properly, Dimensional Machine Works continues to put workers in harm's way. Unguarded machinery has the potential to amputate body parts and, even more devastating, end a worker's life. This continued lack of adherence to OSHA standards will not be tolerated," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director in Houston North.

The seven repeat violations, with a penalty of $46,200, were cited for failing to provide the following: procedures to protect workers who service and maintain dangerous machines; guards for rotating machine parts; a written hazard communication program; and complete safety data sheets. Similar violations were cited in a 2009 inspection at the same facility.

The remaining six violations, including three serious with a penalty of $11,550, were cited for failing to guard conveyors, chains. and sprockets on bench grinders. The employer failed to provide forklift training, chemical labeling and hazard communication training.

Miller Building Systems Willfully Exposes Workers to Dangerous Fall Hazards

Miller Building Systems, LLC, has been cited for two willful safety violations for exposing workers to fall and overhead hazards while doing roofing work on a residential home under construction in Savoy. This is the fifth time OSHA has cited the company for similar violations in the past five years. Proposed penalties total $55,000.

"Miller Building Systems has a significant history of violations and has shown consistent reluctance to enforce basic safety standards to protect workers from falls," said Thomas Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria. 

An OSHA inspector observed two employees applying sheathing at the home on April 9. . Additionally, one other employee was working at ground level without adequate head protection and was exposed to overhead hazards from the roofers. Both are willful violations.

A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

The page offers fact sheets, posters and videos that vividly illustrate various fall hazards and appropriate preventive measures. OSHA standards require that an effective form of fall protection be in use when workers perform construction activities 6 feet or more above the next lower level.

OSHA Cites Exel Inc. for Unsafe Forklift Operation

 OSHA initiated the inspection February 12, 2014, after receiving complaints of a forklift incident at the facility. No injuries were reported. Proposed penalties total $52,500.

"Forklifts expose workers to serious safety hazards. It is an employer's responsibility to ensure that workers are trained to use them safely," said Kim Nelson, OSHA's area director in Toledo. "When incidents occur involving forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles, refresher training must occur, and Exel failed to provide it."

A repeat violation was issued for failing to conduct immediate refresher training on the safe operation of powered industrial vehicles for the operator involved in the incident. Exel was previously cited for this violation in 2013 at its Shelby facility.

Yearly, thousands of workers are injured, sometimes fatally, while operating powered industrial vehicles. A local emphasis program on powered industrial vehicles was implemented to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by these vehicles. Powered industrial vehicles have been the source of 105 occupational fatalities during fiscal years 2005 through 2013 in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Ohio-all states within OSHA's federal jurisdiction.

Excel was cited for two serious violations for failing to remove from service a defective forklift and leaving unattended forklifts in an unsafe condition.

Waterfront Construction Exposes Workers to Serious Hazards, Fined $44,100

OSHA has cited Waterfront Construction, Inc., with 12 serious safety violations for exposing workers to falls, burns, and other hazards found, while workers installed seawalls, at 256 Three Islands Blvd. in Hallandale Beach. The agency initiated the February 2014 inspection in response to a complaint and proposed a $44,100 penalty.

"This company's failure to provide fall protection and personal protective equipment jeopardized its workers safety and exposed them to avoidable fall and struck-by hazards. Waterfront Construction must take immediate corrective steps to ensure a safe workplace," said Condell Eastmond, director of OSHA's Fort Lauderdale Area Office.

The serious violations include the employer exposing workers to:

• Fall hazards by having them walk across a wooden board, without fall protection, to access a work area
• Drowning hazards from not providing life jackets or personal flotation devices to employees working on a barge and seawalls
• Fire and explosion hazards from improperly storing oxygen and acetylene tanks
• Struck-by hazards from flying debris and from working in close proximity to a crane while not wearing protective helmets

The company also failed to develop and utilize a safety and health program.


Waterfront Construction Inc. is a construction contractor that employed three workers at this jobsite and four workers nationwide.

Safety News Links