There are many metaphors that are commonly used in Washington DC. One of those metaphors is to describe something at “the third rail of politics.” Wikipedia defines “third rail of politics” as “a metaphor for any issue so controversial that it is “charged” and “untouchable” to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically.”

The 2012 death of an employee of North American Quarry and Construction Services, LLC has resulted in a $360,000 settlement with the contractor, which has withdrawn its contest of the violations leveled against it by U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA).

The man rumored to be a possible contender for the post of Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA under the Trump administration has suggested that some safety and health regulations should be subject to sunset provisions –terminated at the end of a fixed period unless they are formally renewed.

Work-related disability is associated with many negative health and social outcomes including reduced quality of life, job loss, reduced lifetime income, injuries among family caregivers, and premature death.

An estimated 86 million adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, but because it’s a symptomless disease, many people are unaware they have it – and so do don’t take steps to manage it.

Two workers died in a trench in Boston last year because their employer failed to take basic stopes to prevent the trench from collapsing, according to OSHA, which cited the company for 18 safety violations. Fines aren’t the only consequence of the double fatality; a Suffolk County grand jury has indicted Atlantic Drain and company owner, Kevin Otto, on two counts each of manslaughter and other charges in connection with the Oct. 21, 2016 deaths.

A tanker truck driver’s mistake at a chemical company in Atchison, Kansas sent a dense green toxic cloud into the air over a densely populated town, driving more 140 individuals -- both workers and members of the public -- to area hospitals and forcing others to shelter-in-place until evacuation orders were lifted.

After driving the wrong way on a highway and causing multiple crashes – while being pursued by police – a Kentucky-licensed truck driver has lost his right to drive commercial vehicles.

Research conducted by the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) over the past year with its members, customers and stakeholders indicated that an updated brand with a clearer vision would better reflect the organization’s current membership and position it for growth.

Ralph Butler was the most senior skilled trades electrician at Freightliner’s Cleveland, North Carolina, assembly plant. He and a co-worker were responsible for maintaining equipment on the loading docks. On July 13 they were troubleshooting a dock leveler.