Today's Safety News - Articles - Page 134

Lumber mill fatality results in citations

August 2, 2019

OSHA has cited Pukall Lumber Company Inc. – a lumber mill in Arbor Vitae, Wisconsin – for exposing employees to multiple safety hazards following a worker fatality. The company faces penalties of $348,467. An employee suffered fatal injuries when caught in an outdoor bark conveyor belt in January 2019. OSHA cited Pukall Lumber for two willful violations for failing to implement energy control procedures, and ensure the conveyer had adequate guarding to prevent employees from coming in contact with the moving parts.

California nurses demand better workplace violence protection

August 1, 2019

After multiple violent attacks on registered nurses – and just ahead of upcoming contract negotiations –nurses this week held a demonstration in front of Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California to demand that a workplace violence prevention proposal be included in their contract. "Registered nurses go to work with the goal of helping our patients heal. We must be allowed to do this in the safest possible environment."

Gas line rupture claims a life in Kentucky

August 1, 2019

A fire caused by a gas line rupture early this morning in Kentucky killed one person and injured at least others, according to news reports. The fire damaged a half dozen mobile homes as well as train tracks. Don Gilliam, director of Lincoln County Emergency Management, said the 30” gas line breached shortly before two a.m in Hustonville.

Dozens with minor injuries after Texas refinery fire

August 1, 2019

ExxonMobil sent 66 of its employees and contractors for medical evaluation yesterday after an explosion and fire at one of its Texas oil refineries. News sources say an estimated 37 people sustained minor burn injuries. The incident at the Baytown facility, which processes propane and propylene, occurred shortly after 11 a.m. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for approximately 5,000 area residents.

Friendly persuasion beats negative safety training lectures

Safety needs a “common language”

Larry Wilson

August 1, 2019

Be careful, pay attention, watch what you’re doing, follow the rules... and you won’t get hurt!” Not exactly the most positive form of communication, is it?

Mobile app identifies safety, work at height, weather exposure risks

August 1, 2019

Responses provided by Carol Hanover, Field Director, Risk Control, Travelers

Learn the different types of arc flashes

Electricity through the air

Benita Mehta

August 1, 2019

While arc flash is an increasingly well-known phenomena, workers are still suffering injuries on a regular basis. In June 2019, OSHA cited a metal smelting company for electrical hazards after an arc flash caused three workers to suffer severe burns at the ASARCO facility in Hayden, Arizona.

High-Reliability Operations emphasis error management

High-Reliability Operations emphasize error management

A system of checks & balances

Dr John Kello

August 1, 2019

What is a High Reliability Organization? The work is highly technical and complex, operators require a high level of technical training and certification, and the consequences of error can be catastrophic. Hence, “it has to be done right every time.”

New York City doubles down on traffic fatalities & injuries

Meeting the promise of “Vision Zero”

Dave Johnson

August 1, 2019

Since 2014, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has set a goal, or more specifically a “vision,” that traffic deaths and injuries on city streets is, in his words, “not acceptable and… serious crashes will no longer (be regarded) as inevitable. We won’t accept this any longer.”

Implement a floor safety plan to prevent slips, trips & falls

Daily housekeeping required

Karen Hamel

August 1, 2019

Telling employees to watch their step isn’t enough to eliminate slip, trip and fall injuries in production areas. Like other safety hazards, slip, trip and fall hazards can be identified and in many cases eliminated.