Department of Labor logo

UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

OSHA to Host Third Meeting on Whistleblower Issues May 14

A meeting will be held May 14 in Washington, D.C., to solicit public comments and suggestions from stakeholders on issues facing OSHA in the administration of the whistleblower protection provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA is seeking input on improving whistleblower customer service and enhancing understanding of whistleblower laws the agency enforces. The meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of Labor’s national headquarters. Those interested must register by April 30. For more information, see the Federal Register notice. OSHA previously held stakeholder meetings on whistleblower protection in the transportation and financial sectors.

Governors Sign Grain Safety Stand-Up Proclamations

Governors Laura Kelly of Kansas, John Bel Edwards of Louisiana, Michael L. Parson of Missouri, and Pete Ricketts of Nebraska signed proclamations recognizing March 25-29 as Stand-Up for Grain Safety Week. The purpose of the event is to increase awareness of grain industry hazards, including bin entry, machine guarding, falls, heat, combustible dust, and struck-by. The governors recognized the efforts of participating organizations to ensure worker safety with proper training, supervision, and equipment. More information is on the Stand-Up for Grain Safety website.

Ohio Company Faces $1.3 Million in Penalties after Willfully Exposing Workers to Hazards

Dowa THT America Inc. was cited for exposing workers to atmospheric, thermal, electrical, and mechanical hazards while they performed maintenance inside heat-treating furnaces. The company was cited for 25 violations of confined spaces, fall, machine guarding, respiratory, chemical, and electrical safety and health standards. Dowa THT faces $1,339,596 in penalties and has been placed in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Read the news release for more information.

Reminder: Employers Must Post Injury/Illness Summary Through April 30

Each year, employers are required to post a copy of OSHA Form 300A from Feb. 1 through April 30.  The summary must be displayed in a common area where notices to workers are usually posted. Businesses with 10 or fewer workers and those in certain low-hazard industries are exempt from OSHA recordkeeping and posting requirements. Visit OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule webpage for more information.

Iowa On-Site Consultation Program Helps Company Reduce Injuries and Costs

Carroll Coolers Inc. (CCI), a manufacturer of retail ice equipment and walk-in coolers and freezers, contacted Iowa OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program for help lowering injury and illness rates and improving overall workplace safety. Working with state consultants, CCI implemented new worker training methods and formed a safety committee that includes workers from all levels of the organization. Reducing reportable injuries and improving safety conditions at CCI contributed to lowering workers’ compensation premiums. The company is a participant in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. For more details, read the success story.

Partnership to Enhance Workplace Safety and Health at Texas Construction Project

OSHA and Lee Lewis Construction recently signed a partnership agreement to help protect workers during construction of the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Lubbock, Texas. The partnership will focus on preventing fall, electrical, trenching and excavation, struck-by, and caught-between hazards. The partners will also encourage contractors and subcontractors to exchange information on hazards identified during construction activities.

OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health

• The Brewers Association, Master Brewers Association of the Americas, and the Colorado Brewers Guild signed a two-year agreement to help protect the health and safety of workers in Colorado’s brewing industry. Participants will provide information and training resources on preventing exposure to hazards during the brewing, storing, containerizing, handling, and delivery of beer.
• The Colorado Contractors Association signed a two-year agreement to help protect the health and safety of construction workers. Participants will provide information and training resources on preventing exposure to work zone, fall, trenching and excavation, electrical, and silica hazards.
• The National Association of Minority Contractors-Dallas Fort Worth Chapter signed a two-year agreement to provide information and training resources on preventing exposure to fall and struck-by hazards, and understanding workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities.
• The Suncoast Utility Contractors Association renewed a five-year agreement to address underground utility construction hazards, such as digging trenches and excavations, and entering confined spaces.
• The United Safety Council renewed a five-year agreement to develop safety and health programs related to workplace violence, first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillators. The participants will continue to communicate these programs to hard-to-reach groups, that include non-English speaking and youth workers.

Follow Us on Twitter and Visit Us on Facebook

Follow @OSHA_DOL on Twitter (and thanks for retweeting!) and visit the DOL Facebook page for OSHA information and resources.