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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Alaska Cites Seafood Company for Exposing Workers to Hazards

The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Division issued five citations and $91,852 in penalties to Westward Seafoods, Inc., for exposing workers to machine guarding and struck-by hazards. Inspectors concluded that the company failed to inspect slings, fastenings, and attachments prior to being used for material handling; display load rating information on equipment; and protect workers from electrical shock and ladder fall hazards. The company was previously cited for these violations in 2015.

California Cites Construction Contractor Following Worker Fatality

California OSHA issued four citations and $49,500 in penalties to Resource Environmental, Inc., after an unstable, unsupported wall collapsed during a building demolition, resulting in fatal injuries to a worker. Inspectors found that the company failed to inspect the wall while work progressed and provide neither adequate shoring nor bracing.

Two Florida Contractors Cited After Fatal Fall at Construction Site

After a worker was fatally injured in a fall from a work platform, OSHA cited GA&L Construction Corp., Inc., and the Rinaldi Group of Florida, LLC, for exposing workers to fall, struck-by, and impalement hazards. The two companies face $87,327 in penalties. For more information, read the news release.

Florida Zoo Cited after Rhinoceros Injures Zookeeper

OSHA cited the Jacksonville Zoological Society, Inc., for failing to protect workers from recognized hazards when training and feeding rhinos and for failing to notify OSHA within 24 hours of the worker's hospitalization. The zoo faces $14,661 in proposed penalties. For more information, read the news release and visit OSHA’s Employer Responsibilities webpage.

Georgia Distributor Cited for Chemical and Forklift Hazards

Woodgrain Distribution, Inc., was cited and fined $125,466 for exposing workers to chemical and struck-by hazards. OSHA found that the company failed to provide functioning eyewash stations and eye, face and hand protection. The company also exposed workers to struck-by hazards from forklifts. Read the news release for more information. OSHA’s Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances webpage contains information on chemical safety.

Illinois Metal Treating Facility Cited for 21 Serious Health and Safety Violations

Hudapack Metal Treating of Illinois, Inc., faces $181,662 in penalties after a worker was electrocuted while using a damaged lamp during the cleaning of the inside of a metal tank. The company failed to use electrical safety work practices; provide appropriate personal protective equipment, train workers about electrical hazards; repair damaged electrical outlets; and implement lockout/tagout procedures and a permit-required confined space program. For more information, read the news release and visit OSHA’s webpage on electrical safety.

Citations, Penalties Upheld Against New Jersey Medical Center

A judge affirmed all OSHA citations and $174,593 in penalties against Jersey City Medical Center. OSHA cited the medical center for electrical hazards after a maintenance worker received a shock that resulted in a fatal fall. The judge found that the employer willfully failed to train the worker for hazardous electrical work. For more information, read the news release.

New York Construction Company Cited for Fall Hazards Following Fatal Structure Collapse

Northridge Construction Corp. faces $224,620 in penalties after a worker was fatally injured following a structure collapsed during the installation of roof panels on a shed. OSHA cited the company for willful and serious violations that include failing to provide fall protection and protective helmets, confirm the structural integrity of the roof, and ensure the proper use of a ladder. Read the news release for more information.

Montana Steel Company Eliminates Injuries with Help from On-Site Consultation Program

After representatives of OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program worked with Teton Steel of Montana to identify fall and electrical hazards at its facility in Billings, the company took steps to improve safety throughout the workplace. Teton now trains workers to recognize and report hazards and encourages management and workers to collaborate on developing safe practices. Their commitment to safety has resulted in more than seven years without a worker injury and acceptance in OSHA’s Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. For more information, read the success story.

OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health

• The Electric Cooperative of Mississippi renewed a two-year agreement to continue protecting workers by preventing exposure to hazards in the electric power transmission and distribution and construction industries.
• The Associated General Contractors of America, San Antonio Chapter renewed a two-year agreement to prevent construction injuries from fall, electrical, struck-by, and caught-in or between hazards.
• The Hispanic Contractors Association de San Antonio signed a two-year renewal agreement to protect construction workers from electrical, struck-by, and caught-in or between hazards.

New OSHA Alert Focuses on Working Safely in Hot Weather

A new OSHA Alert offers information and resources to protect workers from heat-related illness when performing activities in high temperatures and humid conditions. The latest in a series of alerts addresses safety hazards and solutions that are associated with specific equipment, events, or activities.