The Secretary of Labor resigns, NIOSH introduces a new chemical management banding strategy and U.S. states get ranked by happiness. These were among the stories featured on ISHN.com this week.
Mobile elevated work platforms are powerful, durable, and useful machines that help workers perform a wide range of tasks at height. Training operators and other workers on the safe use of these machines is crucial to decrease the risk of injuries, property damage and liability.
“Until MSHA sets and strictly enforces an evidence-based, silica-specific dust standard, along with improved procedures for measuring and monitoring silica, the agency will not be fulfilling its mission to ‘prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S. miners."
Multiple hazards at Ohio workplace: OSHA issued 23 citations and $183,738 in penalties to Ohio Gratings, Inc., for inadequate machine guarding and recordkeeping, failing to ensure that workers used personal protective equipment, and exposing workers to struck-by hazards and flammable liquids.
The skies over a dozen U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) locations are about to get a little less friendly for drones, otherwise known as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
As of July 11, drone operators are forbidden to fly their aircraft over the following “national security sensitive” locations, based on a request by the DOD:
Although the use of asbestos has been banned in European Union (EU) nations since 2005, the substance remains a health risk in Europe due to its ubiquitous presence in many private and public buildings.
Asbestos was one of the major agenda items at last month’s seminar on chemicals and worker protection held in Lisbon. Hosted by the European Trade Union Institute in Lisbon in collaboration with the General Confederation of the Portuguese Workers (CGTP), the gathering brought together more than 40 union representatives from 21 European countries.
Improving knowledge of regulatory changes and safety best practices has been a common theme among attendees of the nearly 60 complimentary seminars hosted by J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. during the first half of 2019. And that trend looks to continue with nearly 25 more events scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
Second employee suffers electrical shock while trying to help co-worker
July 5, 2019
OSHA inspected the company in December 2018 after an employee was electrocuted while using a damaged portable lamp when cleaning the inside of a metal tank. A second employee suffered electrical shock injuries in an attempt to assist the injured co-worker. Inspectors determined that the lamp's cord had exposed bare conductors, and the lamp was unsuitable for use in wet locations. They also found a damaged extension cord used to connect the lamp to power.
After evaluating the risk from electric power generation, transmission and distribution facilities, the EPA says no additional federal requirements are needed to cover the costs of possible hazardous substance releases.
Using the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 108(b), EPA analyzed the need for financial responsibility requirements for the electric power industry.
Construction work zones are dangerous. Every day, workers who step foot on highways and roads risk danger from vehicle traffic and heavy equipment. Completing work is important, but when safety takes a back seat to production schedules, the result can be deadly.