A judge’s ruling in the death of a killer whale trainer at SeaWorld in Orlando could change the park’s marine shows forever. [Read more…] about OSHA citations upheld in death of trainer at SeaWorld
Articles
Michaels: General duty clause holds up, abatement is key
(Denver, CO) For safety professionals and the companies they work for, the recent opinion by an administrative law judge upholding fines against SeaWorld Orlando for the death of a trainer pulled underwater by a killer whale upholds a key OSHA power. [Read more…] about Michaels: General duty clause holds up, abatement is key
Employee or independent contractor? Workers’ comp hangs in the balance
An injured worker says he should get workers’ comp because he was an employee, not an independent contractor. But he signed documents saying he was a contractor. Now what? [Read more…] about Employee or independent contractor? Workers’ comp hangs in the balance
Father and 2 sons drown in large manure pit
Maryland OSHA will investigate the drowning deaths of a farmer and his two teenage sons in a two-million gallon manure pit. [Read more…] about Father and 2 sons drown in large manure pit
Fines reduced 90% after citations reevaluated as serious
“We trust the Commission will act before the decade is out,” the U.S. District Court wrote earlier this year regarding OSHA fines that date back to 1993. Action has been taken, and the result could affect how much OSHA can charge for violations. [Read more…] about Fines reduced 90% after citations reevaluated as serious
Company must pay $22M for cell phone/driving injury
Here’s proof that allowing employees to talk on cell phones for business purposes while they’re driving can be costly. [Read more…] about Company must pay $22M for cell phone/driving injury
Fired after no-toilet complaint: Jury awards $332K
A jury has awarded two men a total of $332,000 in connection with their firings from their jobs. They had complained about the lack of bathroom facilities, and OSHA got involved. [Read more…] about Fired after no-toilet complaint: Jury awards $332K
OSHA’s hands tied in age of subcontractors
An investigative report by ProPublica and PBS “Frontline” points out that many large companies have a simple way to avoid OSHA regulations, enforcement and penalties: Hire subcontractors to do dangerous work. [Read more…] about OSHA’s hands tied in age of subcontractors
‘My nose is disfigured, give me workers’ comp’
A worker fractured her nose. Workers’ comp paid for surgery which repaired the fracture and alleviated her pain. However, she argued for almost a year’s worth of additional benefits for disfigurement. Did a court award her more workers’ comp benefits? [Read more…] about ‘My nose is disfigured, give me workers’ comp’
Company didn’t seek emergency medical help for injured worker
Imagine this: A worker is seriously burned, but the company doesn’t call for emergency help and waits a half hour to take the injured person to a medical facility. The worker died of his injuries just weeks later. [Read more…] about Company didn’t seek emergency medical help for injured worker