TCI :: Safety News Archive

OSHA Issues Inspection Fact Sheets
Two new fact sheets describing the OSHA inspection process and the Agency's role in investigating occupational deaths are now available.

OSHA Withdraws Glycol Ethers Rulemaking Record
A decline in both the production and use of ethylene glycol ethers and their acetates has prompted OSHA to terminate rulemaking.

OSHA Directive Clarifies Hazwoper Requirements For Clean-Up Operations
A new OSHA directive, CPL 02-02-071, clarifies requirements and provides technical enforcement guidelines for clean-up operations conducted under the scope of paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (a)(1)(iii) of the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120 and 1926.65. Visit the address below to view or download the directive.

Contractor Exposes Workers to Electrical Hazards, Receives OSHA Citations, Penalties
OSHA has cited A.J. Johns, Inc., for allegedly failing to protect workers from electrical hazards at a St. Augustine, FL worksite. The agency is proposing $52,500 in total penalties.

OSHA Cites Massachusetts Contractor For Cave-In Hazards
A Billerica, Mass., contractor with a long history of excavation safety violations faces a total of $108,500 in OSHA fines for again exposing employees to potential cave-in hazards.

OSHA Cites Colorado Construction Company
The failure of a Colorado employer to protect employees working on a road construction project has resulted in $31,000 in proposed penalties against Kirkland Construction of Rye, Colo., following an investigation by OSHA.

Warwick, R.I., Contractor Faces $140,800 in OSHA Fines for Ongoing Failure to Supply Cave-In Protection for Workers
A Warwick, R.I., plumbing contractor that was cited by OSHA last summer in connection with the February death of a worker in a Woonsocket cave-in faces an additional $140,800 in fines for failing to ensure cave-in protection for its workers at another job site.

OSHA Fines New Hampshire Contractor $163,000 for Jobsite Electrocution Case
The electrocution of a worker at a Rochester, N.H., power generation facility could have been prevented if his employer, Northeast Generation Services Company, of Londonderry, N.H., had shut off and locked out the power source of the equipment with which he was working, according to OSHA.

OSHA Cites Seven Contractors at NY Construction Site For Electrical And Fall Hazards
Failure to protect employees against electrical hazards and falls of 18 feet or more at a Dunkirk, N.Y., construction site has resulted in a total of $130,400 in OSHA fines against seven contractors from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia and New York.

Company President Sentenced to Jail For Lying To OSHA
A U.S. District Court in Manhattan sentenced the President of a Port Arthur, Tex., based firm to 30 months in prison for lying to an OSHA inspector during an investigation of the 2001 anthrax decontamination of the United States Postal Service's (USPS) Morgan Processing and Distribution Center, located in Manhattan, and for defrauding the USPS in connection with the decontamination. For more information, visit the address below.

OSHA Offices In Houston Renew Partnership For General Contractors With AGC, Create New 'Associates' Partnership
To continue providing high levels of employee safety and health training, the Houston North and South OSHA area and the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors have renewed a two-year partnership for general contractors and have created a new partnership program for sub or specialty contractors.

NIOSH Seeking Nominees for National Occupational Safety and Health Teacher Award
The NIOSH Education and Information Division funds and coordinates the efforts of a national occupational safety and health competition among teachers and instructors at vocational and technical schools and community colleges throughout the country.

NIOSH and OSHA Pursue Increased Collaboration
NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced at the December 18, 2003 National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) meeting that the two agencies will form six jointly-chaired discussion groups to exchange information on a range of safety and health issues.

New NIOSH Series: Workplace Solutions
NIOSH has recently developed a new series of publications titled Workplace Solutions. Workplace Solutions is an easy-to-understand, easy-to-access, and easy-to-implement way of turning NIOSH research into occupational safety and health practice. The new series replaces the Hazard Controls and Hazard ID series and is approximately three pages in length.

EPA Proposes Rule On Solvent Rags And Towels To Resolve Waste Management Issues
EPA has published a proposed rule to modify its hazardous waste management regulations for certain solvent-contaminated materials, such as reusable shop towels, rags, disposable wipes, and paper towels. Learn more by visiting the address below. http://clickthru.jjkellermail.com/ct/click?q=5d-JN~bIK0yQsmlwCEVbzeevyNMM6PR

DOE Proposes Rulemaking on Worker Safety and Health
In December 2002, Congress directed the Department of Energy (DOE) to promulgate regulations on worker safety and health rather than rely exclusively on a contractual approach to establish safe and healthy workplaces. Pursuant this legislative directive, DOE is proposing a worker safety and health regulation for its federal and contractor employees at DOE workplaces. This proposed regulation is intended to codify and maintain the high level of protection currently afforded workers throughout the DOE complex. For more information, visit the DOE website at the address below.
http://www.eh.doe.gov/whs/rulemaking/851/

RSPA Revises HazMat Report Form
The Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) of the Department of Transportation is proposing revisions to the current incident reporting requirements of the Hazardous Materials Regulations and the hazardous materials incident report form, DOT Form F 5800.1. The major changes proposed by RSPA in this NPRM include: collecting more specific information on the incident reporting form; expanding reporting exceptions; expanding reporting requirements to persons other than carriers; reporting undeclared shipments of hazardous materials; notifying shippers of incidents; and reporting non-release incidents involving bulk packages. The revisions are intended to increase the usefulness of data collected for risk analysis and management by government and industry and, where possible, provide relief from regulatory requirements. The rule goes into effect July 1, 2004. To learn more visit the address below.
http://hazmat.dot.gov/rules/99_5013.htm

Upcoming Events

2004 Construction Safety Conference & Expo: Safety - It's Your Life, Labor-Management Construction Safety Alliance
The Labor-Management Construction Safety Alliance will host its annual Construction Safety Conference & Expo on March 23-25, 2004, at the Lantana meeting facility in Randolph, MA. The largest event of its kind in New England, the conference will feature plenary sessions, 18 workshops, a series of Professional Development Seminars, and an exposition, focusing on innovative solutions to construction's safety and health challenges. For more information call 617-436-4159 or visit www.constructionsafetyalliance.org.

Long Working Hours, Safety, and Health: Toward a National Research Agenda
NIOSH, the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and the U.S. Department of Justice are cosponsoring the "Long Working Hours, Safety, and Health: Toward a National Research Agenda" Conference to be held April 29-30, 2004 on the University of Maryland campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This innovative conference will explore the sociological, economic, and health dimensions of long work hours. For more information on the conference, visit http://nursing.umaryland.edu/longworkhours/index.htm. There is still time to submit an abstract for the poster session; all submissions are due by January 23, 2004. For more information on the Call for Posters, visit http://nursing.umaryland.edu/longworkhours/call_posters.htm.

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHce) 2004
The 2004 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition will be held May 8-13, 2004 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme for this year's conference is "Discover New Ways of Promoting OEHS Excellence." For more information on the conference, visit http://www.aiha.org/aihce04/aihce.htm.

BLS Reports Workplace Injury and Illness Rates for 2002
Approximately 4.7 million injuries and illnesses were reported in private industry workplaces during 2002, according to the latest report by the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The number translates to a rate of 5.3 cases per 100 full-time workers. While that is less than the rate for 2001 (5.7 per 100 workers), the 2002 data cannot be compared with prior years due to revisions of OSHA's recordkeeping requirements. The incidence rate for the construction industry was 7.1, exceeded only by manufacturing which was 7.2.

OSHA Renews Alliance with Engineering and Construction Management Firm
Washington Group International will have two additional years to work with OSHA on safety and health issues for the construction and engineering industries, thanks to a two-year renewal on their Alliance. OSHA Administrator John Henshaw signed the renewal last month pointing to accomplishments made since the original Alliance was established more than a year ago. Henshaw said the Alliance was "a program with momentum and one we both want to keep moving forward." The Alliance focuses on the areas of cranes and rigging, hearing protection and ergonomics in construction and engineering.

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February 2004

Enforcement, Outreach, Compliance Assistance Focus of OSHA's FY-2005 Proposed Budget
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced on February 2 the President's budget for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for FY 2005 is $461.6 million, a net increase of $4.1 million over the appropriation for FY 2004. The budget includes $2 million in new funding to fulfill OSHA's responsibilities under the 14 whistleblower statutes that the agency enforces and $6.6 million increase to expand outreach and compliance assistance programs, including $500,000 targeted at reaching small businesses.

New Injury and Illness Posting Requirements Effective This Month
Beginning February 1, employers must post a summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year. OSHA reminds employers that the summary, OSHA's Form 300A (not the complete Form 300 log), should be displayed in an area where all workers have access to view it and must list the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2003 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Companies with no recordable injuries or illnesses still need to post the summary form with zeroes on the total line.

OSHA's National Emergency Management Plan Issued
Specialized Response Teams, an Emergency Preparedness Executive Steering Committee, and Regional Emergency Response Plans are new components of OSHA's response during a national emergency.

OSHA Offers Two New Compliance Assistance Web Tools
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced last month the availability of two new resources on the agency's website: MyOSHA, a tool to create personalized links to OSHA online resources; and Quick Start, a step-by-step guide to identify major OSHA requirements and guidance materials.

OSHA Issues Inspection Fact Sheets
Two new fact sheets describing the OSHA inspection process and the Agency's role in investigating occupational deaths are now available.

OSHA Revises VPP Benchmark Injury and Illness Rates
The Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) has been revised changing the way OSHA uses Bureau of Labor Statistics injury and illness rates to determine criteria for the "Star" program. OSHA implemented the changes Dec. 8 after receiving comments on the proposal originally published in July. To qualify for VPP "Star" status, applicants' and participants' occupational injury and illness rates must be below at least one of the three most recent years' rates for their particular industry. This change also applies to construction applicants' qualification for the Merit Program. No other initial application requirements are changed. VPP participation will also continue to require effective safety and health management systems at qualifying worksites.

OSHA Issues New Interpretation About HAZWOPER Applicability to Terrorist Incidents
OSHA issued a New Interpretation Letter about HAZWOPER Applicability toTerrorist Incidents The letter is OSHA's response to an inquiry about its position on whether the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) standard, 29 CFR 1910.120, applies to responses to terrorism. It announces OSHA's position on the training requirements for public and private sector employees who may respond to a terrorist event involving chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) materials.

Safety and Health Bulletin on Dry Fire Sprinklers Published
Based on warnings from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), OSHA recently published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin that provides information to employers who may be using "Star ME-1" dry fire sprinklers manufactured from 1961-1998 by various manufacturers. CPSC warned of two reports of failures involving the sprinklers, followed by a large percentage of failures resulting from independent laboratory tests. OSHA is recommending that employers whose workplaces are equipped with these systems identify and replace any Star ME-1 sprinkler heads in use. CPSC has more information on recalls and recommendations for similar sprinkler systems; check their website for details.

Safety First During Forklift Operations
The Illinois On-Site Consultation Program recently added a new Forklift Safety Guide to their website to help employers address hazards associated with forklift operations. The manuals are offered in both English and Spanish. Additionally, an Administrator's Manual is available to provide employers information on training, along with written and practical tests. All materials are consistent with OSHA's regulations on powered industrial trucks.

Fall Protection Components Not Always Compatible
In a recent Safety and Health Bulletin, OSHA points out that personal fall protection components made by different manufacturers may not be compatible. Components made by the same manufacturer also may not be compatible if they are not sized properly;

OSHA Region I Signs Alliance With Labor-management Construction Safety Alliance
An Alliance formalized Jan. 21 between OSHA's regional headquarters in Boston and the Labor-Management Construction Safety Alliance, also in Boston, is aimed at reducing workplace injuries and addressing common safety and health standards. Key to the agreement is the development of educational programs and seminars for building trades employers and workers on health and safety issues including electrical shock prevention, excavation techniques, scaffolding and crane operation.

Ergonomics Advisory Committee Hears Researchers
The National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) heard from seven published researchers last month on how musculoskeletal disorders begin, and on some strategies that have been used to help prevent these injuries.

OSHA Cites Eleven Contractors for Alleged Safety Violations
Eleven construction contractors working on a project in Manhattan have been cited for alleged serious and repeated safety violations by OSHA.

OSHA Again Cites Alabama Contractor For Exposing Workers To Trenching Hazards
OSHA has cited Richards & Sons Construction Company, Inc., for exposing workers to trenching hazards at a Bessemer, Alabama, construction site. The agency is proposing $96,000 in penalties.

Fatality at Alabama Worksite Leads to OSHA Citations For Two Birmingham Companies
OSHA has cited Bob Smith Construction and R & M Equipment Rentals for safety violations following the investigation of a fatal July 30 forklift accident at a Talladega work site. The agency is proposing $83,200 in total penalties for the two companies.

OSHA Cites Texas Electrical Contractor Following Fatal Accident
OSHA has cited Fairbairn Electric Inc. in Corpus Christi, Texas, for alleged violations of electrical safety standards related to a fatal accident in June. Proposed penalties total $52,500, primarily for failure to confirm that an electric line was de-energized.

NIOSH Workplace Solutions Series Highlights Backhoe Operations
CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently introduced a new series of publications called Workplace Solutions. A recent publication highlights the safe operation of hydraulic excavators and backhoe loaders, and focuses on preventing injuries and fatalities through training, proper installation and maintenance, work practices, and personal protective equipment. According to NIOSH, this new series of publications offers "easy-to-understand, easy-to-access, and easy-to-use recommendations that turn the results of NIOSH research into occupational safety and health practice."

New NIOSH Computer Program Advances Guidance on Predicting Air-Purifying Respirator or Filter Cartridge Service Life
NIOSH announces new computer software that enables administrators of workplace respiratory-protection programs to consider the effects of relative humidity on the service life of NIOSH-approved organic vapor chemical cartridges.

NIOSH Conducts Health Hazard Evaluation for Exposures to Musculoskeletal Disorders During Rebar Tying Operations
NIOSH researchers recently conducted a Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) to evaluate workers' exposures to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) during rebar tying

NIOSH Seeking Partners for Electrical Safety Product Development
During the week of January 26, the Division of Safety Research, Protective Technology Branch, published an announcement in the FedBizOpps seeking partners to manufacture, test, and market a safety product developed by NIOSH engineers, under the heading, "Electrical Injury Protection System - A Personal Protective Equipment for Electrical Workers and Electricians." This device is intended to protect workers from electrocution when working near energized electrical sources. The solicitation of partners for this product represents a significant step forward as NIOSH continues to work towards moving research results to practical application. More information about this opportunity can be found here.

NIIOSH Releases New Publication on Prevention of Highway Crashes
Highway crashes are the leading contributor to occupational injury deaths in the United States, accounting for 25% of work-related injury deaths in 2002. NIOSH announces a new resource to help prevent these deaths and injuries, Work-related Roadway Crashes: Challenges and Opportunities for Prevention. This publication provides in-depth data, analysis, and concrete steps that employers and others can take to prevent this leading cause of job-related fatalities.

American Academy of Audiology Announces New Position Statement
NIOSH researchers led a team of hearing conservation specialists that drafted a new position statement for the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) on preventing noise-induced occupational hearing loss. The new position statement is available online at http://www.audiology.org/professional/positions/niohlprevention.pdf. It is expected to be used by more than 8,000 audiologists as guidance in developing occupational hearing loss prevention programs. Most of the principles in the position statement reflect NIOSH's criteria for a recommended standard for occupational noise exposure http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/98-126.html.

Company and Employee Sentenced for Buying False Asbestos Training Certificates
Macsons Inc. of Norfolk, Va., and its Contract Representative, William McCloud of Chesapeake, Va., were sentenced on Jan. 7 for purchasing false asbestos training certificates which they used to obtain asbestos abatement work.

Ironworker and Power Installer Death Rates Down
The work-related death rate from injuries for all construction workers held steady in the decade 1992-2001, but death rates for the two highes -risk trades are much lower according to The Center to Protect Workers' Rights.

Motorized Screeds Can Cut Pain
Motorized screeds can help reduce sprains and strains to construction workers according to study by Build It Smart.

Asthma in Construction Workers May Be Going Undetected
Asthma may be going undetected among heavy and highway construction workers, according to a study of workers on Boston's Big Dig.

Easier-to-Learn CPR Method Could Increase Survival Rates
The University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center recently announced two major initiatives that could increase the number of people who survive out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Drug Use Climbs In 2003, Index Reports
Drug use in the general US workforce climbed in the first half of 2003, fueled by a continued growth in amphetamine use, according to the latest Drug Testing Index from Quest Diagnostics Inc.

New Website for Product Recalls
To provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov -- a "one stop shop" for U.S. Government recalls. The new site is designed to give consumers easier access to all recall announcements from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Food and Drug Administration, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The site also contains safety warnings and information on how to report a problem with a consumer product, cosmetic, motor vehicle, boat, food product

Upcoming Events

2004 American Society of Safety Engineer's Conference and Exposition
The American Society of Safety Engineers' 2004 Professional Development Conference and Exposition "Safety 2004: Advancing the Environmental Health and Safety Profession," will be held June 7-10, 2004 at the Las Vegas Hilton and Las Vegas Convention Center. NIOSH Director John Howard will speak at a special plenary session on Wednesday, June 9. More information is available at http://www.asse.org.

Symposium on Silica: Sampling and Analysis
The "Symposium on Silica: Sampling and Analysis," sponsored by ASTM, will be held April 22-23, 2004 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NIOSH, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration, along with the American Industrial Hygiene Association's Laboratory Quality Programs technical committees, and the National Institute for Standards and Technology will present their accomplishments in improving the quality of sampling and analytical procedures for determining occupational exposure to airborne silica-containing dusts. The Chairperson for the symposium is NIOSH Exposure Assessment Branch Chief Martin Harper. The final program and call for registrations can be accessed at http://www.astm.org/SYMPOSIA/D22_Symp.htm.

Long Working Hours, Safety, and Health: Toward a National Research Agenda
NIOSH, the University of Maryland School of Nursing, and the U.S. Department of Justice are co-sponsoring the "Long Working Hours, Safety, and Health: Toward a National Research Agenda" Conference to be held April 29-30, 2004 on the University of Maryland campus in Baltimore, Maryland. This innovative conference will explore the sociological, economic, and health dimensions of long work hours. For more information on the conference, visit http://nursing.umaryland.edu/longworkhours/index.htm.

Construction Committee Set To Meet This Month in Chicago
A full agenda awaits the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) when they meet at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Rosemont, IL, Feb. 12-13. Following welcoming remarks by OSHA Administrator John Henshaw, ACCSH members will hear from the cranes and derricks negotiated rulemaking advisory committee, and from OSHA's Standards and Guidance directorate on ongoing health standards and their impact on construction, particularly chromium, silica and hearing conservation. Other topics for discussion include the Hispanic workforce in construction, and construction partnerships and alliances.

New York Region Schedules Health Hazards Seminars
New York Region Schedules Health Hazards Seminars Helping small business employers identify, eliminate or control occupational health hazards is the goal of six separate seminars being offered by OSHA's Buffalo Area Office this month. The training, co-sponsored by area organizations and colleges, will be held at six locations throughout upstate New York beginning at Orchard Park and Lockport on Feb. 5, followed by Jamestown and Olean on Feb. 12, and Batavia and Rochester on Feb. 19. Contact the Buffalo office at (716) 684-3891 for more information.

Control Banding Workshop Coming to Cincinnati
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw is scheduled to deliver one of two keynote addresses at the 2nd International Control Banding Workshop next month in Cincinnati. The two-day practicum highlights a "control banding" approach to protecting worker health by focusing on developing hazard classifications for "bands" of chemicals, rather than assigning a set exposure limit to each one. OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the American Industrial Hygiene Association, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), are sponsoring the workshop to be held at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza in Cincinnati, beginning March 1. Interested parties can register online or call Anita Schmid at (513) 742-6163, ext. 101, for more information.

OSHA Training Center at Georgia Tech Announces Free Safety Seminars
The OSHA training and education center at Georgia Tech is offering eight workplace safety seminars designed for construction, general industry, or nursing home facility employers. Some of the topics include: prevention of amputations and exposure to lead and silica; construction safety training in Spanish; ergonomics; nursing home healthcare safety; machine guarding; and responding to workplace emergencies involving chemical spills, weather emergencies, workplace violence, etc. For details, call (404) 385-1301 or visit the center's website. OSHA has 19 training and education centers at 34 locations throughout the country to complement training offered through the OSHA Training Institute.

Connecticut Association Providing Emergency Preparedness Training
Small businesses in Connecticut are invited to take advantage of free training in emergency preparedness being offered by the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA). The program, made possible through a training grant from OSHA, was designed to help companies develop, adopt and implement emergency response programs and includes three phases: a one day symposium; follow-up workshops, and on-site consultations. Training is available on Jan. 15 in Cromwell; Feb. 3 in Mystic; and Feb. 13 in Trumbull. Contact CBIA's Lisa Cliche at CBIA at (860) 244-1977 to register.

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March 2004

Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Testifies on FY2005 Budget
Joining four of his Labor Department counterparts, OSHA Administrator John Henshaw told Congressional leaders that the "past 12 months have been a productive time for OSHA," and that the agency's reputation "has been enhanced by its accomplishments" citing, most importantly, its role in helping to reduce workplace injury and illness rates. Henshaw testified Feb. 26, before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. The President is requesting $461.6 million for OSHA during FY2005.

OSHA Alerts 13,000 Employers about High Injury and Illness Rates
Approximately 13,000 employers recently received a letter from OSHA Administrator John Henshaw alerting them that their injury and illness rates are above average, and that the agency can offer help in lowering them. The notifications were based on data reported by approximately 80,000 employers surveyed by OSHA last year (the survey collected injury and illness data from CY2002). Henshaw said the notification process "is a tremendous opportunity for employers to take steps to improve workplace safety and health and create value for their organization."

Safe Storage of Concrete Panels Subject of Safety and Health Bulletin
OSHA's Denver Area Office recently investigated a fatal accident after precast concrete panels tipped over at a concrete panel manufacturing facility. The investigation determined the panels were partially due to improper storage procedures for the size and configuration of the panels, some weighing in excess of 13 tons each. A Precast Concrete Panels-Hazardous Storage Safety and Health Information Bulletin was published last month to alert manufacturers of the dangers involved in improper storage procedures and inadequate finger rack storage systems for the panels. The bulletin provides employers with recommendations and methods that will improve finger rack stability and reduce hazards to workers.

OSHA Schedules Meetings to Discuss Noise/Hearing Issues for Construction Workers
The Embassy Suites Hotel in Rosemont, IL, is the site of two stakeholder meetings this month on reducing noise exposures and hearing loss of workers in the construction industry. On Mar. 24-25, interested members of the public will discuss exposure monitoring, audiometric testing and portability of records. The meetings are a continuation of the agency's information gathering process that began Aug. 5, 2002, when OSHA published its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comments on whether a hearing conservation program to the construction noise standard should be added. Details on the meetings are in the Feb. 24, 2004 Federal Register.

New Construction Partnerships in Kansas City, Chicago Regions
OSHA's Chicago Region signed a partnership Feb. 25 with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Wisconsin, part of the Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) program. The focus of that agreement is to reduce hazards associated with the four leading causes of fatal accidents on construction sites: falls, struck by objects, workers caught in or between objects, and electrocutions.

OSHA Approves Amendments to Safety and Health Standards Submitted by Oregon OSHA
Amendments to 18 standards adopted by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (Oregon OSHA) have been approved by OSHA.

Compliance Assistance Information on OSHA's Website
Need help finding information and resources to comply with OSHA's requirements? How about a quick resource guide for all OSHA's cooperative programs? Then you might want to consider making the agency's Compliance Assistance webpage one of your top bookmarks. From there, you can navigate to compliance assistance resources and detailed information on cooperative programs, obtain a quick education on the Occupational Safety and Health Act, access numerous links on the Department of Labor's webpage, and utilize the agency's newest assistance tool called Quick Start that includes fact sheets, publications, forms, other electronic tools, and step-by-step guides and sample programs.

Chemical Safety Board Declares OSHA Response to Reactives Regulation Recommendation "Unacceptable"
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has formally notified the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it finds "unacceptable" OSHA's response to CSB recommendations to broaden the regulation of reactive chemicals in the workplace and to compile data on reactive chemical accidents.

OSHA and YouthBuild, USA Promote Workplace Safety and Health For Youth in New York and New Jersey
Improving workplace safety and health for young workers in New York and New Jersey is the goal of a new alliance among OSHA, YouthBuild, USA; the New York State Department of Labor's Division of Safety and Health On-Site Consultation Program; and the New Jersey State Department of Labor OSHA Consultation Program.

Contractor, Federal Government Pledge to Make I-74 Construction Project Safe for Workers
Workers employed over the next four years on the Interstate 74 construction project can expect a dedication to on-the-job safety as outlined in a partnership signed by prime contractor Walsh Construction, Peoria, and OSHA.

Peoria Contractors Association, OSHA Pledge to Make Area Jobs and Worksites Safe
A new safety alliance was signed between the Greater Peoria Contractors and Supplier Association (GPSCA) and OSHA.

OSHA Announces Third Safety & Health Partnership at Power Plant Construction Project in Queens
OSHA has signed a third partnership agreement to foster job safety and health during construction of a state-of-the-art power plant in Queens, N.Y. Entering into the partnership with OSHA are contractor Tully Construction Co., Inc., the New York Power Authority, construction manager DMJM Harris, trade union officials, and the New York State Consultation Program.

OSHA Cites Acme Bridge Co. Following Excavation Fatality in Texas
OSHA has cited Acme Bridge Co. Inc. in New Braunfels, Texas, for exposing workers to trenching and excavation hazards. OSHA's investigation followed an October 2003 fatal accident at a Kerrville, Texas, construction site. OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $70,000.

OSHA Cites Massachusetts Contractor for Cave-In Hazards at New Hampshire Jobsite
OSHA has fined a Massachusetts excavation contractor $25,200 for failure to supply cave-in protection for its workers at a Pembroke, N.H., jobsite.

Asbestos Hazards At Louisiana Construction Site Bring OSHA Citations And Fines To Georgia Company
A Georgia company's alleged failure to protect employees from the health hazards of asbestos at a Louisiana job site has resulted in OSHA citations and proposed penalties of $44,800.

OSHA Fines Four Firms Following Construction Fatality in Carrollton, Texas
OSHA has cited three Texas firms and a Georgia-based general contractor for failing to provide a safe workplace and for exposing workers to a structural hazard. OSHA's investigation followed an August 2003 fatal accident at a construction site in Carrollton, Texas. Proposed penalties total $68,650.

New NIOSH Strategic Plan Launched
To better meet the needs of the changing American Workforce, NIOSH is currently developing its Fiscal Year 2004 - 2009 Strategic Plan. This new plan will serve as a strategic framework for the Institute over the next six years by establishing relevant, cross-cutting Institute-wide goals and measures that support NIOSH's vision and mission. As the government's primary scientific organization that focuses on occupational safety and health, NIOSH succeeds in reaching its goal of reducing workplace injury, illness, and death only through the efforts of its partners. Throughout this strategic planning process, NIOSH encourages its stakeholders to actively participate in influencing the future strategic directions of the Institute by providing commentary and feedback on the current draft strategic plan. The current FY 2004 - 2009 draft strategic plan outline can be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/strategic/. NIOSH welcomes your comments and your continued support of the Institute. Comments can be sent to nioshstratplan@cdc.gov.

Forbes Magazine Spotlights NIOSH Welding Fume Research
NIOSH's research on potential effects of occupational exposures to welding fumes is referenced in an article in the February 2, 2004 issues of Forbes magazine. The article, "Torch Song" (pp. 44-46) notes that NIOSH is investigating the question of whether the components of welding fumes pose job-related risks for nervous system impairment and other disorders, and if so, in what circumstances the potential risks might occur. The article focuses on lawsuits by employees who allege that they developed Parkinson's-like impairments from exposures to fumes. Further information on NIOSH's research is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/welddata.html.

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards Now Available
You can now order print and CD-Rom copies of the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npg.html or by calling NIOSH at 1-800-35-NIOSH. The Pocket Guide is a vital source of general chemical hazard and control information for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals. It also has become a standard issue reference for use by emergency preparedness personnel and fire fighters and is a standard text used in the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), right-to-know, and emergency planning training courses. The Pocket Guide presents important occupational safety and health information and data in abbreviated form for 677 chemicals and other hazardous agents that are found in the work environment.

Keeping Youth Safe on Construction Sites
The construction industry, which employs less than 3% of all young workers, ranks 3rd in the number of work-related fatalities to youth - at 14% of all occupational deaths to youth under age 18. A new NIOSH brochure provides recommendations to employers for maintaining a safe work environment for youth on construction sites. The brochure also highlights important laws and regulations and lists prohibited jobs for youth and is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-113.

Expert Panel to Study World Trade Center Health
EPA is convening an expert technical review panel to obtain greater input on ongoing efforts to monitor health effects for workers and residents impacted by the collapse of the World Trade Center. The panel will characterize any remaining exposures and risks, identify unmet public health needs, and recommend any steps to further minimize the risks associated with the aftermath of the World Trade Center attacks.

Asbestos Abatement Supervisor Pleads Guilty in False Training Certificate Case
An Asbestos Abatement Supervisor at Darcco Environmental Inc., in Jacksonville, Fla., pled guilty to conspiring to make a false statement to the EPA regarding asbestos training certification.

Energy Secretary Announces Formal Inquiry Into Hanford Health Allegations
Also Requests Inspector General To Launch Independent Investigation
U.S. Department of Energy announced that the Office of Independent Oversight and Safety Assurance has joined an investigation into allegations of supervisor misconduct, fraud and medical records mismanagement by officials with the Hanford Environmental Health Foundation (HEHF), an investigation and inquiry opened in September 2003 by Department officials.

DOE Suspends Rulemaking on Proposed Safety Rules
In a letter to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board (DNFSB), U.S. Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham announced that he is suspending rulemaking on proposed changes to the department's worker safety rules and requirements. DOE Suspends Rulemaking on Proposed Safety Rules

Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities
Storm water runoff from construction activities can have a significant impact on water quality.

Georgetown University Cancels Safety Summit
Citing a falloff in corporate contributions, the director of Georgetown University's Center for Business and Public Policy announced he is canceling the fourth annual Safety Summit.

New York State Workers' Compensation Reform Bill Introduced in State Legislature
A pair of comprehensive workers' compensation reform bills, which have the backing of the New York State AFL-CIO, were introduced in the New York Senate and the Assembly on February 12.

Upcoming Events

American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition (AIHCE) 2004
The 2004 American Industrial Hygiene Conference and Exposition will be held May 8-13, 2004 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme for this year's conference is "Discover New Ways of Promoting OEHS Excellence." For more information on the conference, visit http://www.aiha.org/aihce04/aihce.htm.

BLS Releases Report on "Lost-Worktime Injuries and Illnesses: Characteristics And Resulting Days Away From Work, 2002"
A total of 1.4 million injuries and illnesses in private industry required recuperation away from work beyond the day of the incident in 2002, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.

U.S. Hosts World Congress on Safety and Health at Work
"Prevention in a Globalized World-Success Through Partnerships" sets the agenda for the 2005 World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Orlando, FL, Sept 18-22, 2004. The World Congress is an international forum of professionals who meet every three years to exchange ideas, research and best practices on occupational safety and health issues. The Labor Department (OSHA, MSHA and ILAB), along with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are participating as government partners on the National Organizing Committee. The National Safety Council, the American host for the conference and one of the organizers, has issued a "Call for Papers" from those interested in submitting research and practice-oriented contributions. Deadline is March 31, 2004.

OSHA Reschedules Cranes and Derricks Meeting
The Cranes and Derricks Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will meet in Washington, D.C., May 4-7. The meeting was originally scheduled for March 29. Notice of the change is published in today's Federal Register. The 23-member committee is composed of representatives of government, labor and industry chartered to function as a part of OSHA's rulemaking process to revise the existing standards for cranes and derricks in construction.

OSHA Launches Hazard Communication Initiative
Compliance Assistance, Enforcement Will Improve Workplace Hazard Communication
OSHA announced a new initiative to focus attention on hazard communication in the workplace, following an Agency review of current issues. Consisting of compliance assistance and enforcement components, it is aimed at improving the quality of hazard communication and helping employers and employees comply with the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). The HCS, adopted 20 years ago, covers some 650,000 hazardous chemical products and more than 30 million American workers. An attached fact sheet provides more details on the initiative.

OSHA Extends Deadlines for Post-Hearing Comments and Briefs on Assigned Protection Factors
OSHA is extending for 30 days the deadlines for post-hearing public comments and briefs on the agency's proposed "Assigned Protection Factors" rule. Post-hearing comments must be submitted by April 29, 2004 and briefs must be sent by May 29, 2004.

OSHA Cites N.H. Water Company for Cave-In Hazards at Nashua Jobsite
A New Hampshire water company's failure to supply cave-in protection for its workers at a Nashua jobsite has resulted in $52,750 in OSHA fines.

Fall Hazards at Bedford, N.H., Construction Site Bring Citations, Fines for Contractors $118,750 in Fines Proposed for Willful, Repeat, Serious Violations
OSHA has cited two contractors - Barrett Co., Inc., of Camp Hill, Penn., and Performance Framing, Inc., of Lawrence, Mass., - for failing to supply fall protection for their employees at a Bedford, N.H., hotel construction site.

Milwaukee Company Penalized $193,500 for Failing to Protect Workers from Electrical Hazards
OSHA has issued citations and proposed penalties to Pieper Electric, Inc., of Milwaukee, Wis., for failing to protect workers from electrical hazards.

OSHA Cites Alabama Contractors After Fatal Scaffolding Accident Agency Proposes Penalties Totaling More Than $86,000
OSHA has cited Montgomery-based Pemberton, Inc., and Prattville-based Jarman Construction following the investigation of a Sept. 12 construction site scaffolding accident in Rockford that killed one worker and seriously injured another. The agency is proposing $86,600 in total penalties.

OSHA Cites Contractors Following Fatal Accident at Alabama Construction Site
Agency Proposes Penalties Totaling $67,900 For Three Companies
OSHA has cited three building contractors following a Sept.16 fatal accident at a construction site in Huntsville.

OSHA Cites N.H. Contractor for Safety Violations at Beverly, Mass., Construction Site Proposed Fines Total $78,500
The failure of a Manchester, N.H., contractor to protect its employees from fall hazards at a Beverly, Mass., construction site has resulted in citations for serious, willful and repeat safety violations, including fines totaling $78,500, from OSHA.

Ohio Company Fined $122,300 for Failing To Protect Workers Who Use Scaffolding and Ladders
OSHA has cited Warren Guillard Bricklayers, Inc., of Tallmadge, Ohio, for repeatedly failing to protect workers against falling from scaffolding and ladders.

OSHA Launches Partnership To Protect Workers At Cincinnati Convention Center Expansion and Renovation Project
OSHA entered into a partnership today with Hunt Construction Group and project trade contractors to ensure the safety and health of workers at the Cincinnati Convention Center Expansion and Renovation Project.

OSHA Joins Contractors, Labor and Local Government to Make Toledo School Construction Project Safe
OSHA is joining with construction contractors, organized labor and state and local government agencies in a new partnership to make the $800 million Toledo Public Schools Project a clear example of how to keep working men and women safe in an otherwise hazardous environment.

OSHA Welcomes Kellogg, Brown and Root to Voluntary Protection Program
Fort Huachuca contractor recognized for outstanding safety and health program
OSHA formally welcomed Kellogg, Brown and Root's Fort Huachuca Project into OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) at a ceremony on March 11.

OSHA Announces Alliance to Promote Job Safety for Hispanic Workers
OSHA and the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers (Metro ASSE) will develop training in Spanish targeted to Hispanic workers. Offerings will include OSHA's 10- and 30-hour construction and general industry courses in Spanish, through the use of ASSE and OSHA Spanish-speaking trainers. Of fatal work injuries in 2002, 840 occurred within the Hispanic worker population. The alliance will also support development of workplace safety and health curricula on the proper selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE). ASSE will organize and work with their members to deliver general PPE, such as head protection and eye protection to Hispanic participants upon their completion of an OSHA 10- or 30-hour course.

OSHA and AGMAUSA Form Alliance to Provide Workplace Safety & Health Training in Spanish
Improving workplace safety and health for Hispanic workers in the Long Island area is the goal of a new alliance between OSHA and the Asociacion de Guatemaltecos- Morazanecos Ausentes en USA (AGMAUSA).

OSHA and Latin American Workers Project Form NYC Alliance to Promote Workplace Safety and Health for Hispanic Day Laborers
NEW YORK -- Improving workplace safety and health for Hispanic day laborers in New York City is the goal of a new alliance between the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Latin American Workers Project, Inc., (LAWP) based in Brooklyn.

Workplace Safety & Health Alliance with OSHA, Albany County and New York Department of Labor Aims at Protecting Construction Workers
Improving workplace safety and health for employees of women- and minority-owned construction companies is the goal of a new alliance among the Albany area office of OSHA, Albany County, and the New York State Department of Labor's On-Site Consultation Program (NY Consultation).

Mason Contractors Association of America Aligns with OSHA
Will focus on fall protection, scaffolding, forklift safety hazards
The safety and health of workers in the masonry industry promises to benefit from an Alliance signed between the Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and OSHA.

OSHA Forms Workplace Safety and Health Alliance with Safety Council of Upstate N.Y. and N. Y. Department of Labor
Improving workplace safety and health for Upstate New York workers is the goal of a new alliance among the OSHA, the Safety Council of Upstate New York, Inc., and the New York State Department of Labor's On-Site Consultation Program (NYS Consultation).

Emergency Eyewash, Shower Standard Updated
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) announced that ANSI Z358.1-2004 has been updated to include the need for weekly operation verification for plumbed equipment and emphasis on the fact that drench hoses and personal wash units are supplemental equipment. The update also has an expanded appendix on recommended tepid temperatures for flushing fluid, and the standard removes certain criteria from installation requirements.

Homeland Security Adopts NIOSH Respirator Criteria
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adopted three National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) criteria for testing and certifying respirators for protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) exposures. NIOSH uses the criteria to test self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), air-purifying respirators

NIOSH Publishes Guide on Evaluating Safety and Changes in the Workplace
NIOSH Publishes Guide on Evaluating Safety and Changes in the Workplace NIOSH intended its new guide for managers interested in improving their business by ensuring the health and safety of workers. It invites managers to look carefully at changes they have made to improve occupational health and safety in the workplace, and to ask whether they really work.

Standard for High Visibility Safety Apparel Up for Revision
The International Safety Equipment Association anticipates that the ANSI/ISEA 107-1999 National Standard for High Visibility Apparel will be revised this year to include advances in sight- distance recognition that affect worker apparel.

EPA Appoints Expert Technical Review Panel to Study Health Effects of 9/11
On March 1 the Environmental Protection Agency bowed to pressure from Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, backed by organizations of residents and workers, and appointed a technical review panel that will advise the agency on the adequacy of its actions to clean up Lower Manhattan and recommend programs to protect the health of those who live or work in the area.

Class-Action Lawsuit Charges EPA with "A Shockingly Deliberate Indifference to Human Health"
A lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal District Court charged EPA and its former head, Christie Whitman, with "a shockingly deliberate indifference to human health" when she issued reassuring statements about air quality downtown that proved to be misleading. "As a result," according to the lawsuit, a large group of New Yorkers exposed "to hazardous substances for over two years is left with the expense of full and proper cleanup of their residences and workplaces, and is faced with potentially serious long-term health effects."

Chicago Warehouse Owner Pleads Guilty to Illegal Asbestos Removal
The owner of a warehouse in Chicago, Ill., pled guilty to charges that he was responsible for a 1999 illegal asbestos removal project at his warehouse in violation of the Clean Air Act.

Four Individuals Plead Guilty in New York State Asbestos Case
Four individuals pled guilty on Feb. 25 to various New York state charges that arose from the demolition of two buildings in Buffalo, N.Y.

GAO Report Highlights Effectiveness of OSHA's Voluntary and Cooperative Programs
A year-long study by the Government Accounting Office on OSHA's voluntary compliance programs wrapped up last month saying the strategies "have improved employers' safety and health practices" and noted that many participants interviewed said the programs resulted in not only helping to reduce injury and illness rates but also have fostered "better working relationships with OSHA." Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-GA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections said the report "shows that OSHA's voluntary compliance programs have so far proven successful in improving safety at workplaces across the country." OSHA Administrator John Henshaw said the report recognizes that these strategies "are highly effective in extending OSHA's reach" and "complement and augment OSHA's aggressive efforts to enforce occupational safety and health standards." Henshaw said OSHA will more closely evaluate the benefits of such programs through its strategic planning process.

Latest Safety and Health Bulletin Focuses on Suspension Trauma
Fall arrest systems save lives, but workers who remain suspended for lengthy periods of time in safety harnesses following a fall can develop a condition known as "orthostatic intolerance-the pooling of blood in the veins due to a force of gravity and lack of movement. OSHA has developed a safety and health bulletin that describes the signs and symptoms of the condition, outlines recommendations for preventing such occurrences, and discusses worker training and rescue.

New Electronic Assistance Tools Available on OSHA's Website
OSHA recently posted a new electronic assistance tools (eTool) to aid workers and employers on safety and health issues. The Electric Power Generation eTool complements an earlier safety and health topic page on the issue to provide information and assistance for employers and workers in the electric power generation, transmission and distribution industry.

Back to Top

May 2004

OSHA Announces Targeted Inspection Plan for 2004
About 4,000 high-hazard worksites are on tap for inspection under OSHA's Site Specific Targeting Program for 2004, OSHA announced April 12. This year's program is effective April 19 and will initially target sites that reported 15 or more injuries or illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity or job transfer for every 100 full-time workers (known as the DART rate). The list will also include sites that have a days away from work injury and illness (DAFWII) rate of 10 or higher. The program stems from OSHA's Data Initiative for 2003 that surveyed approximately 80,000 employers to attain injury and illness data for 2002.

OSHA Seeking Public Comment on Two Initiatives
OSHA is proposing to revise its two-decade old electrical installation standard and is asking for public comment on the proposed changes. The changes will focus on safety in the design and installation of electric equipment in the workplace. Comments are due by June 4; details are published in the April 5, 2004 Federal Register. The agency has also extended until May 17 the informal public comment period on two guidance documents associated with the hazard communication initiative announced last month. The documents are Guidance for Hazard Determination and Model Training Program for Hazard Communication.

Ergonomics, Construction Committees Schedule May Meetings in Washington, D.C.
OSHA has scheduled three advisory meetings in the nation's capital this month. The National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) will convene May 11-12 at the Holiday Inn on the Hill. NACE advises the OSHA Administrator on issues related to guidelines, research, and outreach and assistance on ergonomics-related injuries in the workplace. The Cranes and Derrick Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will meet at the Labor Department, May 4-7. The committee is chartered to function as a part of OSHA's rulemaking process to revise existing standards for cranes and derricks in construction. Finally, the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) will gather May 18-19 at the Labor Department to discuss various issues related to the protection of construction workers.

New Safety and Health Bulletin Highlights Air-line Respirators
Preventing fatal accidents that can result from the improper use of air-line respirators is the subject of OSHA's latest Safety and Health Bulletin. Air-line respirators are typically used in painting, cleaning and abrasive blasting work environments. The bulletin includes discussion of five case histories in which workers died due to respirators being inadvertently connected to inert gas supplies. In addition to respiratory protection requirements, the bulletin provides recommendations to help employers and workers ensure proper procedures are followed when using air-line respirators.

New Fact Sheets Available on Important Topics
OSHA recently added seven new items to its ongoing series of fact sheets on various safety and health topics. The new additions include: Planning and Responding to Workplace Emergencies; The OSHA Consultation Program; OSHA Requirements When a Worker Experiences a Job-Related Injury or Illness; Voluntary Protection Programs; The OSHA Alliance Program; State Job Safety and Health Programs; and Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response.

Trinational Occupational Safety and Health Web Site Launched
The Trinational Occupational Safety and Health Working Group of Government Experts of the U.S., Mexico and Canada has agreed to launch a Web site focusing on occupational safety and health issues. Also, employer and worker representatives have been selected to advise on issues raised under the Trinational Working Group and participate in its activities as appropriate.

OSHA Cites Inadequate Structural Support at Tropicana Garage After Fatal Collapse Contractors Fined More Than $119,000
OSHA issued citations to four contractors building the ten-story parking garage at the Tropicana Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, N.J., following an investigation of the Oct. 30, 2003 garage collapse that killed four workers and injured 21.

OSHA Proposes $111,000 in Penalties Against Fort Smith Construction Company
The alleged failure of Garney Construction Inc. to protect employees from trenching and other job-related hazards has resulted in citations and proposed penalties for serious and repeated violations of safety standards from OSHA.

OSHA Cites Schenectady Contractor Following Fatal Cave-In
A fatal cave-in at a Colonie, N.Y., jobsite has resulted in citations and $17,100 in fines against the deceased worker's employer from OSHA.
JRP Enterprises, Inc., of 1540 Van Antwerp Rd. in Schenectady, was cited for three serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act following an OSHA inspection initiated after a Nov. 25, 2003, cave-in. On that day, a JRP employee was killed when he was caught and buried in the collapse of an 11-foot-deep excavation on Harmony Court in Colonie.

OSHA Cites Mississippi Contractor for Scaffolding Hazards
More Than $113,000 in Penalties Proposed
OSHA has cited Atkins Masonry, Inc., after finding the company used dangerously unsafe scaffolding at a Hattiesburg construction site despite having been penalized for similar hazards several times in recent years.

Safety Hazards on Route 3 Highway Project Lead to $371,000 In OSHA Fines for Massachusetts Contractor
OSHA has cited Modern Continental Construction Co., the lead contractor on a highway improvement project through Middlesex County, Mass., for failing to protect its workers against cave-in, fall and drowning hazards at four different worksites on Route 3 in Bedford, Billerica and Chelmsford. The company faces a total of $371,000 in proposed fines for the violations.

Contractors on Chicago Jobsite Fined $324,500 For Exposing Workers to Potentially Deadly Falls
OSHA has issued citations to two construction contractors in Chicago's West Loop for allegedly failing to protect workers from falls and improperly storing potentially explosive gas cylinders.

Construction Partnership Signed in New York
The safety and health of workers at a Manhattan construction site is the focus of a new partnership between OSHA's Manhattan office and contractor Structure Tone, Inc. The company is the general contractor for a new retail, office and residential project on Lexington Avenue. Joining in the partnership is the Building and Construction Trades Council and the New York State Department of Labor's On-Site Consultation Program.

New Alliance Will Promote Safety For Dallas Area Construction Workers
Furthering the safety and health of construction industry workers in north Texas is the goal of an alliance between the OSHA Dallas area office and QUOIN, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America and Jordan Construction Services.

Partnership in Colorado With Home Builders Association
A partnership between Colorado's OSHA area offices and the Home Builders Association is reaping major benefits, including a 65 per cent reduction in recordable injuries and illnesses. The Colorado Region also reports that HBA almost doubled the number of workers trained since 2002 in safety procedures and nearly tripled the number of workers attending "tail-gate" training sessions presented in both English and Spanish.

New Partnership Will Enhance Safety of Highway Construction Workers in New Jersey
OSHA's Avenel, NJ area office signed a partnership with Slattery Skanska, Inc., general contractor of a highway construction project on Route 18 in Piscataway, NJ. Joining in the agreement are the New Jersey Transportation Department, and the state's On-Site Safety Consultation Service, the Middlesex County Building and Construction Trades Council, and the New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters.

OSHA Renews Alliance with Independent Electrical Contractors
The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) extended their Alliance with OSHA for two years, April 5, to continue focusing on reducing fall and material handling hazards, and auto collisions. That agreement has already resulted in a web-based training tool called Ergonomic Solutions for Electrical Contractors, in addition to the development of a motor vehicle safety workshop.

OSHA Partner in Wisconsin Receives Insurance Industry Award
The Wausau Insurance Company recently awarded Cullen/Smith LLC a safety excellence award for its safety and health program during the renovation of Camp Randall, the University of Wisconsin football stadium in Madison. The award recognized the company for having no lost time injuries or illnesses covering approximately 182,000 man hours in the project, which began one year ago. More than 250 workers are involved in the three-year renovation that includes extensive demolition, steel erection, and concrete work. OSHA's area office in Madison formed the partnership with the company last May. Joining in that partnership are Wisconsin Safety and Health Consultation Services, numerous building trade representatives, and Wausau Insurance.

OSHA, American Industrial Hygiene Association Renew Alliance
Hazard Communication, Ergonomics continues to be focus of agreement
OSHA Administrator John Henshaw today extended the Alliance with the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for two additional years saying the collaborative relationship and the continued progress being made is too important to bring to an end.

OSHA and Colorado AGC Now Partners For Worker Safety
OSHA and the Associated General Contractors of Colorado Building Chapter, Inc. (AGC) have formed a partnership to improve safety and health at Colorado construction sites. The statewide Construction Health and Safety Excellence (CHASE) partnership provides incentives to AGC contractors who have excellent safety and health programs and involves OSHA's Denver and Englewood offices.

Construction and Development Effluent Guideline Final Action
EPA issued a final action that relies on a broad range of existing programs and regulations at the federal, state and local level to control stormwater runoff from construction sites in lieu of a new national effluent guideline.

HHS Awards $81 Million for Five-Year Health Screening of World Trade Center Rescue and Recovery Workers
NIOSH will administer $81 million in grants for a five-year health screening program of New York City firefighters, workers and volunteers who provided rescue, recovery, and restoration services at the World Trade Center disaster site.

NIOSH Seeking Public Comments on New Program to Test PPE Leakage
NIOSH is seeking comments concerning the establishment of Total Inward Leakage (TIL) performance requirements and laboratory test capabilities for testing personal protective equipment (PPE). The initial TIL project will address half-mask respirators with other classes of respirators to follow. The program concept can be viewed at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/tilcon42004.html. Comments concerning the program can be sent to niocindocket@cdc.gov.

NIOSH Furthers Partnership with ASSE
Hongwei Hsiao has been selected as the newest member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) Foundation's research committee. Hongwei's appointment is an important step forward in the NIOSH/ASSE partnership which was established in 2003. "By leveraging our resources, we will be able to enhance overall national safety research efforts and accelerate the transfer of research products to industrial practices" said Hongwei. His responsibilities on the committee include assisting with the selection of workplace safety research projects and selecting the two ASSE Foundation/Liberty Mutual Research Fellowships. Hongwei is the Protective Technology Branch Chief in the NIOSH Division of Safety Research. More information on the ASSE can be found at http://www.asse.org/foundat.htm.

NIOSH Surveillance Results in CDC Contained in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
On April 28, NIOSH joined the international labor community in remembering those workers who have died or been injured on the job. Each day in the U.S. fifteen workers die from their injuries, 134 die from work-related diseases, nearly 11,000 are treated in emergency departments and approximately 200 of these workers are hospitalized, all as a result of work-related injuries and illnesses. To commemorate Workers' Memorial Day 2004, a special issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) was released on April 23 which included results from NIOSH surveillance and research activities related to trenching and evacuation work, carbon monoxide poisonings while operating motorboats, and fatalities among pilots serving the agricultural community. To view the special issue, visit http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/mmwr/WkrMemDay04.html.

NIOSH Release Manual on How to Evaluate Safety and Health Changes in the Workplace
A new NIOSH web page and manual provide guidance to employers in assessing and measuring the effectiveness safety and health changes in the workplace. The manual, Does it Really Work? How to Evaluate Safety and Health Changes in the Workplace DHHS (NIOSH) Pub No. 2004-135, provides case studies and useful tips in an easy-to-read format. The accompanying web site, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2004-135, is an interactive version of the manual. The manual was developed by the Intervention Effectiveness Team under the National Occupational Research Agenda.

NMAM 4th Edition
A new edition of the NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is now available. NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed. The methods have been developed or adapted by NIOSH and our partners and have been evaluated according to established experimental protocols and performance criteria. The new edition is accessible at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam.

Latest NIOSH Topic Page - Excavation & Trenching
NIOSH has posted a new safety and health topic page on its Website for trenching and excavation. The page notes that trenching and excavation hazards caused at least 542 construction fatalities between 1992 and 2001. The page includes links to NIOSH FACE reports and publications, as well as links to other resources such as OSHA. Access the page at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/trenching

DOT Releases Preliminary Estimates of 2003 Highway Fatalities
Injuries from motor vehicle crashes declined slightly in 2003, to the lowest levels since such data have been kept, according to preliminary estimates from the U. S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The report on fatalities is mixed, however, with 43,220 deaths overall on the nation's highways in 2003, up slightly from 42,815 in 2002.

AFL-CIO Releases 13th Annual Job Safety Report
Certain groups, such as Hispanics and foreign-born workers, face a greater risk of injuries and fatalities on the job despite the overall drop in workplace injury and illness rates, according to an AFL-CIO report released April 28. The report claims the nation's commitment to workers is faltering, while "a high priority is put on protecting employers from meaningful regulations and enforcement."
The report, "Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect" is the 13th annual job safety report published by AFL-CIO. Its release coincided with Workers' Memorial Day. The full report is available on the union's Website, http://www.aflcio.org.

Kennedy Sponsors "Protecting America's Workers" Act
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., introduced the Protecting America's Workers Act on April 28, Workers Memorial Day, to expand the Occupational Safety and Health Act's coverage to 8.4 million of public- and private-sector workers not covered by the act. The bill also makes improvements in:

Providing meaningful penalties to violators

Protecting the public's right to know

Protecting whistleblowers

Requiring employers to provide personal protective equipment

SAMHSA Proposes Updated Rules for Federal Workplace Drug Testing
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is proposing a new rule that would allow federal agencies to use sweat, saliva and hair in federal drug testing programs that now only test urine. The proposal would also allow selected specimen testing at the time and place it is collected.

CPSC, Wagner Spray Tech Corporation Announce Recall of Drill Charger Base
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced a recall of the Wagner cordless drill charger base.

Events

Safety Seminar for Spanish-Speaking Workforce Scheduled in New Jersey
OSHA's New Jersey offices are teaming up with the American Society of Safety Engineers to present a seminar on reducing injuries and fatalities among the Hispanic population. The seminar, "Effective Safety and Health Management Techniques for a Spanish Speaking Workforce," will be held May 6 at the PSEG Power LLC Generation Support Center in South Plainfield, NJ, and will concentrate on various occupational hazards including falls, electrocutions, and excavation cave-ins. For more information, contact Mary Bell at (908) 289-8139.

OSHA Administrator to Address New England Homeland Security Conference
The Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, is the site of the second annual New England Homeland Security Conference, May 27. Assistant Secretary of Labor John Henshaw will deliver the keynote address. The conference is a collaborative effort between OSHA, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard and the New England OSHA Training Institute and Education Center at Keene State College. Registration information is available online or by calling 800-449-OSHA (6742).

Back to Top

June 2004

OSHA Cites Smyrna Contractor for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards at Carroll County Job Site
OSHA has issued citations for alleged job safety violations to Interstate Grading, LLC, after completing its investigation of a trenching accident that trapped four workers last autumn.

Construction Firm Cited in Kansas for Alleged Repeat Safety Hazards
230,100 Proposed Penalty Combines Wichita and Lawrence Worksites
Failure to provide a safe work environment has resulted in citations issued by OSHA against San Antonio Lath & Plaster Inc.

OSHA Cites Pipeline Company for Trenching Hazards at Ocilla, Ga., Job Site, Agency Proposes Penalties Totaling $115,500
OSHA has cited and proposed monetary penalties against Wynn Brothers Inc. for exposing workers to trenching hazards at an Ocilla construction site.

San Antonio Construction Firm Cited in Kansas for Alleged Repeat Safety Hazards
$230,100 Proposed Penalty Combines Wichita and Lawrence Worksites
Failure to provide a safe work environment has resulted in citations issued by OSAH against San Antonio Lath & Plaster Inc.

Excavation Hazards at Baton Rouge Worksite Bring OSHA Citations and Fines Totaling $45,900
A local construction company's alleged failure to protect employees from potential trenching and excavation hazards has resulted in proposed penalties of $45,900 from OSHA.

OSHA Cites Contractor for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards at Arkabutla Creek Bridge Construction Site
OSHA has cited Talbot Brothers Contracting Co., Inc., and proposed penalties totaling $40,000, for failing to protect employees from fall hazards at a bridge construction site in Nesbit, Miss.

OSHA Cites Four Contractors at Camp Lejeune Construction Site
OSHA has cited a general contractor and three sub-contractors following the inspection of a Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base construction site. The agency has proposed $134,200 in total penalties for the alleged health and safety violations.

OSHA Cites Valdosta Contractor for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards at Homerville Job Site
OSHA has cited Standard Contractors Inc. for exposing workers to trenching hazards at a Homerville excavation site where employees were installing sewer lines in a nine-foot-deep trench. The agency is proposing $76,000 in penalties.

OSHA Cites Employer For Exposing Workers To Excavation Hazards
OSHA issued citations and proposed penalties to V.DiIorio & Son, Inc., of South Plainfield, N.J., for allegedly exposing employees to cave-ins while working in a seven-foot deep unprotected trench at a jobsite on Route 46 West.

OSHA Cites Two Texas Area Employers Following Fatal Accident
OSHA has cited Jimerson Underground Inc. and L&B Vactor Services LLC, of Texas, for alleged violations of safety standards following the November deaths of two L&B Vactor Services workers who suffocated when they entered an oxygen-deficient sanitary sewer in Edinburg to clean it out.

OSHA Proposes $43,200 in Penalties Against Leonel Rubio Masonry in Houston For Safety Violations
Failure to protect employees from potential scaffolding and fall hazards has brought Leonel Rubio Masonry in Houston $43,200 in proposed penalties from OSHA.

OSHA Finds Safety Violations at Two Ammon, Idaho, Construction Sites
OSHA has issued serious and willful citations to Rockwell Development Corp., of Idaho Falls, Idaho, for trenching and excavation violations found during inspections of the company's Centennial and Woodland Hills subdivisions construction sites in Ammon, Idaho. The citations carry proposed penalties totaling $60,500.

OSHA Issues Safety Bulletin on the Verification Of Calibration for Direct-Reading Portable Gas Monitors
The risk of injury or death due to respiratory hazards caused by the presence of toxic gases is the rationale for the bulletin Verification of Calibration for Direct-Reading Portable Gas Monitors. Gas monitoring instruments are designed to protect personnel from unseen hazards that may exist in workplace environments, including confined spaces. When those devices are not maintained or calibrated properly, tragedy can result. This bulletin explains calibration rules and procedures and also offers recommendations from the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) that suggests, at a minimum, verification of sensor accuracy before each day's use.

Comment Period Extended for Hazard Communication Documents
OSHA has extended the opportunity for the public to comment on two draft guidance documents associated with the hazard communication initiative first announced in March. The documents are Guidance for Hazard Determination and Model Training Program for Hazard Communication. Comments are now due to OSHA not later than June 16.

Site-Specific Targeting Program Out for Comment
OSHA is asking interested members of the public to comment by July 6, 2004, on the agency's Site-Specific Targeting (SST) inspection program. The six-year old program uses data from OSHA's Data Initiative survey to focus agency inspection resources on workplaces that have reported high injury and illness rates. OSHA is soliciting suggestions from the public on how to improve the SST program, as well as obtain information on how the program is perceived by workers and employers. The full announcement was published in the May 6, 2004, Federal Register.

Important Information Available for Working Safely in Hot Weather
Protecting workers during the hot and humid weather of summer is the purpose of various OSHA publications available online. Protecting Yourself in the Sun is a revised pocket card highlighting the hazards, and prevention, of skin cancer. Working Outdoors is a fact sheet that focuses on protecting workers against heat, direct sun exposure, Lyme disease (from ticks), and illnesses associated with the West Nile Virus. It also provides several related l