April 17, 2019 • Volume 18, Issue 7 • A twice monthly newsletter with information about workplace safety and health.
TOP STORIES
Sixth Annual National Fall Stand-Down Begins May 6
Thousands of worksites will join OSHA and its partners for the annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction with events across the country from May 6-10. Employers and workers will pause during the workday to talk about fall hazards, OSHA compliance, and industry best practices to prevent falls in all workplaces. The lack of proper fall protection is the most frequently cited OSHA violation. Share your Stand-Down story on social media, with the hashtag: #StandDown4Safety.
Social Media Campaign Seeks to Keep Young Workers Safe on the Job
OSHA is partnering with worker safety organizations on #MySafeSummerJob, a social media campaign to educate young workers about their rights in the workplace, how to speak up about dangerous work conditions, and how to protect themselves on the job. Join OSHA, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, and others over the next five weeks – April 15 through May 17 – to promote safety among young workers. Check out materials and ideas at the #MySafeSummerJob website.
ENFORCEMENT
California Fines Contractor after Worker Fatally Injured
California OSHA issued four citations and $67,500 in penalties to Crain Walnut Shelling, Inc., after a worker suffered fatal injuries. Inspectors determined that the company failed to train workers on hazardous energy, ensure the proper identification and evaluation of workplace hazards, and use an extension tool to minimize crushing hazards.
Florida Roofing Contractor Cited for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards
OSHA cited Florida Roofing Experts, Inc., after inspectors observed workers performing residential roofing activities without fall protection. The agency inspected the worksite as part of the Regional Emphasis Program on Falls in Construction. OSHA issued penalties of $132,598. Read the news release for more information.
New York Plant Cited after Worker Suffers Amputation
OSHA cited Remington Arms Co., LLC, for unguarded machinery violations after a worker’s fingertip was amputated while using a metalworking machine. The company was also cited for failing to protect workers from chemical, noise, ladder, crushing, and struck-by hazards. Proposed penalties total $210,132. Read the news release for more information.
Tennessee Cites Company for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards
Tennessee OSHA issued four citations and $89,500 in penalties to Prince Erachem, LLC, for exposing workers to trenching and walking surface hazards. Inspectors found that the company failed to keep walking surfaces free from debris and provide adequate protective systems, shoring, and safeguards to prevent a spoil pile at the edge of the trench from falling on workers. The company was previously cited for these violations in 2014 and 2015.
Wisconsin Pallet Manufacturer Cited after Three Workers Exposed to Hazardous Wood Dust
OSHA has cited Avid Pallet Services, LLC, after a follow-up inspection found workers continued to be exposed to wood dust. The company faces penalties of $188,302 for failing to implement sufficient engineering controls to limit dust exposure, evaluate respiratory hazards, and train workers on the health hazards of wood dust. The company was previously cited for these hazards in 2016. For more information, read the news release.
RECORDKEEPING
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.
SAFETY AND HEALTH OUTREACH
OSHA to Raise Awareness about Trench Safety in Ohio and Illinois
In early April, OSHA joined industry and labor leaders, and safety professionals for trench safety events in Warren, Ohio, and the Chicago area. Participants received presentations on soil mechanics, shoring equipment, and trench safety regulations. Every year, workers are seriously and fatally injured from trench collapses, often because the trenches are improperly sloped, shored, or shielded. For more information on trenching hazards and solutions, see OSHA’s trenching and excavation webpage.
Regional Construction Safety Campaign Shifts Focus to Struck-By Hazards
Last month, OSHA and the Mid-Atlantic Construction Safety Council launched a four-month campaign to address the four leading causes of fatal injuries in construction. In March, the campaign focused on electrical hazards. During April, the emphasis is on struck-by hazards, followed by falls next month, and caught-in/between hazards in June. For more information, contact OSHA-Focus4-Region3@dol.gov.
COOPERATIVE PROGRAMS
OSHA Chief of Staff Krisann Pearce addresses attendees of the Alliance Program Forum in Washington, D.C.
Alliance Program Forum Shares Information and Resources That Help Protect Workers
Representatives from more than 50 current, former, and prospective national alliances met on April 4 for the Alliance Program Forum in Washington, D.C. Participants learned about OSHA’s safety and health initiatives from agency leadership, and shared information with one another about tools and resources to help employers protect workers. OSHA Chief of Staff Krisann Pearce participated in the event and commended attendees for helping OSHA provide workplace safety and health information to 8.9 million employers and workers during fiscal year 2018.
Wyoming On-Site Consultation Program Helps Hospice Eliminate Workplace Injuries
Davis Hospice Center was accepted into Wyoming OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for continually improving the company’s safety and health program and ensuring that workers in the state stay safe. Participating in SHARP and working with OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program helped Davis identify appropriate engineering controls, such as self-sheathing needles. The hospice center has had no recordable injuries from 2017 through 2018 – far below the industry average. For more information, read the success story.
SAFETY AND HEALTH RESOURCES
Featured Video: 5 Ways to Prevent Workplace Falls
This brief video provides a quick and clear reminder that thorough planning, proper training, and well-maintained equipment are crucial to protecting workers from falls. Fall protection is required when working at heights of 6 feet in construction and 4 feet in general industry.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Featured Posts
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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