The Department of Labor announced the winners of its Worker Safety and Health App Challenge. Prizes totaling $30,000 are being awarded to four entrants who submitted tools that best demonstrate the importance of recognizing and preventing workplace safety and health hazards, and help young people understand their rights in the workplace. Submissions were designed for Internet browsers, smartphones, feature phones, and social media platforms, or as native Windows or Macintosh applications.
"With so many outstanding submissions, it was difficult to choose the winners," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "The winning entries place new technologies in the hands of young workers and their employers, making safety and health resources even more accessible."
The panel of judges, including co-hosts of the popular Discovery Channel show "Myth Busters," Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, selected winners of the "Safety in the Workplace Innovator Award," the "Safety and Health Data Award," and the "Workers' Rights Award" from 20 finalists. A "People's Choice Award" was given to the entry that received the most public votes on the challenge website.
- Safety in the Workplace Innovator Award: The website is designed to offer workers, primarily those ages 13–24, conveniently accessible information on common workplace hazards and workers' rights to a safe workplace.
- Safety and Health Data Award:
- Workers' Rights Award: This edgy, youth-focused website expands the reach of MSF's safety and health message to a target audience of workers ages 16–24 by educating them and their employers about workers' rights to a safe and healthful workplace.
- People's Choice Award: This complete mobile workplace health solution offers ergonomic equipment setup advice, a variety of workplace-specific stretching exercises and programmable reminders to help time breaks and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Mine Fatality Rates at All-Time Low
Preliminary figures from the US Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) show that, in 2012, mining fatality rates reached an all-time low for the second straight year. Fatality rates are calculated based on the number of mining deaths per 200,000 hours worked.
Thirty-six miners (19 in coal and 17 in metal/nonmetal mining) died in work-related accidents at the nation’s mines in 2012, making it the second-lowest annual fatality total on record, one more fatality than the 2009 historic low of 35. Seven miners died in West Virginia, five in Kentucky, three each in New York and Alabama, two each in Montana and Florida, and one each in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Virginia.
The leading cause of fatalities during 2012 was powered haulage, which claimed the lives of 10 miners. Other causes included machinery accidents, which killed six; slip or fall accidents, which also claimed six lives; and rib falls, which killed three miners. Most notable was the number of supervisor deaths, which accounted for nine fatalities, or 25% of the total—a much higher percentage than in previous years and cause for concern.
In 2012, three of the miners killed at metal/nonmetal mines had less than one year of experience at the mine. Five miners had less than one year of experience at the job or task they were performing. At coal mines, five miners who died had one year or less experience at the mine. Eight miners who were killed had one year or less experience at the job or task they were performing when they died.
These numbers underscore that effective and appropriate training—particularly task training—needs to be provided to miners before they perform a new task, says MSHA.
Pinning, crushing, and striking accidents in underground coal mines continue to cause significant numbers of injuries and fatalities. From 1984 through 2012, 73 deaths occurred from these types of accidents—including 33 that were associated with continuous mining machines and could have been prevented by proximity detection, a system designed to stop mining machinery from coming into contact with miners. MSHA estimates that using a proximity detection system could have prevented several nonfatal injuries associated with underground mining machines. MSHA believes that, in 2012, three deaths at coal mines could have been prevented if these systems had been in place. Some mine operators already have invested in this technology.
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.
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DOT Declares Top Class Bus Company an Imminent Hazard
The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has ordered Atlanta-based Top Class Bus Company, LLC, to immediately cease all passenger transportation services for blatantly disregarding federal safety regulations and putting the company’s own drivers, passengers, and the motoring public at risk.
“Bus companies that operate outside the law, putting lives at risk, will be immediately taken off the road and closed for business,” said US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
“Yesterday, Secretary LaHood and I announced a nationwide safety crackdown on high-risk motor coach companies,” said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. “While this particular investigation was initiated earlier, it symbolizes our commitment to take immediate action and shut down an entire company if it willfully disregards the law, jeopardizing the safety of everyone.”
During an unannounced, four-day investigation, a team of FMCSA safety investigators found that Top Class Bus Company, which operates fixed-route passenger service primarily between Atlanta and New York City, failed to monitor and ensure that its drivers comply with drivers’ hours-of-service requirements. FMCSA’s investigators also found that Top Class failed to comply with records-of-duty status requirements, qualification requirements, and controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements.
FMCSA safety investigators further found that Top Class Bus Company permitted its drivers to falsify records-of-duty status in an attempt to conceal hours-of-service violations. The company owners were also found to have ignored critical vehicle equipment deficiencies identified by their drivers on required daily inspection reports.
OSHA Identifies Meningitides Hazard at San Francisco VA Medical Center Research Laboratory
OSHA has issued a notice of unsafe and unhealthful working conditions to the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center after concluding its investigation into the death of Richard Din, a research associate at the center's research laboratory in April 2012. The notice consists of three serious violations for failing to protect laboratory workers researching Neisseria meningitidis, a bacterium that can cause meningitis.
Din, employed by the Northern California Institute for Research and Education, was working at the VA Medical Center and was considered a Department of Veterans Affairs employee during projects at the laboratory based on an agreement between the VA and NCIRE. Workers in the laboratory were inoculating live bacteria outside of a biosafety cabinet, which is an enclosed laboratory workspace used to handle pathogens safely in a laboratory environment.
"Richard Din died because the VA failed to supervise and protect these workers adequately, even though they agreed NCIRE workers were covered as VA employees," said Ken Atha, OSHA's regional administrator in San Francisco. "Research hospitals and medical centers have the responsibility as employers to protect workers from exposure to recognized on-the-job hazards such as this."
The three serious violations include failing to require workers to use a safety enclosure when performing microbiological work with a viable bacteria culture; provide training on the signs and symptoms of illnesses as a result of employee exposure to a viable bacteria culture, such as meningitis; and provide available vaccines for workers potentially exposed to bacteria. 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.
"Cal/OSHA shares federal OSHA's concerns," said Cal/OSHA Chief Ellen Widess. "We were saddened by this senseless loss; however, we remain hopeful that future incidents can be prevented at this and other facilities throughout California. This is why Cal/OSHA adopted a standard in 2009 to protect workers from diseases, such as meningitis, that can be contracted through contaminated air in laboratories."
As required by the Occupational Safety and Health Act, federal agencies must comply with the same safety standards as private sector employers. The federal agency equivalent to a private sector citation is the notice of unsafe and unhealthful working conditions. A notice is used to inform establishment officials of violations of OSHA standards, alternate standards and 29 Code of Federal Regulations citable program elements. OSHA cannot propose monetary penalties against another federal agency for failing to comply with OSHA standards.
OSHA Cites Three Companies Following the Deaths of Two Workers in Texas
OSHA has cited Watco Mechanical Services, Jordan General Contractors, Inc., and JP Electric after a combustible dust flash fire claimed the lives of two workers at a Hockley, Texas, work site. Proposed penalties for the three companies total $119,840.
OSHA began its investigation on August 19, 2012, at the Watco Mechanical Services work site on Premium Drive where workers were conducting blasting operations in the facility's tank and hopper building. Employees were cutting metal with a torch when a fire broke out, killing two workers employed by Magnolia, Texas-based Jordan General Contractors.
Jordan General Contractors was cited with seven serious violations for failing to develop and implement a respiratory program; provide training on the hazards of working with combustible dust; ensure cutting operations are halted in the presence of combustible dust; ensure the use of a body belt when working in an aerial lift; and ensure aerial lift loads do not exceed required limits. Proposed penalties total $20,240.
OSHA cited Pittsburg, Kansas-based Watco Mechanical Services with 14 serious violations, including failing to adequately control fugitive emissions of combustible dust; keep work areas clean of combustible dust; provide warning signs to alert employees of combustible dust hazards; and keep emergency cylinder respirators fully charged. Additionally, confined space violations were found, including failing to identify and evaluate confined space hazards and develop and implement confined space procedures. OSHA also cited the company with two other-than-serious violations for failing to certify the use of emergency respirators and document filter changes. Proposed penalties total $91,300.
Conroe, Texas-based JP Electric, which assisted in demolition activities, was cited with one serious safety violation for failing to prohibit cutting operations in the presence of combustible dust. Proposed penalties total $2,800.
"This incident underscores the seriousness of exposing workers to the inadequate control of combustible dust," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director at its Houston North office. "Following OSHA standards helps to save lives and avoid such needless tragedy."
SER Construction Partners Cited for Exposing Workers to Excavation Hazards
OSHA's Houston North Area Office began its December 2012 inspection as part of a national emphasis program on trenching and excavation. Proposed penalties total $69,300.
"A cave-in can turn into a grave in a matter of seconds. Failing to protect workers from cave-ins is simply unacceptable," said David Doucet, OSHA's area director at its Houston North office. "OSHA has specific standards regarding the proper sloping, shoring, and shielding of an excavation site that can save lives."
A willful violation was cited for failing to provide proper shoring protection while repairing a damaged 16-inch water line. 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.
Houston-based SER Construction Partners, which employs about 230 workers who specialize in underground utility construction, has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Houston North office, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
OSHA Fines Global Experience Specialists $91,000 after Forklift Injured Worker
OSHA has cited Global Experience Specialists with four, including one willful, alleged safety violations after a worker was injured in a forklift incident at Chicago's McCormick Place Convention Center in September 2012. The Las Vegas-based trade show and exposition contractor faces proposed fines of $91,000.
An employee from another company working in the convention center severely injured his foot when he was struck by a Global Experience Specialist worker operating a powered industrial truck. After the incident, Global Experience Specialists failed to train or check the certification of the forklift operator.
"Employers, such as Global Experience Specialists, who rely on the use of forklifts in their daily operations, have a responsibility to train their workers in proper operations and to correct deficiencies immediately to prevent hazardous incidents from occurring," said Gary Anderson, OSHA's area director in Calumet City. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."
One willful violation was cited for failing to ensure powered industrial truck operators are trained. Three serious violations were cited for exposing workers to fall hazards during rigging operations and struck by hazards by not ensuring sufficient safe clearance to operate a forklift in aisles, loading docks and through doorways. The employer failed to train forklift operators in site-specific hazards, such as pedestrian traffic areas.
Global Experience Specialists has been inspected 26 times by OSHA since 1993, resulting in the issuance of 74 citations.
MIOSHA and Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company Sign Alliance to Protect Workers
The Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company (MTMIC) and the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) signed a formal alliance to offer assistance to MTMIC policyholders, including training, on site consultation, and providing promotional & educational materials. The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
"We are pleased to renew our alliance with the Manufacturing Technology Mutual Insurance Company to help protect Michigan's manufacturing workers," said MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder. "It is imperative that workers have the tools and training necessary to sustain a safe and healthy work environment."
The alliance continues the formal working relationship between MTMIC and MIOSHA. Many MTMIC policyholders represent industries included in MIOSHA's Strategic Plan. MTMIC policyholders include, but are not limited to, tooling shops, design and engineering facilities, metal fabrication shops, mold and pattern design and builders, and foundries along with operations associated to their normal business such as finishing, transit, and storage operations. Through this alliance, MIOSHA is also able to offer Consultation Education and Training (CET) assistance in development, implementation, and monitoring of health and safety programs, policies, and procedures. Signing the alliance were: MTMIC Loss Control Manager Ray Duff and MIOSHA Director Martha Yoder.
"We are excited to continue our alliance," said Duff. "Our collaboration has already led to more effective health and safety management systems in policyholders. I believe we can improve outcomes even further by continuing this alliance."
The goals of this alliance include, but are not limited to:
- To promote and improve workplace health and safety through the use of CET services (e.g. hazard surveys, air and noise monitoring, and health and safety training)
- MTMIC will solicit policyholders who meet the criteria in the target audience to voluntarily participate in the alliance
- MTMIC will post a link promoting the alliance on their website and announce any related initiatives in their newsletter
Alliances enable organizations committed to workplace safety and health to collaborate with MIOSHA to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. Alliances are open to all groups, including: trade or professional associations, businesses, labor organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
There are many benefits to participating in an alliance with MIOSHA. Through this program, organizations will:
- Build trusting, cooperative relationships
- Network with others committed to workplace safety and health
- Exchange information about best practices
- Leverage resources to maximize worker safety and health protection
"The MIOSHA program is dedicated to working with employers, both public and private sector, to find innovative ways to enhance workplace safety and health," said Yoder. "Through alliances, MIOSHA can offer employers a voluntary, cooperative relationship to eliminate serious hazards and achieve a high level of safety and health."
MTMIC has a proven track record of providing workers' compensation insurance to employers throughout Michigan since 1976. MTMIC has a long history of providing competitive rates as well as stellar claims management and loss control services. MTMIC provides workers' compensation insurance coverage to manufacturers, technology-based businesses, automotive dealerships, hardware stores, and printers. MTMIC's workers' compensation program is governed by business professionals in Michigan's manufacturing industry and technology sector and will:
- Assist in controlling the cost of workers' compensation insurance
- Provide vigilant claims management
- Deliver aggressive loss control services
MTMIC's mission statement is "MTMIC will, on behalf of its policyholders, aggressively pursue control of the workers' compensation environment by diligent fiduciary responsibility, strict pursuit of all permitted legal remedies, vigilant claims management, and aggressive loss control measures."
Elkhart’s Chem-Milling Facility Among Indiana’s Safest Workplaces
Atlas Die, LLC’s Chem-Milling facility is recognized as an industry leader in advancing the safety and health of Hoosiers in the workplace.
As a result of the site’s proven performance to a safe and healthy workplace, the Indiana Department of Labor welcomed Atlas Die, LLC’s Chem-Milling facility, into the Indiana Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program () at an onsite celebration.
Atlas Die’s Chem-Milling facility has a 40% lower health and safety incident rate then the national average. This is the second Atlas Die, LLC, facility to achieve INSHARP certification status.
To participate in INSHARP, a company must develop and implement an effective worker safety and health program and maintain occupational injury and illness rates below the national average for their industry. Currently, fewer than 50 Indiana workplaces have achieved INSHARP certification.
“It is very encouraging to see employers and employees proactively working together to address worker safety and health,” said Commissioner Sean M. Keefer of the Indiana Department of Labor. “We applaud the management and employees of the Chem-Milling facility for their commitment to occupational safety and health excellence.”
The Chem-Milling’s facility produces sheet metal rotary and flat dies that are used to cut materials to produce labels, tags, folding cartons, stickers, electronics, gaskets, and medical devices. They also produce components for products at other Atlas Die facilities. Employees actively participate in workplace safety and health activities through the company’s self-auditing process and safety committee as well as providing suggestions for continued safety and health improvements.
ASRC Energy Services’ Grind & Inject Plant and Oily Waste Injection Facility Approved for Voluntary Protection Program
Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Dianne Blumer approved ASRC Energy Services’ Grind & Inject Plant and Oily Waste Injection Facility for the Alaska Voluntary Protection Program renewal as a result of outstanding employee safety and health programs.
“ASRC Energy Services, Inc., and its subsidiary AES Alaska, Inc., are extremely proud to operate two VPP Star sites,” said Don Gray, vice president of Health, Safety and Environmental Training. “Earning Star recertification for both the Grind & Inject Plant and the Oily Waste Injection Facility is in keeping with our Incident Free Culture and reflects our commitment to keeping everyone safe.
“It is also a testament to the professionalism of the crews operating these facilities and their dedication to continuous improvement and process safety. As a company, we thank them for their hard work in obtaining VPP Star recertification. We know they take great pride in this achievement.”
VPP recognizes and promotes effective workplace safety and health management through a cooperative program between a company’s management, employees and Alaska Occupational Safety and Health.
As VPP Star recipients, AES Grind & Inject Plant and the Oily Waste Injection Facility won’t be subject to random enforcement inspections for five years. Enforcement regulations remain in effect, however, and cases of employee complaints, accident investigations or other significant incidents will result in an enforcement inspection. Participation in the program is voluntary.
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