Hydrogen Sulfide Safety | A Silent Killer
Hydrogen Sulfide Safety Hydrogen sulfide is an extremely dangerous gas known for its smell which is similar to that of rotten eggs. It is sometimes referred to as sewer gas or swamp gas. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health describes hydrogen sulfide as an acute toxic substance that is the leading cause […]
Twin Pines Construction Inc. Cited for Willful, Repeat Fall Hazards
Twin Pines Construction, Inc., an Everett, Massachusetts-based wood framing contractor, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged willful, repeat, and serious violations of workplace safety standards regarding fall hazards at its Durham, New Hampshire work site. Workers at the site were exposed to fall risks of […]
Be Prepared for Tornadoes
Tornado season is once again upon us. Businesses should prepare for the possibilities of tornadoes by creating an emergency plan to try to keep employees as safe as possible. A good emergency plan should include such details as where to take shelter and accounting for all personnel. Consideration should also be given to any hazardous […]
Safety Manager Receives Jail Sentence for Falsifying Records
Walter Cardin, 55, of Metairie, Tennessee, was sentenced on April 12 in U.S. District Court for lying about worker injuries while working as safety manager for the Shaw Group. Cardin was sentenced to six and half years in prison followed by two years of supervised release. In November Cardin was convicted of eight counts of […]
Workers’ Memorial Day 2013 Observed
Every year on April 28, the anniversary of the date in 1971 when the OSH act went into effect and OSHA was officially established, the U.S. Department of Labor and other occupational safety and health organizations in the U.S observe Workers’ Memorial Day. The day honors workers who have died from occupational injuries or illnesses […]
What Safety Measures Might Have Prevented the Explosion in West, Texas?
A number of facts have come to light regarding the recent fire and explosion at the West Chemical & Fertilizer Co. plant. Although there are plenty of federal and local standards and laws in place to ensure occupational and environmental safety, something didn’t work to prevent the tragedy that occurred in West, Texas, this past […]
Workplace Safety and Health Management Systems Reduce Injuries and Illness
Having an effective safety and health management system (SHMS) can help reduce work-related illnesses and injuries and save injury-related costs for businesses. It is estimated that injuries and illnesses cost U.S. businesses approximately $170 billion a year. An SHMS will help a business go beyond just complying with laws to anticipating and preventing any possible […]
Avoiding Combustible Dust Explosions
Dust explosions caused by combustible particles in a workplace are a serious hazard that can cause not only destruction of buildings and property, but also injuries and deaths of employees. Awareness of the conditions that can lead to these explosions can help to prevent them. While fire requires the three elements of oxygen, heat, and […]
OSHA Cites Construction Firm after Massachusetts Police Officer’s Death
On July 26, 2012, Police Officer Jose Torres, 53, who had been assigned to direct traffic at a work site in Westfield, Massachusetts, was killed when a dump truck operated by a Revoli employee backed over him. At the time there were two backup alarms sounding from different vehicles. Torres apparently was unaware that the […]
OSHA’s Fall Prevention Campaign Raises Awareness of Serious Safety Hazards
OSHA has partnered with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)—Construction Sector to create a nationwide outreach campaign to raise awareness among employers and workers about fall hazards in construction and how they can be prevented. In 2010, of the 774 total fatalities in the construction […]
Winter Weather Warning: Tips on How to Remove Snow Safely
This past weekend, a powerful snowstorm swept across several Northeastern states. Weather conditions have crippled operations in at least four Northeastern states. Snowy weather has halted air travel, public transportation, and caused major power outages. Snowy weather causes major inconveniences. Construction workers required to work in snowy conditions face severe hazards. Construction workers die while […]
The Whistleblower Protection Program
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has the job of enforcing laws that protect employees from discrimination by employers for exercising their rights under the OSH Act. In 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) was passed by Congress. The OSH Act protects workers safety and health and […]
OSHA’s Active National and Special Emphasis Programs
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) currently has eleven national and special emphasis programs active. These include: • National Emphasis Program Combustible Dust • Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program • National Emphasis Program on Amputations • National Emphasis Program – Hexavalent Chromium • National Emphasis Program on Lead • National […]
How to Survive an OSHA Inspection
Established in 1971, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is dedicated to protecting workers’ safety and health. OSHA carries out its mission by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance. OSHA originated from the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. This act was passed to prevent workers from being killed or seriously harmed at […]
Connecticut Roofing Company Fined for Fall Hazards
A Milford, Connecticut roofing contractor, Roof Systems of Connecticut has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Proposed fines total $44,880. The citations are a result of a November 2012 inspection where officials spotted fall hazards. Robert Kowalski, OSHA area director in Bridgeport, Connecticut explained inspection officials consistently visit job sites with […]
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