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UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Georgia Auto Parts Distributor Cited for Fire, Struck-By, and Other Hazards

OSHA cited wholesale auto and truck parts distributor Parts Authority Georgia, LLC, for exposing workers to smoke and fire hazards. Inspectors determined that the company allowed obstructed exits; exposed workers to struck-by hazards from damaged storage rack supports and shelves; and failed to provide training on recognizing chemical hazards. The company faces $133,406 in penalties. For more information, read the news release.

Florida Property Maintenance Company Cited After Worker Suffers Burn Injuries

L.A. Disaster Relief and Property Maintenance, LLC, was cited and fined $94,415 for failing to implement a hazard communication program after a worker sustained burn injuries. Inspectors determined that the owner directed a worker to ignite wood and debris inside an air burn box using a torch and gasoline, which caused an explosion. Read the news release for more information.

South Florida Printer Fined for Exposing Workers to Amputation, Electrical, and Other Hazards

Nupress of Miami, Inc., faces $71,139 in penalties for failing to provide machine guarding, establish a lockout/tagout program, implement a written hazard communication program, and properly store flammable liquids. Nupress was also cited for failing to secure a safety platform to the lifting carriage and/or forks on a forklift. Read the news release for more information.

California Fines Company after Worker Suffers Serious Electric Shock

California OSHA issued six citations and $95,435 in penalties to Southern California Edison after a worker attempting to remove an old ground wire contacted an energized transformer and suffered serious injuries. Inspectors determined that the company failed to control hazardous energy, isolate exposed underground cables with protective coverings, and eliminate all possible sources of backfeeding energy.

Hawaii Cites Hotel for Exposing Workers to Asbestos Hazards

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division issued eight citations and $66,013 in penalties to Hyatt Corporation after determining that workers performing maintenance and demolition activities on a hotel were not informed about asbestos handling, personal protective equipment, and good work practices. The employer was cited for failing to conduct periodic safety inspections, and failing to train workers on asbestos hazards and proper use of respirators.

Alaska On-Site Consultation Helps Community Food Bank Reduce Injuries

A successful collaboration between the Fairbanks Community Food Bank and Alaska's On-Site Consultation Program has made the food bank a safer place to work. The consultation program connected the food bank and helped identify and correct hazards. A training program was developed to ensure that all forklift operators learned and implemented consistent safety practices. An incentive system was also created to reward workers for recognizing and reporting safety issues. After reducing its recordable and serious injury rate to zero from 2015-2017, the food bank was accepted into OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, which recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA's On-Site Consultation Program services and operate an exemplary safety and health programs. For more information, read the success story.

OSHA Alliance Partners Commit to Improving Worker Safety and Health

• Lamar Outdoor Advertising Company renewed a five-year alliance to help protect the safety and health of workers in Connecticut and western Massachusetts. The alliance will focus on fall protection, personal protective equipment, safe use of ladders, electrical safety, control of hazardous energy, and protection against bloodborne pathogens.
• The Associated Builders and Contractors-Delaware Chapter renewed a five-year agreement to provide educational and training resources to help improve the safety of construction workers.
• T&T Staff Management renewed a three-year agreement to provide information and training resources that will help protect workers from construction and general industry safety hazards.
• The El Paso Association of Contractors signed a two-year agreement to help protect workers from exposure to falls, electrocution, struck-by, and caught-in or caught-between hazards; and by educating them on workers' rights and employers' responsibilities.
• The Chicagoland WERCouncil signed a two-year agreement to provide information and training resources that will help protect workers from exposure to hazards associated with the warehousing and distribution industry.
• The Chicagoland Associated General Contractors signed a two-year agreement to help protect workers from exposure to electrical, fall, struck-by, caught-in-between, silica, and ergonomic hazards in construction.

Happy New Year!

OSHA wishes you a safe and healthy new year. QuickTakes will take a brief break over the holidays. Please continue to visit the agency's website for news and updates. Look for your next issue of QuickTakes in mid-January 2019.