Heberle Disposal Service Inc. gets additional fines for not correcting 2008 safety hazards

Heberle Disposal Service Inc, a solid waste collection company, has just received additional fines from OSHA for failing to correct safety hazards, cited in 2008. They face additional fines up to $304,200. OSHA cited various safety hazards during a 2008 inspection. The additional fines also include new and recurring safety hazards at its Alvanar Road work site.

Officials from OSHA cited the company in June 2008 for 12 serious violations. A 2009 follow-up inspection found that five of the 12 cited hazards remained uncorrected. The uncorrected safety hazards are composed of: improper transfer of flammable liquids; not ensuring employees were competent to operate powered industrial trucks; not informing and training employees about the hazardous chemicals in their workplace; allowing spark-producing equipment near flammable paint spray areas; and not determining an employee's medical fitness to wear a respirator. These uncorrected conditions resulted in the issuance of five failure-to-abate notices carrying $288,000 in proposed fines.

"The sizable fines proposed here reflect the gravity of this employer's ongoing failure to correct clear and recognized hazards that could result in burns, crushing injuries or death for its employees," said Arthur Dube, OSHA's area director in Buffalo, N.Y.

The company now has 15 days to comply, meet or contest the OSHA citations. The question is: Will they really comply this time?

Sources:
www.osha.gov

Breaking News: Xcel Energy indicted in fatal 2007 hydro-plant fire

Xcel Energy Inc. and its Colorado subsidiary have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver in connection with a 2007 chemical fire at an Xcel hydroelectric-power plant that killed five workers. The office of the U.S. attorney for Colorado, David Gaouette, just announced that Minneapolis-based Xcel and its Colorado unit, Public Service Company of Colorado, are accused in the criminal indictment of violating federal workplace safety and health regulations in connection with the fire at Xcel's Cabin Creek Hydro Plant, near Georgetown. RPI Coating Inc, of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., the contractor that employed the men who died in the fire, is also mentioned in the indictment.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ruled last year that the fire was "preventable" and could have been avoided if the companies involved had followed their safety procedures.

The fire began at the hydroelectric plant on Oct. 2, 2007, while the workers were in a drained water tunnel, known as a penstock, connected to the plant, cleaning a sprayer with a flammable solvent. Vapor from the solvent ignited, causing the fire.
The five workers who died were Gary Foster, Don DeJaynes, Dupree Holt, Anthony Aguirre and James St. Peters. They were blocked by the fire that ignited inside the penstock, they died due to asphyxiation. Four others were able to escape.

Xcel, Public Service and RPI Coating are each charged with five counts of violating OSHA regulations and causing death, a crime punishable by a fine of up to $500,000 per count if convicted. Two officials of RPI coating, Philippe Goutagny and James Thompson, are also charged with the same five counts and face up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 for each count if convicted.

"This catastrophe could have been avoided if the companies had followed their critical safety procedures," said Greg Baxter, OSHA Regional Administrator in Denver. "There should never be such a disregard for the safety of employees."

Tim Taylor, president and CEO of Public Service said, "Since the accident, we have done what we can to help those families and individuals. Safety has always been a top priority and a core value at Public Service Company of Colorado. We have an extensive safety organization, made up of experienced safety professionals who work hard to implement our numerous safety training programs and policies. We have a long and strong safety record, but safety is a job that is never done."

Taylor also added that the local Xcel affiliate, "extended its "deepest sympathies to the families of those employees of RPI Coatings who perished in the accident, as well as to those who were injured."

Sources:
Harden, Mark. "Xcel indicted in fatal 2007 hydro-plant fire; utility calls fire an 'accident'" Denver Business Journal. 28 Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.
Roberts, Michael. "Xcel Energy, others accused of OSHA violations in incident that killed five." Denver Westword. 28 Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.

Fire rages at Sterling Services Ltd. in Hamtramck, Mich.

A fire broke out on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Sterling Service Ltd. The company is registered as a bulk petroleum facility that stores large quantities of gasoline and other fuels such as jet fuel and bio fuels. The facility is on more than five acres and has a storage capacity of about 5 million gallons. The fire started near a rail tanker car that quickly spread to silos holding gasoline. It broke out around 11:30 AM and caused authorities to evacuate for about a half-mile around the fire. This included a nearby complex of 36 buildings containing 300 apartments and some 700 to 800 residents. Air quality at the facility was being monitored by officials.

Amtrak passenger rail service was suspended between Pontiac and Detroit, about 20 miles apart. Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari said passengers were shuttled between the cities by charter bus. An evacuation center was set up at a nearby senior center with water available for evacuees.

"I thought it was going to blow. The fire was so enormous and then there was an explosion," said Loretta Nasbitt, who lives near the plant.

"I've lived here over 30 years and this is the first time that we've ever seen anything like this," Lutalo Sephers said.

Sources:
Grant, David, David Aguilar, and David Goodman. "Fire tears through fuel storage plant near Detroit." Journal News. The Associated Press, 27 Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.
Williams, Corey. "Fire rages at chemical plant near Detroit." Google News. Associated Press, 27 Aug. 2009. Web. 28 Aug. 2009.

Trench violations result in OSHA citations for Denver-based companies

OSHA has cited two Denver-based companies, Brannan Construction Co. and Fiore & Sons Inc., with penalties of $75,000 and $67,000 respectively, for unsafe working conditions in trenches. Each company had one alleged willful violation and one alleged serious violation. For both companies, the alleged willful violations stem from a lack of protective systems required for trench operations. The alleged serious violation against Brannan Construction relates to work materials being too close to the edge of the trench. For Fiore & Sons, the alleged serious violation relates to the company failing to conduct a proper trench inspection.

"Different companies. Different worksites. Similar issues. Trench work can be extremely dangerous," said Greg Baxter, OSHA's regional administrator in Denver. "Companies need to take the necessary steps to address hazards ahead of time and to educate employees on safe trench operations."

The companies have 15 days to comply, request an informal conference or contest the citations.

Sources:
www.osha.gov

OSHA partners with Associated General Contractors of America's Shreveport, La., chapter

As of Tuesday, August 25, OSHA has officially partnered up with Associated General Contractors of America's Shreveport, La., chapter. Together their goal is to ensure the highest level of employee safety and health, which will lead to their top priority- a reduction in work related injuries and fatalities.

OSHA states that the agreement will serve as a model to construction companies by demonstrating how to implement an effective safety and health program while developing criteria for contractor safety and health programs.

"The construction business is one of the most hazardous places to work today," said Chuck Penn, executive director of the AGC's Shreveport chapter. "There are lots of heavy objects overhead. ... People can get electrocuted ... drown ... fall. ... There are a myriad of opportunities for injury." He cited three primary reasons the agreement is important. First, it shows they care for workers' safety. Second, insurance rates largely are based on a contractor's safety record. And, third, OSHA has the ability to inspect job sites and administer heavy fines if violations are found.

Dorinda Folse, area director for OSHA, says, "Participants in the accord want to be proactive and prevent issues from arising. This really is a win-win. It's nice to run across an association who really has a feeling of safety the same way OSHA does. You want your employees going home whole every day. That's what we're striving for with this partnership."

What do you think? Is this a good partnership?

Sources:
http://www.osha.gov
Clark, Bobbie J. "Contractors, OSHA reach safety accord." Shreveporttimes.com. 26 Aug. 2009. Web. 27 Aug. 2009.

Electrical Worker Killed by Crane Boom on Throgs Neck Bridge

An electrical worker was killed on Tuesday when the boom of a crane fell and crushed him on the Throgs Neck Bridge. The worker, William Barnes, 48, of Port Washington, N.Y. and an employeee of Tri-State Electric Contracting Inc., was operating the hydraulic boom when a cable snapped. The boom pinned him against the truck. Mr. Barnes, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was “crushed by the boom of a boom truck,” said John Chavez, a spokesman for OSHA. They are currently investigating the accident.

“The employee was outside of an aerial lift truck operating the lift controls when he was struck by the lift,” the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates the bridge, said in a statement. Barnes was working on a project that involved repairing a ramp to the bridge, which connects the Bronx and Queens. The authorities said that Mr. Barnes had a commercial driver’s license, which was required to operate the truck.

The collapse was the second major accident this summer on the construction site. On July 10, a fire broke out in construction materials on the bridge, causing extensive damage and temporarily closing traffic.

Sources:
Hauser, Christine, and Sewell Chan. "Electrical Worker Killed by Crane Boom on Throgs Neck Bridge." The New York Times. 25 Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2009. http://www.nytimes.com/
Strickler, Andrew. "LI worker killed in accident on Throgs Neck Bridge." Newsday.com. 25 Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2009.

AK Steel employee falls into condensation pit of 135 degree water

Federal authorities said that they plan to start investigating how a 47 year old union worker suffered serious burns after he slipped and fell into a pool of hot water at AK Steel's Middletown Works.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health's Cincinnati office learned of the incident this morning through media reports, said Bill Wilkerson, assistant area director of OSHA's Cincinnati office. If OSHA's inspection shows that safety laws were violated, the company could face a fine.

The worker, whose name was not released, suffered burns to 65 to 70 percent of his body at the Oxford State Road facility about 9 a.m. on Monday, said Middletown Fire Capt. Todd Day. The man was performing maintenance when he fell into a condensation pit where water from the steam lines collects; the water was about 135 degrees and four feet deep. The fire captain initially described the workers' injuries as life threatening, but a union representative said that the worker is listed in stable condition and expected to recover.

In the past, OSHA has completed investigations at the coke plant before. Gilgrist said OSHA has “never noticed these kind of pits before when we have been there.” The spokesman from the plan declined to comment on whether or not there were safeguards in place around the pit.

Sources:
Baker, Jennifer. "AK Steel worker in stable condition." Cincinnati.com. 25 Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2009. .
Heffner, Jessica. "Injured AK worker had burns on most of his body." Dayton Daily News. 26 Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2009.
"OSHA to start investigation on AK Steel burnt incident." SteelGuro. 26 Aug. 2009. Web. 26 Aug. 2009.

OSHA inspections increase in Texas due to highest rate of construction-related fatalities in the nation

OSHA will be increasing the number of inspections in Texas. OSHA stated that Texas has the highest rate of construction site fatalities in the country, the Dallas-Fort Worth area leads the state of Texas in the number of construction-related fatalities. The number of inspectors have been increased in Texas by OSHA to bolster construction site safety compliance. OSHA declined to say how many outside inspectors have been brought in. In 2008, there were 67 work site fatalities in Texas. So far this year, there have been 33, according to OSHA.

"When investigators find those construction contractors and subcontractors who are not following the law, citations and penalties will be assessed for unsafe working conditions," said OSHA Fort Worth Area Director Dean Wingo. On the other hand, Jeffrey Nielsen, executive vice president of the Houston Contractors Association, says, “I think they will be disappointed if they come to our job sites if they are looking to collect fees.”

The increase in unannounced inspections is part of a broader push by the Labor Department. Since the appointment of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, the department has announced it will ramp up enforcement efforts.

Sources:
Editorial Staff. "OSHA Enforcement Increased at Texas Construction Sites." EHS Today. Web. 25 Aug. 2009.
Wooten, Casey. "OSHA to eye Texas construction sites." Dallas Business Journal, 25 Aug. 2009. Web. 25 Aug. 2009.

OSHA cites North Haven, Conn., firearms manufacturer, for machine hazards

Widespread machine guarding and lockout/tagout hazards at North Haven, Conn., a manufacturer of small firearms, resulted in them being cited by OSHA resulting in $42,850 in penalties. Following a comprehensive OSHA inspection that began March 3, the Marlin Firearms Co. has been cited for a total of 24 alleged serious and other-than-serious violations of workplace safety standards.

OSHA identified various spots where workers were exposed to possible lacerations, amputation and crushing injuries from unguarded moving parts of mechanical power presses and other machinery as well as a lack of specific procedures to prevent the accidental startup of numerous machines during set-up, maintenance and repair. The inspection also found electrical, fall and compressed air hazards as well as improperly recorded injuries and illnesses.

"Workers can lose their fingers, limbs or lives in a few seconds if a machine starts up unexpectedly or its moving parts are not guarded against contact," said Robert Kowalski, OSHA's area director in Bridgeport. "There is no reason for those injuries to occur if the employer ensures the proper safeguards are effectively and continuously in place and in use."

Sources:
www.osha.gov

Third employee death in one year for Teichert Construction - Co. under federal investigation

Federal safety officials are investigating the death of a Teichert Construction employee, Timothy Nelson, killed Thursday, Aug. 20, on a San Luis Obispo County water project, the third employee of the Sacramento firm to die in less than a year.

Teichert, one of Sacramento's oldest companies and a major player in the local building industry, was fined $140,000 for the deaths of two workers back in October. Manuel Villagomez, 38, of Elk Grove and Teichert co-worker Jacob Gaines of Bakersfield were killed Oct. 2 in Paso Robles when an excavator hit a water pipe and flooded the ditch in which they were working.

Timothy Nelson, 29, was killed when he was struck and run over by a dump truck. He was working on the Nacimiento Water Project, a 45-mile pipeline that will deliver water from Lake Nacimiento to San Luis Obispo County communities. This is the same project that Villagomez and Gaines were working on when they were killed.

All work on the project has been halted for now. "Teichert places the highest value on safety. Words cannot adequately express the sorrow that everyone at our company feels for Tim, his family and his co-workers," the statement from the company read.

Federal records show that safety inspectors have logged almost 40 violations at Teichert construction sites during the past five years. An investigator from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's San Francisco office headed to the accident site Friday, said U.S. Department of Labor spokeswoman Deanne Amaden. The investigator will determine whether necessary safeguards were in place and whether safety practices were followed.

Sources:
Smith, Darrell, and Phillip Reese. "Teichert employee's death under federal investigation." The Sacremento Bee. 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 25 Aug. 2009.
"Sacramento company investigated for pipeline death." Sign on San Diego. The Associated Press, 22 Aug. 2009. Web. 25 Aug. 2009.

"Combustible Dust: An Insidious Hazard"

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) recently released the above safety video depicting how accumulations of combustible dust at work sites can provide the fuel for devastating explosions that kill and injury workers, shut down plants and harm local economies.

CSB Chairman John Bresland, says, “It is our hope, that company executives, safety managers, and labor groups will take 29 minutes to view this video and ask themselves, ‘Could this happen at our operation?’ And then take action to eliminate dust hazards from their facilities.”

OSHA describes combustible dust as any combustible material (and some materials normally considered noncombustible) that can burn rapidly when in a finely divided form. If this dust is suspended in air in the right concentration, it can have very dangerous consequences such as a deadly explosion.

Sources:
www.osha.gov
Walter, Laura. "CSB Releases Combustible Dust Video." EHS Today. 10 Aug. 2009. Web. 24 Aug. 2009.

OSHA proposes more than $576,000 in penalties against Sims Bark and Sims Stone

OSHA just proposed more than $576,000 in penalties against Sims Bark and Sims Stone for 142 safety and health violations. The enforcement action and citations target their plants in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. OSHA is proposing $576,750 in penalties against Sims Bark Co. and Sims Stone Co. for 142 workplace safety and health violations.

OSHA first began their inspection after receiving a complaint. Following their first inspection, OSHA determined that similar hazards might exist at other locations of the two companies. OSHA is proposing 20 violations and $94,400 in penalties for the company's bark plant in Brent, Ala.; 59 violations and $260,900 in penalties for the bark and stone plants in Tuscumbia, Ala.; 49 violations and $142,350 in penalties for the bark and stone plants in Woodbury, Ga.; and 14 violations and $79,100 in penalties for the Olive Branch, Miss. The willful and serious citations include a range of violations and hazards ranging from a lack of employee training, exposure to electric shocks, lack of fall protection, lack of machine guards, exposure to noise hazards, struck-by dangers and accumulations of combustible dust.

"Sims Bark and Sims Stone management have displayed a systemic indifference to the safety and health of their own employees, resulting in a dangerous work environment," said Cindy Coe, OSHA's regional administrator in Atlanta.

Source:
www.osha.gov

Department of Labor responds to 2008 fatal injury statistics

Today the Bureau of Labor Statistics report announced the preliminary Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries of 5,071 fatal work injuries in 2008. This is down from a total of 5,657 fatal work injuries reported in 2007.

U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis, in response to worker fatality decline, says one death is too many. U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued the following statement:

"With every one of these fatalities, the lives of a worker's family members were shattered and forever changed. We can't forget that fact."

"While the decrease in the number of fatal work injuries represents change in the right direction, it does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace. In fact, today's report prompts us to step up our vigilance, particularly as the economy regains momentum."

"Working with both employers and employees, the Department of Labor will not be satisfied until there are no workplace deaths due to failure to comply with safety rules."

Sources:
www.osha.gov

OSHA investigates Texas tunnel death

Federal investigators are on the scene of a deadly accident in Conroe trying to answer exactly what happened inside a tunnel where a construction worker was killed Tuesday.

Investigators say the worker was the only one inside the pipe, at least 100 feet in. Just as it started raining, his supervisor told him to get out. He was making his way out of the pipe when the flood water overcame him quickly. The man was an employee with BorTunCo, the Boring & Tunneling Company of America Inc. The company's president says his crews build tunnels under highways every day and Tuesday was supposed to be no different.

Sources:
www.abclocal.go.com
www.texas-fire.com

OSHA calls on construction companies after four tragic falls, in Pennsylvania, in the past week

Following four fatal construction accidents that recently took place in southwestern Pennsylvania, OSHA is calling on construction companies to ensure that employees working above six feet have the proper equipment to protect themselves from falls on the job.

"One worker fall accident is unacceptable, but four falls within a few days' time is completely incomprehensible," said Robert Szymanski, the area director for OSHA's Pittsburgh office.

Three more construction-related deaths from falling have occurred within the past week in southwestern Pennsylvania. Carl Beck, 29, of Butler, fell 42 feet from a roof in North Strabane, Washington County, on Saturday morning. On Friday morning, Gary E. Dwire, 56, fell from a house in New Kensington, and Michael Grinder, 40, fell two stories at a site in Monessen. The fourth fall happened this Tuesday, August 18th, when Roy Pfoertner, 53, of New Kensington, fell 13 stores to the sidewalk when he was working on a roof of a Pennsylvanian apartment building. He was part of a crew doing masonry work on the roof for the contractor, Mariani and Richards.

In the construction industry nationally, falls account for nearly 50 percent of all fatalities, Mr. Szymanski said. "If you eliminate fall hazards in construction, you would eliminate 50 percent of fatalities right off the bat," he said. "These recent accidents in Allegheny and Washington counties are tragic reminders of the dangers posed to workers when adequate protection is not provided."

OSHA reminds employers that there are a number of ways to protect workers from falls including guardrail systems, safety net systems and personal fall arrest systems, including properly anchored body harnesses and lanyards, as well as through the use of safe work practices and training. These tragic accidents should encourage all construction companies to reassess their fall prevention methods to ensure worker safety.

For more information on fall protection, visit our website www.hysafe.com

Sources:
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09232/992116-455.stm#ixzz0OjbeC4SC
www.osha.gov

OSHA investigates Disney after stuntman dies.

Disney officials have confirmed that Anislav Varbanov, 30, who was part of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, suffered a head injury during a rehearsal while performing a tumbling roll. He was taken to a hospital but died shortly after from his injuries. This is the park's third fatal accident in seven weeks.

The live show was canceled on Tuesday as a mark of respect for Mr Varbanov. The stunt performers are involved in fight and fire scenes, chases and explosions, as well as acrobatics on a motorbike and plane.

The accident comes a week after a 47-year-old performer died following an on-stage fall during another show, "Captain Jack's Pirate Tutorial." On July 5, in the Magic Kingdom, a 21-year-old monorail operator was killed when another train crashed into the one he was driving.

In a statement Disney says, "We lost a valued cast member and our thoughts are with his family, friends and co-workers as they mourn his passing."

OSHA and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the incident.

Sources:
"Disney World Stuntman Dies Rehearsing for Show in Theme Park's Third Fatal Accident." 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 18 Aug. 2009.
Jenkins, Mark. "Disney Stuntman's Death Under Investigation." 13 Central Florida News. 18 Aug. 2009. Web. 18 Aug. 2009.

Another fatal electrocution accident-OSHA cites Thedford Construction Co. Inc.

We recently put up a post addressing if electrical standards are being met. We asked if those accidents mentioned were just coincidences or if there was a significant lack of training regarding electricity hazards. Less than a week after our posting, OSHA has cited Tyler, Texas-based Thedford Construction Co. Inc. with two alleged willful and 10 alleged serious violations following the electrocution death of a Hispanic worker at the company's work site in Tyler.

"All workers, regardless of whether or not they speak English, deserve a safe workplace. Had this company implemented the requirements contained in their own safety and health program this tragedy could have been avoided," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "Ultimately Thedford Construction failed to ensure that its workers were protected from approaching and contacting energized, high voltage electrical equipment."

OSHA began its inspection on February, 18 on Hidden Lake Drive in Tyler, where eight employees were upgrading underground energized power lines and pad-mounted transformers. While digging in front of a pad-mounted transformer, the employer damaged an underground power line. One of the Hispanic workers, who was unaware and uninformed that the power line was energized, began repairing the line and was electrocuted. Additionally, the investigation revealed the worker was wearing a glove with a hole in the index finger that had not been tested for insulation qualities.

The company was cited with willful and serious violations. Serious violations included failing to train workers on the dangers of electrical hazards, provide prompt medical treatment in the event of serious injuries, provide a person with a valid certificate to perform first-aid treatment, provide personal protective equipment and for failing to determine the exact location of underground installations by a safe and acceptable means.

Thedford Construction, with proposed penalties totaling $133,000, has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Dallas, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Now we must ask ourselves once again: is there a lack of significant training regarding electrocution hazards or is this just another accident or perhaps just a lack of communication involving language barriers?

Sources:
www.osha.gov

OSHA cites Metro North for retaliating against employees

Whistleblower investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have found that the Metro North Commuter Railroad Co. retaliated against four employees who reported work-related injuries. Metro North provides commuter rail service in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The company has now been ordered by OSHA to take corrective actions and pay back wages, fees and a total of $300,000 in punitive damages.

The employees, who sustained on-the-job injuries in 2007 and 2008, filed whistleblower complaints with OSHA alleging that the railroad disciplined them for reporting their injuries, interfered with their medical treatment plans and/or reclassified injuries from occupational to non-occupational. OSHA's investigations, conducted under the whistleblower provisions of the Federal Rail Safety Act (FRSA), found merit to the complaints.

Consequences: Metro North was ordered by OSHA to take corrective actions including expunging disciplinary actions and references to them from various records; compensating the workers for lost wages or out-of-pocket medical expenses and attorneys' fees; amending its attendance policy so that work-related sick leave not be considered when assessing unsatisfactory attendance or transfer or promotion requests; ensuring that reporting occupational illnesses or injuries does not disqualify employees from transfers or promotions; and paying each complainant $75,000 in punitive damages.

"Railroad employees have the right to report occupational injuries and illnesses without fear that doing so will negatively affect their jobs, their health or their income," said Jordan Barab, acting U.S. assistant secretary of labor for safety and health. "Retaliating against employees for exercising this basic, legally protected workplace right is unacceptable."

Sources:
http://www.osha.gov/
"OSHA finds Metro North Commuter Railroad Co. retaliated against four employees who reported work injuries." Wolters Kluwer Law & Business. 17 Aug. 2009. Web. 17 Aug. 2009. http://hr.cch.com/news/safety/081709a.asp>.

Confined Space Standards Revised by ASSE/ANSI

The American Society of Safety Engineers just announced the approval of the newly revised ANSI//ASSE Z117.1-2009 Standard, Safety Requirements for Confined Spaces. The voluntary consensus standard, which was approved on July 27, 2009, establishes minimum safety requirements that aim to protect workers who enter, exit, work in confined spaces. The effective date for the newly revised standards is November 2, 2009. It does not pertain to underground mining, tunneling, caisson work, intentionally inert confined spaces or other similar tasks that have established national consensus standards.

After reviewing current available data addressing confined space, the committee noted that the cause of death associated with confined space entry has not changed appreciably during recent years. The committee also noted that approximately 65 percent of incidents with fatalities involved atmospheric contamination and engulfment accounted for less than 10 percent of the identified causes. Although this is true, it's important not to forget that the fatality cases in this sampling do not represent all U.S. confined space incidents resulting in fatalities.

The aim of the newly revised Z117 standard is to provide for the minimum performance requirements necessary in developing and implementing a comprehensive confined space program for the protection of workers. On September 30th, ASSE will hold a webcast to discuss the new revisions. For more information go to http://www.asse.org/education/z117-webinar.php

Sources:
ehstoday.com
ohsonline.com

Are electrical standards being enforced?

OSHA's electrical standards are designed to protect employees exposed to dangers such as electric shock, electrocution, fires, and explosions. In the past three weeks, there has been two fatal accidents, invoving workers being electricuted, and one OSHA citation, involving electricity hazards.

On August 4th, an electrician was found unconscious at the John Deere plant in Waterloo. Daniel Gerdman, 22, was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Gerdman was working on some lighting when he was electrocuted; OSHA is currently investigating the accident. Gerdman was an employee of Black Hawk Electric. He was electrocuted while working on some lighting at the foundry division of the John Deere Waterloo Works. He was found unconscious at 11:30 a.m. Gerdman was then taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A state medical examiner has ruled that Chris Turney died of electrocution. The 24-year-old Des Moines man collapsed last Wednesday while working at a Hy-Vee store under construction at College Square Mall in Cedar Falls. Turney was employed by Kline Electric of Ankeny, which was hired to install electrical wiring at the new store. This happened just a week earlier than the incident at the John Deere plant.

This week, OSHA cited Sinton Dairy Foods Co. LLC in Colorado Springs, Colo., for one alleged willful and four alleged serious violations of federal health and safety standards and has proposed $50,575 in penalties. The alleged serious violations address electrical hazards as well as operating and mechanical integrity procedures for ammonia systems. Osha issues a serious citation when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which an employer knew or should have known (osha.com)

What's your opinion on this topic? Could these two unfortunate accidents be "freak accidents"and this OSHA citation be a coincidence or is there indeed a significant lack of training regarding electricity hazards? Leave your comments below.

Sources:
www.osha.gov
www.injuryboard.com
"Worker dies at John Deere plant in Waterloo." Quad-City Times. 5 Aug. 2009. Web. 12 Aug. 2009.
"Worker dies at John Deere plant in Waterloo." Action News.com. 5 Aug. 2009. Web. 12 Aug. 2009.

Crane Operation: Safety is a Must!

Schuylkill Products Inc. in Cressona, Pa was just cited by OSHA for alleged workplace safety and health violations, proposing $65,800 in penalties. The investigation, in response to a complaint, cited the company for one willful violation and two serious violations. Investigators issued the willful citation after finding cranes being loaded beyond their rated load capacity during normal operations. "The employer regularly lifted 60-107 tons of precast concrete beams with cranes ill- equipped to handle this kind of load, exposing workers to a variety of hazards," said Mark Stelmack, area director of OSHA's Wilkes-Barre office.

On March 15, 2008, six construction workers and a bystander died when a crane collapsed in New York City. Less than two weeks later,in Miami, a crane fell 30 stories killing two construction workers and injuring five. New York experienced another crane tragedy less than three months later that killed two workers and injured two others. Just yesterday, August 09th, a 130 ton crane turned right-side-up in Sylvan Beach, fortunately no one was injured. From 1992-2006, a total of 323 construction workers deaths involved 307 crane incidents.

What conclusions can one draw from this? One of them is the possible lack of worker training, a lack of adequate crane inspections,and a lack of safety plans. It is vital that companies participate in crane safety and training; 90 percent of crane accidents are caused by operator error. This means many, if not all, of crane accident deaths are preventable. "Crane operations carry a greater potential for disaster than nearly any other activity on a construction job site," according to John Merrill, the general manager for the crane division at Maxim Crane Works.

Look below for past video of crane accident in New York City on March 15, 2008.

Sources:
www.cpwr.com/cranereport/CPWR_crane_rept_recmmdtns.pdf
www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16188
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/03/25/national/main3966907.shtml
http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Crane-turned-right-side-up/2Du5_YvwN0mZrv8b7CRcOQ.cspx
ehstoday.com/construction/news/Managing_Crane_Safety_2938/

Do you think your job is safe?

What do you think of this video? Add your comments below!

"Every move that we make is thought out and rehearsed before, so it's as safe as crossing the street. It's not a job for a hot dog."

OSHA levies proposed penalties against Eau Claire Postal Service

U.S. Postal Service's processing and distribution facility in Eau Claire, WI has been cited for alleged repeat and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The proposed penalties are $58,500.

OSHA's inspection revealed two alleged repeat violations and one serious violation. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration says violations included failing to provide proper driver training and keeping improper records on injuries. A serious violation is one that could cause death or serious physical harm to workers from the condition. OSHA also says the facility failed to provide certain refresher training and didn't make sure workers performed daily truck inspections.

The U.S. Postal Service has been inspected by OSHA numerous times nationwide, including approximately 136 times since 1981 in the state of Wisconsin.

"It is extremely important that employers ensure that safety and health procedures are followed," said Mark Hysell, OSHA area director in Eau Claire, Wis. "OSHA's intention and purpose is to make sure workers return home, safe and healthy, at the end of every shift."

Sources:
http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16179
http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/news/oshawi.html

Obama nominates OSHA head

On July 28th, the White House said President Obama plans to nominate Dr. David Michaels, an epidemiologist, to head the government's workplace safety agency-OSHA. The position would also make him an assistant secretary in the Labor Department.

Michaels is a professor at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. In the past, he previously worked in the Clinton administration where he focused on the health of workers and neighbors of nuclear weapons facilities.

Many are describing the nomination as "a win for every worker." Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, says Michaels’ expertise and leadership will help OSHA “restore vital health and safety protections for America’s workers.”

The OSHA position requires Senate confirmation.

Sources:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/07/29/obama-nominates-occupational-health-expert-to-head-osha/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/28/obama_nominates_osha_head/

OSHA Fines Construction Firm Following Fatality

OSHA cited Diamond Sawing and Coring LLC for alleged violations of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act. The company was being investigated after a fatal accident occured in Lincoln, Neb, where a worker fell from an elevated platform that was affixed to a skid steer loader to the concrete below. After further investigation, OSHA inspectors found two alleged serious violations of the OSH Act. The alleged serious violations stem from a lack of employee training and the employer altering equipment to accommodate personnel lifting without evaluating the equipment's ability to support the alteration.

The OSH Act Section 5 states that each "employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees." The OSH Act also states that employees have to be provided with and have been effectively trained on, and use protective equipment when required for safety or health.

The alleged violations resulted in $13,300 in penalties against the company. Serious citations are given by OSHA when "death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard that an employer knew or should have known about." Diamond Sawing and Coring has 15 business days from receipt of these citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Could this have been prevented? "This accident was preventable. Employers cannot allow employees to be exposed to fall hazards," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers eliminate hazards and provide a safe work environment to prevent accidents from occurring."

Sources:
Eggers, Jeremy. "OSHA cites Summerfield, Kan-based Diamond Sawing and Coring LLC." OSHA Regional News Release. United States Department of Labor: OSHA, 30 July 2009. Web. 3 Aug. 2009. <http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=16128>

"Kansas Construction Firm Fined $13,300 Following Fatality." Occupational Health & Safety. 03 Aug. 2009. Web. 3 Aug. 2009. <http://ohsonline.com/articles/2009/08/03/osha-cites-diamond-sawing-and-coring-llc-following-fatality.aspx>

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