TechneTrain, Inc.

OSHA Guidance and Emphasis Programs for the Nursery and Landscape Industries

February 2012
OSHA reminds employers to post injury/illness summaries beginning Feb. 1
.
Employers must post OSHA's Form 300A from Feb. 1 to April 30 in a common area wherever notices to workers are usually posted.  The summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2011. Copies of the OSHA Forms are available for download from OSHA's Recordkeeping webpage...

January 31 2012
New short videos from OSHA provide training to help inform workers on the proper use of respirators.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has posted a series of 17 videos to help workers learn about the proper use of respirators on the job. These short videos, nine in English and eight in Spanish, provide valuable information to workers in general industry and construction. Topics include OSHA's Respiratory Standard, respirator use, training, fit-testing and detecting counterfeit respirators...

January 2012
OSHA publishes Illness and Injury Prevention Programs White Paper

January 2012
OSHA posts Summary Report of Stakeholder Meeting on Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss

January 2012
OSHA Web page offers information to protect workers during winter storm response and recovery operations

December 21 2011
OSHA aims to protect workers during winter storms.

November 30 2011
New tire charts will help workers safely service single-piece and multi-piece rim wheels.

October 20 2011
Statement from Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on reported decline in workplace injuries and illnesses.
 

October 17 2011
New small businesses document explains OSHA's respiratory protection standard. 

October 6 2011
OSHA invites interested parties to participate in an informal stakeholder meeting on preventing occupational hearing loss.

October 6 2011
OSHA to host conversation with stakeholders on occupational hearing loss.

September 15 2011
OSHA launches new  Workplace Violence Web Page. 

September 9 2011
OSHA issues 2011 annual inspection plan for protecting workers in high-hazard workplaces. 

September 8 2011
OSHA issues compliance directive to address workplace violence.
 

August 23 2011
US Department of Labor improves enforcement database.

August 2011
New comprehensive OSHA Web page on preventing work-related hearing loss contains a wealth of information to help businesses and workers.

August 11 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA releases mobile app to help protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
 
As part of continuing educational efforts by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration about the dangers of extreme heat, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a free application for mobile devices that will enable workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites in order to prevent heat-related illnesses. The app, available in English and Spanish, combines heat index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the user’s location to determine necessary protective measures...

July 20 2011
Statement by Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on continued heat waves sweeping the country.

July 15 2011
Water, rest and shade: Protecting workers from heat-related illness.

June 28 2011
OSHA launches interactive Web site to help employers better comply with its recordkeeping rule.

June 22 2011
OSHA seeks comments on proposed updates, revisions to the occupational injury and illness tracking and reporting requirements.

June 16 2011
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis and ambassadors of Guatemala and Nicaragua sign declarations protecting migrant workers' rights.

June 16 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA conducting inspections focused on powered industrial truck hazards in Alabama, Mississippi, Florida and Georgia.

June 16 2011
OSHA releases bookmark explaining young workers' rights.

May 26 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA announces final rule affecting respiratory protection, sling standard, exposure and medical records, and potable water definition.

May 23 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA launches national survey on employers' safety and health practices to help guide future rules, compliance, outreach

May 16 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA reopens public record on proposed record-keeping rule to add work-related musculoskeletal disorders
  OSHA estimates that 1.505 million recordable MSDs are expected to occur annually among 1.542 million affected establishments and that the annualized costs of the proposed rule would be $1.7 million per year for all affected establishments combined. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration tomorrow will reopen the public record on a proposed rule to revise the Occupational Injury and Illness Recording and Reporting Requirements regulation on May 17. "OSHA is eager to hear from the public on this, and every, proposed rule," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels." The more feedback the agency receives from small businesses on this topic, the better informed we will be in crafting a proposed regulation that protects workers without overburdening employers..."

May 2011
New Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Web page now online
  OSHA has a new Injury and Illness Prevention Programs Web page to provide easy to use, informative and useful guidance on how to implement an effective system for finding and fixing workplace safety and health hazards. Injury and illness prevention programs, known by a variety of names, are universal interventions that can substantially reduce the number and severity of workplace injuries and alleviate the associated financial burdens on U.S. workplaces. Many states have requirements or voluntary guidelines for workplace injury and illness prevention programs. Also, numerous employers in the United States already manage safety using injury and illness prevention programs and OSHA believes that all employers can and should do the same. As OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels put it, "Injury and illness prevention programs are good for workers, good for business and good for America."

April 2011
Employers: Be sure to post injury and illness summaries now until April 30, 2011
                                  (Form 300A PDF 382kb)

April 26 2011
US Labor Department launches national outreach campaign to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.

March 23 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA to hold teleconferences for small businesses to provide input on proposed column for employer injury and illness logs.
  Small businesses from around the country are encouraged to participate in a series of three teleconferences to provide input on OSHA's proposal to add a column for work-related musculoskeletal disorders on employer injury and illness logs.

March 1 2011
North Carolina issues forklift hazard alert to prevent workplace injuries and deaths.
North Carolina's Occupational Safety and Health Division published a hazard alert* on the dangers of forklifts and materials handling.

February 15 2011
Statement from assistant secretary of labor for OSHA supporting promotion of job creation
Agency doing everything possible to support good, safe jobs
 

February 15 2011
OSHA issues enforcement guidance on personal protective equipment to protect general industry workers' safety, health.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today issued the Enforcement Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment in General Industry*, a directive that provides enforcement personnel with instructions for determining whether employers have complied with OSHA personal protective equipment (PPE) standards. The directive was effective Feb. 10. Changes in this directive include clarifying what type of PPE employers must provide at no cost to workers and when employers are required and not required to pay for PPE.

January 25 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA temporarily withdraws proposed column for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, reaches out to small businesses.
"Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of workplace injury and illness in this country, and this proposal is an effort to assist employers and OSHA in better identifying problems in workplaces," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "However, it is clear that the proposal has raised concern among small businesses, so OSHA is facilitating an active dialogue between the agency and the small business community."

January 19 2011
40th Anniversary Speakers Series: Granting Basic Rights to American Workers.

January 19 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA withdraws proposed interpretation on occupational noise
Agency examines other approaches to prevent work-related hearing loss.

December 29  2010
US Labor Department's OSHA reminds employers of hazards associated with snow cleanup, urges proper worker safeguards.
In light of the recent blizzard and in anticipation of more winter storms, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants to remind workers, employers and the general public of the hazards associated with snow removal and recovery work.  "Cleaning up after a storm encompasses a variety of tasks, each of which can carry risks if performed incorrectly or without proper safeguards," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York. "We want people to know what those risks are and what steps they can take to protect themselves against these hazards."  Common hazards can include:..

December 6  2010
OSHA extends comment period to March 21, 2011, announces stakeholder meeting on noise control interpretation.
"We're very eager to get input from those parties who would be affected by this proposed interpretation," said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "We have by no means completed our review of the issue and seek to make an informed decision that is in the best interest of protecting workers, yet sensitive to the operating changes businesses would need to make. There is sufficient evidence that hearing protection alone cannot prevent workers from suffering preventable hearing loss." 

November 30 2010
Michaels informs national conference of public health professionals about OSHA's efforts to update chemical exposure limits.
OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels participated in a panel discussion Nov. 8 in Denver at the American Public Health Association's annual meeting.  He shared with the audience OSHA's efforts to address the agency's outdated workplace chemicals Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)
. Most of OSHA's PELs were adopted when the agency was first created and have remained unchanged even though health data indicates many chemicals pose hazards to workers at levels below those permitted by many of OSHA's PELs. OSHA held a web forum in August to solicit nominations on the top chemicals of concern and received more than 130 nominations for OSHA to focus its initial efforts...

October 22  2010
OSHA targets high-hazard worksites for inspection.
Establishments are randomly selected for inspection from an initial list of 4,100 manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care facilities...

October 21 2010
Statement of Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis on reported decline in workplace injuries and illnesses.
"While the reported decline in workplace injuries and illnesses is encouraging, 3.3 million workplace injuries and illnesses are 3.3 million too many. No worker should fear being injured or made sick for a paycheck...

October 19  2010
OSHA's Official Interpretation of Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise.
  
  OSHA is proposing to amend its current enforcement policy to reflect the interpretation of the term "feasible administrative or engineering controls" as used in the current occupational noise exposure standards....

October 19  2010
OSHA seeks comments on its official interpretation of workplace noise exposure controls.
    Comments on the interpretation must be submitted on or before Dec. 20, 2010....

October 15  2010
Michaels shares vision for transforming OSHA to meet future challenges.
  OSHA Assistant Secretary sent a letter Oct. 15 outlining the progress being made in transforming the way the agency addresses workplace hazards...

October 15  2010
Tom Galassi, head of OSHA's Directorate of Enforcement programs, shares the top 10 most frequently cited standards.

October 15  2010
OSHA rolls out presidential initiative to improve federal worker safety.
  

October 15  2010
OSHA adjusts focus of accurate recordkeeping emphasis program.
  OSHA adjusted the targeting criteria for new inspections under its ongoing National Recordkeeping Emphasis Program.  The NEP is scheduled to run through February 2010...

October 15  2010
OSHA increases enforcement against serious safety and health violators.
 
The increase in significant and egregious cases demonstrates OSHA's commitment to aggressively enforcing its standards...

October 15  2010
Michaels shares goals for protecting workers at national safety conference.
  OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels shared the Obama Administration's vision for government agencies at the National Safety Council's 2010 Congress & Expos.  Michaels told the audience of about 10,000 safety and health professionals and industrial hygienists that OSHA and NIOSH believe the key to worker safety and health is focusing on prevention and shifting the burden of worker protection to employers...

October 15  2010
Michaels tells steelworkers OSHA is committed to creating and enforcing standards that will save lives.
  OSHA Assistant Secretary David Michaels told the audience at a United Steelworkers Health, Safety and Environment Conference in Pittsburgh that OSHA is returning to basics to protect the safety and health of workers on the job. He stressed the need to expand OSHA's enforcement powers and penalty amounts through legislative reform such as the Protecting America's Workers Act...

October 4 2010
U.S. Labor Department's reaches out to prevent distracted driving.
  Agency launches online resource for Drive Safely to Work Week.

September 21 2010
OSHA announces partnership with Department of Transportation to combat distracted driving.
  Employers who organize work so that texting is a practical necessity, even if not a formal requirement, violate the OSH Act.

August 2010
OSHA issues annual inspection plan under the Site-Specific Targeting 2010 program to help the agency direct enforcement resources.
  Establishments are randomly selected from a list of manufacturing, non-manufacturing, and nursing and personal care facilities.  

July 19 2010
Obama issues memorandum on Presidential POWER Initiative: Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment

July 7 2010
Whistleblowers.gov offers quick access to whistleblower protection information

June 21 2010
OSHA to hold additional stakeholder meeting on worker injury and illness prevention rule

June 18 2010
OSHA's severe violator enforcement directive effective June 18

June 11 2010
New OSHA training emphasizes workers rights

Training Requirements in OSHA Standards and Training Guidelines  

May 24 2010
OSHA publishes proposed rulemaking to prevent injuries from slips, trips and falls on walking-working surfaces
  

May 4 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA holds series of stakeholder meeting on worker Injury and Illness Prevention Programs
  

April 29 2010
Statement of US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis on Protecting America's Workers Act
  

April 27 2010
US assistant secretary of labor for OSHA to testify today on strengthening enforcement and ensuring safe workplaces for every American worker
  

April 22 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA takes action to protect America's workers with severe violator program and increased penalties
  

April 14 2010
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis convenes 1st every national action summit on health and safety of Latino workers
  

March 18 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA announces informal public hearing on hazard communication in Pittsburgh on March 31
  

March 17 2010
US Assistance Secretary of labor for OSHA testifies on proposed Protecting America's Workers Act (PAWA) before House subcommittee.
  PAWA would raise penalties, strengthen workers' voices in the workplace, expand the rights of victims and their families, and provide other new rules that would grant greater power to OSHA.

March 9 2010
OSHA notifies 15,000 workplaces of high injury and illness rates
  

January 28 2010
OSHA proposes revised Recordkeeping regulation to better identify  work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's)
  

January 27 2010
OSHA withdraws proposed rule for additional quantitative fit-testing protocols for the Respiratory Protection Standard
  

January 27 2010
OSHA releases workplace injury and illness information representing administration's "Open Government" policy
  

January 8 2010
New OSHA videos provide respirator and facemask safety guidance
  

January 7 2010
OSHA announces informal public hearing on hazard communication rule
  

November 23 2009
OSHA focuses local emphasis program on general industry establishments with noise, respiratory hazards
 

October 1 2009
OSHA issues proposed rule to adopt the Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication System.
  

September 30 2009
Notice of Injury and Illness Recordkeeping National Emphasis Program

September 15 2009
OSHA document describes silica control

September 9 2009
OSHA issues final rule updating personal protective equipment standards

February 1  2008
OSHA establishes national emphasis program on Silica

 

Recent OSHA Citations related to the Nursery and Landscape Industries

January 31 2012
US Labor Department's OSHA cites manufacturer for exposing workers to multiple safety hazards at Euless, Texas, facility; proposed penalties total $44,800.
Violations involve failing to keep exit areas unobstructed, properly store compressed gas cylinders, provide proper machine guarding, ensure that forklifts were properly serviced and maintained, provide forklift operator training, address electrical wiring deficiencies; mount fire extinguishers and failing to complete the OSHA 300 log of injuries and illnesses in detail as required. SpeQtrum Prepress Production Services manufactures printing plates and cutting dies, and employs about 35 workers at the Euless location...

January 30 2012
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Polymerics in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, after worker's hand amputated by shear machine.
OSHA initiated an inspection upon receiving a complaint that alleged a malfunctioning safety pin on the hydraulic shear machine had resulted in the amputation of a worker's hand. Additional violations were cited for failing to conduct an annual review of lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy and failing to train employees on hazardous chemicals as well as develop, implement and train workers in machine specific lockout/tagout procedures while servicing or conducting maintenance. Proposed fines from the latest inspection total $74,900...

January 27 2012
US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $51,680 in fines to Syracuse, NY, metal finishing plant
after employee is burned.
OSHA's inspection was initiated after flammable vapors ignited in a storage room holding more than 800 gallons of flammable liquids, and a plant employee who tried to extinguish the fire sustained burns. Violations involve the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids, including a lack of ventilation in the storage room. Additionally, the room was not constructed to meet the National Fire Protection Association's required fire-resistance rating, numerous containers of flammable liquids were open and uncovered, flammable liquids were dispensed without the nozzle and container being electrically bonded, lack of fire extinguisher training, ungrounded electrical equipment, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, uninspected and unrated overhead hoists and lifting devices...

January 13 2012
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Marazzi Tile for exposing workers to excessive noise levels, lack of machine guarding and other hazards. Sunnyvale, Texas-based tile manufacturer faces proposed fines of $318,000.
 

January 10 2012
US Labor Department's OSHA proposes more than $125,000 in fines to Palmyra, NJ, linen rental company for workplace safety and health hazards.
Violations involve failing to provide protection from electrical hazards; develop and implement written respiratory protection, hazard communication and confined space entry programs; provide machine guarding; provide guardrails for stairways and working platforms; conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment; ensure the safe use of ladders and forklifts; provide lockout/tagout, respirator, hazard communication and fire extinguisher training; provide an eyewash station; provide mounted fire extinguishers; ensure aisles and passageways were clear; various electrical hazards; incomplete record keeping for the OSHA 300 injury and illness logs...

January 10 2012
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Newton, NJ, manufacturer for workplace safety and health violations, proposes nearly $49,000 in fines.
Violations involve lack of proper machine guarding; failing to implement a hearing conservation program that includes noise monitoring, audiometric testing and training; provide powered industrial truck training; implement a hazard communication program that includes training; ensure proper use and listing of electrical equipment; ensure compressed air was reduced to 30 pounds per square inch; failing to record workplace injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log...

January 4 2012
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Conway Stores Inc. for locked emergency exits and other hazards at its East Fordham Rd. store in the Bronx. Proposed fines total $90,000.
OSHA's inspection revealed several instances where emergency exit doors in the store were padlocked during work hours and emergency exit routes were obstructed by racks of clothing and boxes of stock, conditions that would have prevented or impeded employees' swift exit of the workplace in the event of a fire or other emergency. In addition, a cardboard baler was operated with its door open exposing employees to crushing hazards; an unsecured compressed gas cylinder was exposed to damage; and the store lacked a continuing and effective extermination program for rats and vermin...

December 28 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites The Davey Tree Surgery Co. for safety violations after worker fatality at Idaho City, Idaho, job site.
The company is part of Kent, Ohio-based The Davey Tree Expert Co. Citations have been issued for failing to have adequate first-aid supplies, ensure that workers maintain a safe distance from trees being felled, evaluate the work area prior to the tree being felled, provide training for tool and equipment use, and provide training for determining tree length...

December 21 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $144,760 in penalties to Houston, Texas, recycling plant for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards.
Petag was cited for failing to provide personal protective equipment; provide hazard communication training; ensure the use of seatbelts while operating a forklift; provide machine guarding for chains, sprockets, pulleys and shaft ends; provide sanitary washing facilities as well as access to eyewash and shower stations; provide fall protection when employees are working on platforms; provide training on lockout/tagout procedures for machines' energy sources; provide required information for voluntary respirator use, and injury and illness record-keeping deficiencies...

December 21 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites rubber parts fabricator Acme Machell Co. in Waukesha, Wis., for safety and health violations; proposed penalties total $77,600.
OSHA opened inspections after receiving complaints alleging burn hazards and poor housekeeping throughout the plant. Violations include failing to implement a hazard communication plan, train first-aid responders on an exposure control plan to protect against exposure to bloodborne pathogens and diseases, offer hepatitis B vaccines to designated first-aid responders, review or update the exposure control plan, maintain a list of chemicals being used in the facility along with relevant material data safety sheets; failing to properly maintain fire extinguishers; failing to maintain adequate air pressure in air nozzles used for cleaning; electrical deficiencies, failing to evaluate and audit energy control procedures annually; failing to adequately train workers on hazardous energy control procedures...

December 7 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Central Transport International in Hillside, Ill., for unsafe forklifts and other safety violations; proposed penalties total 164,800.
Violations involve allowing workers to operate unsafe forklifts and failing to provide proper eyewash facilities for workers exposed to corrosive chemicals, among others...

December 5 2011
Miami, Fla., contractor cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for willful and serious violations following carbon monoxide incident.
Trans Florida Development Corp. faces proposed penalties of $66,990 following an incident that occurred in June at a work site. A worker using a powered saw to cut a hole in a storm drain box was overexposed to carbon monoxide from the saw and had to be taken to a hospital for treatment. Citations were issued for failing to evaluate the job site and implement procedures to ensure workers were not exposed to toxic substances while working in a confined space...

December 1 2011
Waymar Construction Co. in Shelby, Ohio faces $30,500 for child labor and safety violations after 16-year-old injured on job site.
The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Waymar Construction LLC in Shelby for child labor and safety violations after a 16-year-old worker suffered cranial trauma and fractures from falling off a scissor lift. The division found that Waymar Construction violated the FLSA's child labor standards by employing a worker less than 18 years old to perform hazardous jobs prohibited by the act. Waymar Construction also was found to be in violation of the overtime provisions of the FLSA, for paying workers "straight time" wages for hours worked over 40 in a week...

December 1 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $72,900 in fines for East Boston, Mass., painting contractor for violations after employee overcome by paint vapors inside confined space.
 

November 21 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Paterson, NJ, company $126,000 for failing to guard machines and exposing workers to fall and electrical hazards.
Violations include failing to keep work areas and passageways free of litter; provide guardrail protection, guard machines and electrical boxes; provide an eyewash station; provide personal protective equipment for workers handling chemicals; provide industrial truck and hazard communication training; ensure exit routes were unobstructed and visibly marked; make sure exit doors could open properly; cover electrical panel boards supplying power for equipment and lighting; properly use flexible cords; implement a lockout/tagout program for energy sources to prevent machines from accidentally starting up during servicing and maintenance; perform workplace hazards assessment; develop a written hazardous communication program and record-keeping violations...

November 21 2011
Odom Industries in Milford, Ohio, faces $90,760 in OSHA fines for altering injury and illness logs and other violations.
OSHA initiated an inspection of the fabrication plant after receiving a complaint alleging that injured workers, who were unable to perform their normal jobs, were moved to other jobs to avoid recordable injuries on the OSHA 300 logs. Additionally, violations were cited for failing to inspect and train employees in the use of personal protective gear, misuse of metal ladders, failure to conduct annual audiograms for employees exposed to noise hazards; failing to document inspections of crane hooks and chains, failing to establish a respiratory program including fit-testing...

November 21 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Remington Arms Co. for mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards; proposed penalties total $170,000.
Specifically, OSHA found violations involving a lack of personal protective equipment; accumulations of toxic substances lead and cadmium on surfaces in the plant; food and beverages stored and consumed at cadmium-contaminated work stations; failing to provide workers with training and information...

November 2 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Neman Painting & Sandblasting in Waukesha, Wis., respirator hazards and other safety violations. Proposed penalties total $50,140.


November 2 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Illinois pet food production and packaging company for exposing employees to dust and noise hazards; fines exceed $750,000.


November 1 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Gardner Equipment Co. in Columbus and Juneau, Wis., for PPE and other safety and health violations. Proposed fines total $125,900.
Violations include failing to ensure that workers at the Columbus facility wore protective clothing while using powdered paint containing skin irritants and sensitizers, failing to train workers on the use of personal protective equipment and failure to establish an adequate hazard communication program and do the required employee training... 

October 28 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Dallas facility of California-based Bridgford Foods for exposing workers to noise, energized machine hazards Employer faces $422,600 in proposed fines. 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Anaheim, Calif.-based Bridgford Foods Corp. for 27 safety and health violations at its food manufacturing facility in Dallas, with proposed penalties totaling $422,600. The violations include, among others, failing to establish and maintain a hearing conservation program for workers exposed to noise hazards beyond the permissible exposure limit, and failing to establish a lockout/tagout program for energy sources to protect workers from machines starting up unexpectedly... 

October 10 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $96,000 in fines for continued workplace safety and health violations at 3 Lowe's stores in Pennsylvania. 
The Carlisle store was cited for permitting employees to use hazardous liquid chemicals without the use of personal protective equipment, improperly modifying powered industrial trucks, using flexible cords and cables as a substitute for fixed wiring, and failing to properly label hazardous chemical containers. The Hanover store was cited for violations involving several electrical hazards, including failing to properly use listed or labeled electrical equipment, using a flexible cord as a substitute for fixed wiring and running a flexible cord through a hole in the wall. The store also was cited for having an obstructed fire alarm pull station, which previously was cited at other stores. The Palmyra store was cited for failing to provide personal protective equipment to employees exposed to hazardous liquid chemicals... 

October 5 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Alabama tree trimming company for safety and health violations following fatality. 
Violation were cited for failing to ensure that employees were wearing fall protection in an aerial lift; allowing employees to be within the fall zone of a tree being cut down; not ensuring that a retreat path was cleared and designated prior to the felling of the tree; failing to train employees in first aid and CPR, provide adequate first-aid supplies and offer the hepatitis vaccine to employees exposed to potential bloodborne pathogens...

September 13 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes fines of nearly $190,000 following electrical shock injury to worker. 
OSHA cited multiple safety violations after the boom tip of a crane contacted an overhead power line with a carrying capacity of more than 12,000 volts. Electricity traveled down the crane through a line that was connected to the load being moved by the crane and shocked the employee on the ground, who was holding the line. Piedmont Mechanical was cited for  failing to determine whether any part of the crane could get closer than 20 feet to the overhead energized power line, exposing workers to an electrical shock hazard...

September 1 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Florida tree care company for safety violations following worker injury in Gainesville; penalties exceed $153,000. 
OSHA began an inspection after a worker suffered a serious cut to his thigh by a chain saw at a Gainesville job site in March. Violations involve not providing protective leg coverings and eye or face shields to employees who operated chain saws, and not providing hard hats to employees working on the ground under trees. Additional violations included: failing to have a person adequately trained to provide first aid, make adequate first-aid supplies readily available in the workplace, and have a written plan designed to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to bloodborne pathogens. The company had not developed an emergency response or rescue plan for employees injured in trees, aerial lifts or other situations. Another citation was issued for failing to develop a hazard communication program that included material safety data sheets as well as training for employees using flammable liquids and petroleum lubricants...

August 9 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites American Pulverizer Co. in St. Louis, Mo., for 33 safety violations; $121,100 proposed in fines. 
OSHA's inspection of the reduction equipment manufacturing facility was initiated in February under a local emphasis program focused on electrical safety in general industry establishments. The inspection found a lack of grounding continuity in electrical equipment. Additional hazards cited were associated with cranes, lockout/tagout of energy sources, powered industrial trucks, electrical equipment, flammable liquids and gas; machine guarding; and a record-keeping deficiency.... 

August 8 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Englewood, Colo.-based Meadow Gold Dairies and subcontractor for hazardous chemicals, PPE and other violations; penalties total $326,300. 
An inspection of the facility was conducted under OSHA's Site-Specific Targeting program for high-hazard work sites as well as its national emphasis program on facilities with hazardous chemicals... 

August 8 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Dick's Sporting Goods for safety hazards at Queensbury, NY, location Pennsylvania-based retailer faces $57,300 in fines, urged to examine safety at other stores. 
OSHA inspectors found that workers at the Queensbury store were periodically required to enter a trash compactor that had not first been de-energized in order to remove cardboard blockages. Additionally, the store lacked the means and procedures for employees to enter and work safely in such a confined space, and training was not provided on the hazards and safeguards associated with work in a confined space. Additionally, access to fire extinguishers was blocked and employees were not trained in how to use fire extinguishers in the event of a fire. "Even in a retail outlet, employees can be exposed to deadly or disabling hazards if the proper safeguards and training are absent, as they were here..." 

August 4 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites contractor for willful and serious violations following trench collapse and fatality in Cumming, Ga.; penalties total $116,200. 
OSHA began its inspection after being notified that emergency personnel were responding to a possible trench cave-in. Arriving on the scene, OSHA found that the company had been installing a sewer line in a trench approximately 9 feet deep at the deepest section. The trench walls were vertical with no means of cave-in protection provided. Dirt placed at the edge of the trench had fallen into the trench, trapping 20-year-old Aaron Banks who was freed by emergency crews but who later died from his injuries. Violations related to the incident involve placing soil within 2 feet of the edge of the excavation and not providing cave-in protection to workers in the excavation. An additional violation was cited for failing to provide a ladder or other safe means of egress for employees working in a trench at least 4 feet deep...

August 3 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Clifton, NJ, manufacturer for lack of forklift training, noise exposure and other hazards. 
OSHA has cited Safas Corp., which employs about 25 workers, after OSHA initiated an investigation based on a referral from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which alleged strong solvent odors. Proposed penalties total $135,000. Violations involve the company's failure to provide workers with forklift training and a hearing conservation program. Additional violations include failure to provide personal protective equipment; an eye wash facility; fire extinguisher training; a lockout/tagout program to prevent the inadvertent start-up of machinery; a hazard assessment; and a hazard communication program...

August 3 2011
Allentown, Pa., company faces $110,880 in fines for exposing workers to noise and other hazards. 
OSHA initiated an inspection under a local emphasis program focused on follow-up inspections and noise hazards. Violations reflect the company's failure to maintain required records, conduct a baseline audiogram for an employee overexposed to noise hazards, conduct annual hearing conservation training for employees overexposed to noise hazards, conduct adequate forklift operations and ensure equipment had proper machine guards in place to protect employees, failure to develop and utilize documented energy control procedures; provide training to employees utilizing energy control procedures; provide a proper eye wash for employees, provide machine guards on equipment; maintain copies of material safety data sheets for all chemicals; maintain forklifts in safe operating condition; and implement controls to reduce employee exposure to occupational noise...

August 2 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Birmingham, Ala., manufacturer for flexible cord and other violations; proposes more than $56,000 in penalties. 
Homeland Vinyl Products faces proposed penalties of  $56,400 involving using flexible cords that had been spliced, not properly labeling and not attaching warning labels to chemical containers...

August 1 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Fairfield, NJ, manufacturer for exposing workers to chemicals, other hazards; proposed penalties total $59,290. 
Some of the serious violations include failing to provide proper guards on machines and equipment; properly use and install equipment; properly dispose of combustible rags; properly store propane containers; implement a lockout/tagout program to prevent machinery from unexpectedly starting up while workers perform servicing and maintenance; develop and implement a chemical hazard communication program; provide appropriate protective gloves; maintain copies of material safety data sheets for hazardous materials in the workplace and make them accessible to employees for each work shift; provide truck operators with training and evaluation prior to operation of the vehicle; and provide information to employees voluntarily using respirators...

July 27 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites 2 companies in Hamilton, Ala., for failing to label hazardous chemical containers and other hazards; proposes more than $112,000 in fines. 
Additional violations included not requiring employees working with corrosive chemicals to wear eye, face, hand or body protection; failing to have an eyewash station or other means available for drenching; not protecting a battery charger from being damaged by trucks; failing to secure and balance crane loads; missing machine guarding; an electrical disconnect switch that was not readily accessible; inadequate hearing protection program; failing to provide an evaluation of confined space rescue and emergency services...

July 27 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Pearce Foundry in Prairieville, La., for exposing workers to respirable silica, excessive noise and other hazards. 
Pearce Foundry Inc. faces proposed penalties totaling $158,200...

July 22 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jordan, NY, contractor for cave-in hazard at SUNY Brockport work site, proposes $147,000 in fines. Blue Heron Construction qualifies for inclusion in Severe Violator Enforcement Program. 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Blue Heron Construction after OSHA found Blue Heron employees working in an unprotected excavation greater than 5 feet in depth. Additionally, the excavation lacked a ladder or other safe means of access, and piles of excavated material were situated less than 2 feet from the excavation's edge. This significant enforcement action qualifies Blue Heron Construction for placement in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. OSHA standards require that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse...

July 20 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Winter Garden, Fla., utility for trenching violation, proposes $70,000 penalty. 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Prince Contracting LLC for allegedly endangering workers while digging a storm water trench adjacent to U.S. Highway 27 in Clermont. OSHA inspected the site as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation...

July 19 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Don Wartko Construction more than $171,000, cites company for lack of trench protection at 3 Cleveland sites. 
Inspections conducted under OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Trenching and Excavation resulted in proposed penalties totaling $171,600.  Don Wartko Construction was cited for failing to provide cave-in protection for workers in a trench more than 5 feet below grade and to provide a safe means of egress...

July 11 2011
Georgia manufacturer agrees to pay employee more than $176,000 to settle whistleblower case brought by US Department of Laborn. 
The case allegedly began when Blue Bird required the employee to use a bucket lift truck to install Christmas wreaths for the company. The employee requested training in the operation of the equipment, resulting in a disagreement with management over whether the employee was trained. That disagreement led to the employee's termination. An OSHA whistleblower investigation found that the employee was illegally terminated for refusing to work under unsafe conditions...

July 5 2011
Mississippi's Howard Industries cited by US Department of Labor's OSHA for safety violations following fatal worker electrocution. 
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Howard Industries Inc. in Ellisville following the January death of a worker. Violations related to the fatality include not requiring employees to use work safety practices when dealing with live electrical circuits, and failing to use locks and tags when de-energizing test equipment. Additional violations include failing to develop specific lockout/tagout procedures, failing to conduct a personal protective equipment hazard assessment...

June 24 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Waco, Texas, facility with 29 serious workplace violations.
 OSHA initiated an inspection in response to a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions resulting in proposed penalties totaling $161,100. Violations cited include failing to develop and implement a respiratory program; provide an area for employees to wash their eyes; provide hazard communication training to employees working with hazardous and toxic chemicals; and provide covers on junction, outlet and transformer boxes....

June 22 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites El Paso, Texas, facility for exposing workers to safety and health hazards.
 Proposed penalties total $96,000 for violations that include failing to maintain a workplace in a clean and orderly manner; maintain an effective hearing conservation program; provide eye protection for employees; properly guard machines; ensure forklift operators were certified; address electrical hazards; develop and document procedures for an energy control program and certify annual injury and illness logs...

June 21 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites MedPlast for workplace safety and health hazards at West Berlin, NJ, facility.
 Proposed penalties total $72,000 for violations including the company's failure to ensure exits were unblocked; provide eye protection approved by the American National Standards Institute; train employees on fire extinguishers; provide proper forklift training and ensure the training was certified; conduct inspections on powered industrial equipment; conduct noise monitoring; provide audiometric testing for employees overexposed to noise; and provide noise training. Additional violations relate to the company's deficiencies with OSHA Form 300, the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; failure to properly mark plastic spray containers containing liquids with their contents...

June 20 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Houston-based Schumacher Co. for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals; fines total $166,500.
  In response to a referral, OSHA initiated a safety and health inspection and found multiple violations include failing to require employees to wear appropriate personal protective equipment...

June 20 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $59,400 in penalties to San Antonio company for hearing conservation and other hazards.

June 7 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines AK Steel Corp. $206,000 for record-keeping violations at Butler, Pa., facility. Company failed to record outcomes indicating hearing hazards for workers.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited AK Steel Corp. for record-keeping violations related to potential hearing hazards at its Butler Works facility. OSHA initiated an inspection in response to a complaint alleging under-recording of injuries. The violations address the company's failure to record standard threshold shifts on the OSHA 300 Log when employees' hearing tests revealed that they experienced a work-related STS and the employees' total hearing level was 25 decibels or more above audiometric zero. Additional violations were cited for the company's failure to properly record other work-related injuries and illnesses...

May 26 2011
Administrative law judge upholds OSHA citation affirming that musculoskeletal disorder should be recorded on OSHA 300 Injury and Illness Log.

May 26 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites facility for improper use of step ladders, slip hazards, and an inadequate Emergency Response Plan.
Proposed penalties total $61,000...

May 23 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Rite Aid Pharmacy for blocked emergency exits at Brooklyn, NY, store; proposes $60,500 fine.

May 16 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Capital Construction for exposing workers to fall, other hazards on Cleveland job site; fines total $102,000.
  OSHA inspectors observed employees working without fall protection at heights greater than 20 feet. Violations include failing to provide protective eyewear, head protection, fall training and instruction in the avoidance of unsafe working conditions, as well as failing to maintain safety programs...

May 16 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites South Easton, Mass., contractor for fall, other hazards at Lowell, Mass., job site
  Folan Waterproofing and Construction Co. Inc. faces a total of $48,510 in proposed fines after an OSHA inspector observed a Folan employee climbing out of an elevated aerial lift to access a roof. The inspection found that employees faced falls of up to 40 feet due to a lack of required fall protection and inadequate safeguards when working on aerial lifts, among other hazards. Also, the workers lacked adequate fall protection while working in and exiting the aerial lift; a defective wire rope used to lift construction materials had not been inspected and removed from service; and the crane had not been inspected annually for defects. Additionally, employees had not been trained to recognize and address aerial lift hazards, were exposed to electric hazards from ungrounded electrical equipment and lacked helmets to protect against falling objects...

April 15 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Lowe's Home Centers for 13 violations following inspection at Castle Rock, Colo., store Proposed penalties total $82,700.
  Seven violations were cited for numerous inaccuracies in required injury and illness record keeping, and with electrical safety issues involving access to equipment and damage to wire insulation. Additional violations were related to issues with emergency exits, installation of proper electrical receptacles, failure to perform a personal protective equipment assessment, failure to properly label hazardous chemicals and lack of detail on required record keeping...

February 28 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Associated Milk Producers and Bechel Bros. for failing to protect workers from falls.
  An investigation found that the company failed to provide proper fall protection while requiring its workers to wash out milk trailers from above. A worker died from injuries sustained after falling more than 10 feet from the top of a truck. Associated Milk Producers also allegedly failed to fully implement and properly install fall protection for workers performing milk unloading operations, and additional citations were issued for not providing training, evaluation and certification for operators of powered industrial vehicles...

February 24 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Venetian Marble & Granite in Helotes, Texas, for exposing workers to excessive levels of respirable silica.
  OSHA's San Antonio office initiated a safety and health inspection at the company's facility on Western Oak Drive and determined that employees were exposed to respirable crystalline silica particles while grinding, sanding and buffing countertop products such as natural granite, quartz and solid surfaces. Proposed penalties total $41,300. The agency alleges that the company failed to ensure levels of crystalline silica met safety standards, provide employees with required respiratory protection, determine that employees were medically fit to wear respiratory protection, follow proper procedures to lock out/tag out accidental energy start-up prior to servicing and performing maintenance on machinery, properly guard a table saw and cut off saw, and train employees on the use of hazardous chemicals. Venetian Marble & Granite employs about 45 workers who manufacture custom countertops for residential and commercial applications...

February 14 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Northeast Hospital Corp. for failing to protect workers against electrical hazards at Beverly, Mass., facility Hospital faces $63,000 in proposed fines.
  Northeast Hospital Corp. faces a total of $63,000 in proposed fines following an OSHA inspection prompted by a worker complaint. OSHA found that some hospital employees were exposed to potential electric shock, burns, arc flash incidents and electrocution while changing circuit breakers on live electrical panels. Specifically, the employees lacked or did not use personal protective equipment while working with energized electrical equipment; electrical protective equipment was not periodically tested; electrical safety related work practices were not used; and specific procedures were not developed for the control of hazardous energy while replacing electrical breakers. The hospital also was issued a citation for failing to ensure that unused openings in electrical panels and cabinet motor control centers were effectively closed...

February 9 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $337,500 in fines to Louisiana company for recordkeeping violations.
 OSHA's Baton Rouge office initiated its investigation on Aug. 10, 2010, after receiving a complaint alleging that employees' work-related injuries and illnesses were not being recorded in the OSHA 300 log. Employers are required to record fatalities as well as all significant injuries and illnesses, including the number of days away from work, the days of job transfer or any restriction that results from the injury or illness...

January 31 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines manufacturer in Little Rock, Ark., $88,000 for exposing workers to safety and health hazards.
 Proposed penalties total $88,000 for Welspun Tubular LLC.  OSHA has issued citations for failing to protect workers from struck-by hazards, determine load capacities of cranes, provide a self-closing fire door, provide the required machine guarding equipment and ensure lockout/tagout procedures were followed to de-energize electrical equipment; failing to identify respiratory hazards, provide training in hazard communication and provide hepatitis B vaccinations for employees exposed to blood-borne pathogens or other infectious materials. Additional violations include failure to provide fork truck maintenance and failing to adequately complete the OSHA 300 logs with detailed information on work-related injuries and illnesses...

January 31 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $220,000 in fines to Syracuse, NY, manufacturer for willful, serious and uncorrected violations. Oberdorfer LLC cited for exposing workers to silica, mechanical and electrical hazards.
 The Syracuse manufacturer of aluminum castings faces a total of $220,000 in proposed fines following an OSHA inspection.  The company was cited for employee overexposure to airborne concentrations of silica, which has been classified as a human lung carcinogen, and failure to implement engineering controls to reduce workers' exposure to silica. In addition, the inspection found that an employee who was overexposed to silica lacked a respirator.  The company also was issued fines for fall, electrical and machine guarding hazards; a locked exit door; lack of a permit-required confined space program and training; failure to develop specific lockout/tagout procedures to prevent the unintended startup of machinery; lack of an eyewash station; and failing to provide training on silica; inadequate recording of workplace injuries and illnesses...

January 26 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cherry Hill, NJ, company for worker exposure to silica, other health and safety hazards.
  KOL Marble and Granite has been cited for 15 workplace health and safety violations at its Cherry Hill facility. Proposed penalties total $48,600.  OSHA initiated an inspection in response to a complaint alleging that employees were exposed to silica dust while dry cutting stone. Violations cited include the company's failure to have engineering and/or administrative controls in place for employee overexposure to respirable dusts that contain 28 percent silica; establish or implement a written respiratory protection program; train employees on the hazards of silica; implement a written hazard communication program for employees exposed to silica; properly guard machines; properly train forklift operators; provide effective respiratory training; conduct a hazard assessment; ensure that employees use appropriate eye protection when exposed to flying particles; provide noise training to employees who were over the permissible exposure level; and conduct audiometric testing for employees who were over the permissible exposure level. The company also was cited for failing to maintain injury and illness logs for 2009...

January 20 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Amesbury, Mass., manufacturer for emergency response, respirator, chemical, electrical and other hazards Durasol Corp. faces $43,800 in proposed fines.

January 19 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines recycler Greenstar for potentially exposing workers to bloodborne pathogens.
  Proposed penalties total $53,000 for alleged failure to provide puncture-resistant gloves for handling trash, provide a tie-off point to prevent employees from falling, use lockout/tagout procedures on machinery, provide a fire alarm system, ensure a fire evacuation plan was followed and ensure workers facing exposure to hepatitis B are vaccinated. Other citations allege failure to record injuries within a seven-day period, record restricted days, record days when workers were absent and complete logs with detailed information...

January 13 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Steel Corp. and Power Piping Co. with $175,000 in fines for energy control hazards.
  Safety citations were issued for having an inadequate lockout/tagout to prevent the inadvertent release of energy, a deficient process safety management program, and failure to implement an emergency response plan, evaluate respiratory hazards, use flame retardant gloves and use approved electrical equipment...

January 13 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites El Paso, Texas, plastering company for exposing workers to fall hazards.
  Proposed penalties total $99,000 for failing to provide base plates and mud sills to prevent scaffolds from becoming unstable, a ladder for safe access to all working levels of the scaffold, training for employees who perform scaffolding work, and fall protection systems such as guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses to employees working from a scaffold...

January 11 2011
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Bridgford Foods Processing $212,000 for lockout/tagout and other violations.
  The company has been cited for failing to implement and provide training for workers on lockout/tagout procedures, thereby exposing them to energized equipment.  The company allegedly allowed workers to remove a shovel stuck in an auger screw conveyor without locking or tagging out the auger, placing employees in danger of the machine operating while they worked to remove the shovel. Bridgford Foods Processing also has been issued citations for having locked exit doors, failing to provide lockout/tagout or electrical safety training, failing to provide a load backrest extension on a powered industrial truck to minimize the hazard of material falling, failing to perform periodic energy control inspections and to maintain unobstructed exit routes, failing to properly illuminate exit signs...

January 10 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Rochelle Park, NJ, stucco contractor for fall hazards at Somerville, NJ, worksite. Company added to Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
  Proposed penalties total $69,300 after OSHA initiated an inspection as part of a local emphasis program focused on fall hazards in construction. Violations include the company's failure to fully plank scaffold platforms, erect scaffolds on a firm foundation, provide a fall protection system and properly brace scaffolds with cross braces. The company has also been cited with a serious violation for failing to conduct frequent and regular inspections of the jobsite...

January 5 2011
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Newark, NJ, construction company $58,000 for not protecting workers against falls.
  OSHA initiated an inspection as part of its local emphasis program on fall hazards in construction. As a result of the inspection, the company was cited for failure to provide fall protection to employees working on roofs approximately 11 feet above ground level, to extend two ladders 3 feet above the work area and to protect employees from eye injuries while using pneumatic nail guns. The company was also cited for failure to conduct frequent and regular inspections of the jobsite, and to maintain contact with a ladder when accessing the roof while carrying equipment...

December 29 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Postal Service in Duluth, Ga., with repeat and serious safety violations, $80,000 in penalties.
  Violations include deficiencies involving lockout/tagout to prevent accidental start-up of machinery; permitting material to be stored in front of the electrical and circuit breaker panel; having unused openings on electrical, fire and receptacle boxes; using flexible cords instead of fixed wiring; and missing the electrical strain prevention clamp on the dock lights. The Postal Service is also being cited for failing to mark exits visibly and having broken dock lights that exposed electrical wiring...

December 29 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $238,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Shrewsbury, Mass., mail processing facility.
  OSHA's inspection, which began June 29 in response to a worker complaint, found that unqualified employees at the Shrewsbury location were allowed to work on and test energized electrical circuits and equipment. In addition, electrical equipment had not been de-energized prior to maintenance being performed, and employees were not supplied with insulated tools and equipment.  OSHA also issued the Postal Service for lack of employee training in safety-related electrical work practices, lack of personal protective equipment, inadequate voltage meters and failing to perform periodic inspections of the Shrewsbury facility's energy control procedures...

December 13 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $76,000 fine against New Jersey freight carrier for forklift and recordkeeping violations.
New England Motor Freight Inc. was cited for 17 violations after an employee sustained a foot injury while operating a forklift at the company's Pawtucket, R.I., freight terminal. OSHA's inspection found that employees were not wearing attached seatbelts while operating forklifts and forklift operators did not receive required refresher training; defective forklifts were not removed from service; and no assessment had been made to determine the personal protective equipment needed for forklift operators who changed liquefied petroleum gas tanks. The company was also fined for inadequate and incomplete recording of on-the-job injuries and illnesses...

December 13 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Industrial Ceramic Products $91,500 after worker suffers permanent arm injury in industrial accident.
  ICP was cited after a worker suffered a permanent arm injury while fixing a jammed machine for failing to establish and enforce energy control procedures and to have guards in place on tube cutters; for failing to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures for energized equipment; to provide appropriate personal protective gear for employees working on electrical equipment; and to ensure electrical parts were de-energized when employees were working on them. ICP received additional violations for failing to properly record and accurately describe workplace injuries and illnesses that resulted in lost workdays in the OSHA 300 log for the years 2007 to 2009...

December 10 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Texas Linen in Austin, Texas more than $126,000 for multiple hazards.
  OSHA began an inspection June 10 at the company's worksite on Smith Road and found employees operating a forklift without wearing a seat belt, as well as wet floors in passageways, aisles and work areas.  Citations were issued alleging a failure to provide fall protection for employees working at an elevation of 16 feet; to provide an adequate number of locks and enforce lockout procedures during machine servicing to prevent injuries from unexpected re-start of machines and equipment; and to ensure a fiberglass ladder was set up and used correctly. Other citations were issued for failure to keep flooring dry; cover floor holes; provide machine guards for rotating parts, points of operation, and sprockets and chains; provide illuminated exit signs and clear exit access; provide properly identified locks for machine servicing; and provide working and easily accessible portable fire extinguishers...

December 6 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Ohio-based Ameriwood Industries $60,000 for lack of protective gear and training.
  The wood furniture manufacturer in Tiffin, has been cited for failing to train employees in safe work practices and require them to wear proper safety equipment when working on electrical panels. Proposed penalties total $60,000.  The company also received citations for failing to implement safety-related work practices and require employees to wear personal face protection gear when working on electrical panels.  Ameriwood Industries Inc. paid $70,500 in fines in 2009 for exposing workers to hazardous dust, a lack of training, failing to ensure employees wore personal protective equipment, and failing to implement and train employees in lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources...

December 1 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Next Step Burwell LLC in Burwell, Neb., for exposing workers to serious electrical hazards.  $75,600 in penalties proposed following investigation of fatality.
  OSHA cited the company following an investigation of an incident in which two workers were subjected to electric shock. A Next Step employee was shocked after being instructed to clean out a charged electrical wiring cable tray in which a combination of rain water and corn stalk dust had been allowed to accumulate. Subsequently, a subcontracted employee was fatally electrocuted after being asked to check the cable tray...

December 1 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Huntsman Petrochemical of Houston, Texas, for deficient lockout/tagout procedures.
  The company's facility on Jefferson Chemical Road in Conroe, Texas faces proposed penalties of $75,600 for an inadequate process safety management program and deficient lockout/tagout procedures to prevent the accidental start-up of machinery...

December 1 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Hondo, Texas, company more than $52,000 for failing to provide forklift training to workers.
  "This company jeopardized the safety of its workers by failing to provide forklift training," said Jeff Funke, OSHA's area director in San Antonio, Texas. "It's imperative that employers adhere to OSHA's safety and health standards to prevent injuries and fatalities by properly training their workers."  Other violations include failing to provide proper housekeeping by placing miscellaneous items on the stairway, creating a trip hazard; and electrical deficiencies, and failing to record injuries in the OSHA 300 log and to keep fire exits clear...

December 1 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Home Depot in San Antonio for lack of worker protective equipment, improper recordkeeping.
  Home Depot U.S.A. Inc. at 9115 North Loop 1604 in San Antonio faces proposed penalties of $70,500 for lacking adequate personal protective equipment and deficient injury recordkeeping.  OSHA began its inspection on July 30, which found that an employee had sustained chemical burns due to lack of appropriate personal protective equipment and training for protective equipment...

November 30 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Ohio-based Mikesell Excavating more than $49,000 for failure to provide cave-in protection for workers.
  OSHA standards mandate that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse. The company was issued citations for failing to properly protect workers from trench cave-ins as a result of an October inspection and for failing to train workers on proper safety regulations and to have worksites inspected by trained personnel...

November 30 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Chambersburg, Pa., excavation company for trenching hazards.
  David H. Martin Excavating Inc. in Chambersburg faces $63,000 in penalties for alleged trenching hazards.  OSHA standards mandate that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse. "When sudden cave-ins occur, unprotected trenches can become death traps," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office in Pennsylvania. "The company bypassed necessary safeguards, leaving its workers at risk of serious injury and possible death."

November 29 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA levies $46,200 in proposed penalties against US Postal Service in Des Moines, Iowa.
  The U.S. Postal Service Processing and Distribution Center in Des Moines faces proposed fines totaling $46,200 for failing to properly train workers on powered industrial truck hazards. Alleged violations include failing to provide refresher training when workers were observed operating powered industrial trucks in an unsafe manner and to certify that workers were properly trained, and failing to conduct an evaluation of each powered industrial truck operator at least every three years...

November 17 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Macon, Ga., plating company more than $300,000 for exposing workers to hazardous chemicals.
  Aerospace/Defense Coatings of Georgia Inc. in Macon has been cited for 19 health violations following a complaint concerning personal protective equipment and the handling, storing and disposing of chemicals. Violations include respirator and personal protective equipment, amongst others...

November 17 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA proposes $287,000 in fines against US Postal Service in Bluefield, W.Va., for exposing workers to electrical hazards.
  The violations cite the facility's failure to label electrical cabinets, properly train employees, use safety-related work practices when exposed to energized electrical parts and provide proper electrical protective equipment. A citation was also issued for allowing an unauthorized employee to perform inspections...

November 16 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Precision Production Inc. more than $149,000 for lack of hazardous energy procedures, not training workers.
  Precision Production Inc., a manufacturer of fabricated components in Cleveland, faces penalties totaling $149,250 for failing to establish lockout/tagout procedures of energy sources, train workers on recognizing hazardous energy sources and control methods, and require workers to lock out machinery when performing maintenance and have machine guards in place. Other alleged violations include failing to develop training programs for working with hazardous chemicals, develop and implement a workplace hazard assessment, train workers in the use and wear of personal protective equipment...

November 10 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA cites US Minerals facility in Harvey, La., with 30 safety violations, more than $110,000 in penalties.
  U.S. Minerals LLC has been cited for exposing workers to multiple safety and health hazards at the company's facility in Harvey. Alleged violations include enforcing the use of seat belts for employees operating fork lifts, to provide training on the use of fork lifts, enforce the use of safety glasses for eye protection and provide machine guarding where employees could be caught by chains or pulleys. Other violations were cited for failing to provide adequate lockout-tagout training and develop machine specific lockout-tagout procedures, protect workers from exposed electrical hazards, protect propane tanks from damage, failing to provide sanitary washing facilities and warm or hot water in lavatories...

November 9 2010
Contractor faces $70,000 fine from US Labor Department's OSHA after worker falls from ladder.
  The company was cited for an alleged willful violation of safety standards after a worker was injured when he fell 15 feet from a ladder at a Portsmouth, R.I., jobsite and faces the maximum proposed fine of $70,000 for failing to provide fall protection . "We found employees working without any form of fall protection at heights up to 15 feet, even though this employer well knows the requirement for fall protection whenever employees work at heights of 6 feet or above," said Patrick Griffin, OSHA's area director for Rhode Island...

November 3 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Lowe's Rockford Distribution Center $182,000 for recordkeeping violations.
  OSHA has cited the Lowe's Home Centers Inc. regional distribution center in Rockford with proposed penalties of $182,000 for alleged continuous failure to correctly classify injuries or illnesses and not correctly recording the number of days a worker was away from work due to injury or illness in the OSHA 300 log. "Accurate injury and illness records are vital to protecting workers' health and safety," said OSHA Area Director Kathy Webb in North Aurora, Ill. "Accurate records are an important tool that employers and workers can use to identify hazards in the workplace, and they also enable OSHA to better target its resources"...

November 2 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines ABC Professional Tree Services $146,000 for failing to protect workers near energized transmission lines.

October 26 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA cites Aliquippa, Pa., landscaping company for safety violations following worker electrocution with proposed penalties of $119,700.
  The company was cited for failing to provide personal protective equipment for workers cutting in and below trees, and for ensuring that an unqualified worker did not work in proximity to an energized electrical line.  The company also allegedly failed to conduct a hazard assessment, to provide personal protective equipment training, to provide first aid supplies, to develop, implement and maintain a hazard communication program, maintain material safety data sheets for hazardous chemicals used by employees on site, and provide information and training to employees on the hazardous chemicals in their work area...

October 19 2010
US Labor Department's OSHA fines Columbus, Ohio, US Postal Service processing center $210,000 for electrical and equipment hazards.
  The Postal Service failed to provide adequate electrical safety training, ensure that workers followed safety-related work practices while working on electrical equipment and provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment while working on energized electrical equipment...

October 5 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines AK Steel Corp. in Middletown, Ohio, $53,000 for failing to record worker injuries, hearing loss.

October 5 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Springdale, Pa., company for workplace safety violations following worker electrocution.

September 30 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Consolidated Blenders Inc. in Odessa, Neb., with $120,600 in penalties for inadequate respiratory protection, lack of confined space permit, lockout/tagout violations and more.

September 30 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines Boise, Idaho, manufacturer $59,000 for safety and health violations.

September 28 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Atlanta paper recycler with $48,000 in proposed fines for lack of written PPE hazard assessment and hazard communication program deficiencies.

September 22 2010
Thompson, Ga., manufacturer cited by OSHA for improper machine guarding, slip hazards, fork truck training and other deficiencies.

September 21 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines Behr Dayton Thermal Products more than $77,000 for failing to protect workers against electrical shock hazards.

September 21 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines Spartech Plastics $54,000 for exposing workers to unguarded machinery, electrical shock, forklift and other hazards.

September 17 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Batesville, Miss., picture frame manufacturer more than $228,000 for combustible dust, noise hazards, hazard communication and other violations.

September 9 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines Indiana-based employer $466,400 for exposing workers to dangerous levels of hazardous dust. 

September 7 2010
Russellville, Ala., Pilgrim Pride Corp. cited by OSHA for 29 safety and health violations with $135,000 in penalties. 
OSHA found that the company had failed to utilize lockout/tagout procedures and to label containers with appropriate hazards warnings.  The company also had unmarked fire exits, lack of machine guarding, lack of hand protection, electrical deficiencies...

September 7 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes $89,000 in fines to CVS Pharmacy for exit, storage and other hazards at Orange, Conn., store. 
OSHA found that employees working in the store's stockroom were not provided with unobstructed and effective emergency exit routes due to containers and pallets blocking the routes...

September 7 2010
U.S. Labor Department fines Watchung, NJ, Dollar Tree Stores more than $50,000 for exposing workers to workplace safety hazards. 
Violations include failing to properly stack, block, interlock or limit the height of stored materials, to cover exposed electrical outlets, and to keep storage areas free of tripping and fire hazards...

September 3 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines Alabama company after worker was killed when crushed between a motor being hoisted with a forklift and other equipment. 

September 1 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites Houston manufacturing company for hiding work-related injuries and illnesses; fines exceed $1.2 million. 

August 31 2010
U.S. Department of Labor fines Wisconsin company $369,500 in proposed penalties for inadequate hearing conservation program, recordkeeping and other violations.   

August 30 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites Letart, W.Va., manufacturer for workplace safety and health hazards.  
Proposed penalties total $44,000 for 10 serious violations including inadequate hearing and respiratory programs, electrical hazards, improper use of compressed air, as well as employee exposure to silica, lead and manganese fumes...

August 26 2010
Company cited with proposed penalties of $62,200 for failure to provide reverse signal alarm on equipment amongst other safety violations.  
OSHA initiated an investigation after an employee digging a shallow ditch was struck by a tractor and pinned while backing up.  Additional violations include failure to train workers in the recognition and avoidance of hazards ...

August 25 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites US Postal Service in Kansas City, Kan., with $191,000 in penalties for serious and repeat safety violations.  
Violations include overall deficiencies in walking/working surfaces, fall protection, sling use, machine guarding, welding and electrical equipment...

August 23 2010
OSHA fines Karl's Event Rental $85,000 for combustible dust, electrical and other hazards. 

August 23 2010
U.S. Department of Labor fines Exeter, Pa., manufacturer $156,000 for workplace safety hazards.  
Proposed penalties total $156,000 for inadequate lockout/tagout procedure for energy sources, unguarded machinery and electrical hazards...

August 23 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA fines manufacturer nearly $70,000 for worker exposure to noise, other workplace hazards. 

August 20 2010
U.S. Department of Labor proposes $350,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Portsmouth, NH, mail processing facility. 

August 12 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites AmeriCold Logistics with $189,000 in fines for serious safety violations at Burley, Idaho, facility.  
Many of the alleged violations cited were for deficiencies in Americold Logistics' process safety management program, which helps to ensure that operations involving hazardous chemicals are performed in a safe manner...

August 12 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites M & G Equipment Group following worker's death in Alamo, Texas. 

August 9 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites Huntsville, Ala. plant for facility hazards.  
Proposed penalties total $191,500 for failure to provide adequate lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding issues, obstructed exit pathways...

August 9 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $357,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Boston mail processing facility. 

August 5 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Matula & Matula Construction following worker death in Lake Jackson, Texas.

August 4 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jimmie Crowder Excavating and Land Clearing for endangering workers. 

July 29 2010
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA proposes $420,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Vermont mail processing facility.   

July 29 2010
Noise exposure complaint leads to proposed OSHA fines of $73,500 at Marcum Transport of Verdunville, W.Va.   

July 20 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites Legion Industries in Waynesboro, Ga., for machine guarding, inadequate safety training, electrical, chemical and other hazards. 

July 20 2010
U.S. Department of Labor proposes $112,000 in fines against Home Depot USA for chemical hazards and inadequate safety training. 

July 19 2010
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA cites Jarden Home Brands for alleged safety violations.  
Proposed penalties totaling $197,500 were issued for electrical hazards, inadequate lockout/tagout procedures and machine guarding, training deficiencies in the use of forklift trucks...

July 12 2010
U.S. Department of Labor proposes more than $69,000 in penalties against Roll-Kraft for exposing workers to hazards.  
The steel manufacturing facility was cited for failing to provide required safety training and for not protecting workers against electrical and machine hazards...

July 12 2010
U.S. Department of Labor cites Krestmark Industries in Dallas for allegedly lacking hearing conservation program and other safety and health violations.  
A willful violation has been issued for the company's failure to institute...

July 8 2010
Repeat and serious safety hazards at 4 Xpect Discount locations in Connecticut lead to $140,000 in US Labor Department OSHA fines for Ohio retailer.  
Inspections  found safety violations related to personal protective equipment, forklift operator training, failure to maintain or certify injury and illness logs...

July 6 2010
U.S. Department of Labor files worker safety complaint against USPS.  
Complaint requests enterprise-wide remedy, a 1st...

July 12 2010
OSHA proposes $272,000 in fines against US Postal Service for exposing workers to electrical hazards at Capitol Heights, Md., facility.  
"These citations and sizable fines reflect the Postal Service's failure to equip its workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to safely work"...

June 28 2010
OSHA proposes $430,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Scarborough, Maine mail processing facility.   "
The Postal Service knew that proper and effective training was needed for the safety of its workers but did not provide it."...

June 15 2010
Employer ordered by US Department of Labor to make amends to employee censured for reporting work-related injury. 

June 8 2010
OSHA fines US Postal Service nearly $500,000 for exposing workers to electrical hazards at two Philadelphia facilities. 
 OSHA's inspections found inadequately trained employees performing work without the proper personal protective equipment while being exposed to live parts...

May 26 2010
OSHA orders United Parcel Service to compensate driver terminated for refusing to drive due to safety concerns. 
OSHA investigated the employee's allegation that UPS terminated his employment in retaliation for his refusal to drive after raising safety concerns and has ordered UPS to pay $111,008...

May 20 2010
OSHA finds CSX Transportation Inc. retaliated against dispatcher who reported safety concerns. 
The rail carrier was ordered to rescind discipline and pay worker $5,000 in punitive damages...

May 10 2010
OSHA finds Port Authority Trans-Hudson Corp. violated whistleblower law. 
  A whistleblower investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that the company violated an employee's rights when he was absent from work while recovering from an injury...

May 10 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines US Postal Service processing center $210,000 for safety violations. 
  OSHA's inspection found that the postal service failed to provide required electrical safety training for its workers; to ensure workers used safety-related work practices while working on electrical equipment; and to provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment while working on energized equipment...

May 10 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $217,000 in fines against US Postal Service for electrical hazards at Denver mail processing facility. 
  OSHA's inspection found that employees were performing testing on live electrical equipment and doing so without adequate training, personal protective equipment and safety-related work practices...

May 6 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Varney, W.Va., lumber company for failing to abate workplace safety and health hazards. 
  OSHA has cited Pineville Lumber Inc. for five violations, proposing penalties totaling $189,730.  OSHA's inspection found failure to properly train workers operating powered industrial trucks, to properly guard machinery, to provide an adequate hearing conservation program, to complete required injury and illness logs...

April 28 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Lowe's Home Center $110,000 for recordkeeping violations at Cincinnati and Dayton stores. 
  OSHA requires employers to record and maintain occupational injuries and illnesses on the OSHA 300 log.  "Accurate records are an important tool that employers and workers can use to identify hazards in the workplace, and they also enable OSHA to better target its resources."...

April 19 2010
OSHA proposes $64,000 against Elk Grove, Ill.-based Ceva Freight for forktruck-related safety violations. 
 An inspection revealed that the company allegedly did not ensure that industrial trucks were properly inspected before use and for failing to provide legible name plates on the trucks.  Additionally, the company failed to provide proper load backrest extensions and to take trucks with safety defects out of service.  The company has also been cited for failure to record injury and illness logs on the OSHA 300 form and to provide those forms to OSHA when requested...

April 19 2010
OSHA proposes $130,800 in fines for Yonkers, NY, woodwork manufacturer for fire, chemical and amputation hazards. 
 An employee sustained a partial hand amputation on an unguarded radial arm saw.  The ensuing OSHA inspection found that the blades on this and other saws lacked the guarding designed to prevent this type of accident.  In addition, OSHA identified a range of mechanical, chemical and fire hazards, including the accumulation of combustible wood dust...

April 14 2010
US Department of Labor's OSHA proposes $61,500 in penalties against Fleetpride Inc. for safety violations. 
  An OSHA inspection alleges that the company had damaged, inoperable emergency lighting; exit signs not illuminated; and a damaged fall protection lanyard not taken out of service.  The company was also cited for improper personal protective equipment, no hazard assessment certification, no personal protective equipment training certification and no cover on an electrical box...

March 26 2010
OSHA cites Fort Worth, Texas-based FWT Inc. for alleged workplace safety and health violations.
  Proposed penalties total $239,400 for OSHA citations that include failure to conduct noise monitoring, to identify and evaluate respiratory hazards...

March 17 2010
OSHA cites Pecos, Texas, manufacturing facility for alleged safety and health hazards.
  OSHA has cited TransPecos Foods in Pecos for alleged workplace safety and health violations following an inspection at the company's facility on East Palmer Road.  Proposed penalties total $69,650 for failing to protect employees from exposed electrical wires, to provide forklift inspections, to protect workers from rotating parts, to provide a wash station for employees during the use of corrosive chemicals and to train employees on hazard communication...

March 17 2010
OSHA fines Allentown, Pa., company $101,700 for failing to abate workplace safety and health hazards.
  OSHA has cited COMPUSPAR USA Inc. for failing to abate previously cited workplace safety and health violations, including failure to maintain OSHA 300 logs; to develop and implement a hazard communication program; to train employees on hazardous chemicals...

February 18 2010
OSHA cites Cranesville Block Co. for safety and health hazards at Kingston, NY, plant.
  OSHA has proposed $45,500 in fines for alleged violations of health and safety standards after an inspection prompted by employee complaints.  Specific hazards included blocked exits, workers lacking safety glasses and gloves when working with acid, unlabeled containers of hazardous chemicals, unmarked electrical equipment, exposed live electrical parts and moisture in electrical equipment...

January 27 2010
OSHA proposing more than $135,000 in penalties against Atlanta stone countertop manufacturer for health hazards. 
Investigations reveal exposure of workers to excess amounts of silica by not fully implementing a respiratory protection program, failing to fully implement a hearing conservation program and failing to establish a written hazard communication program...

 

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