One year ago today, 29 miners died in an explosion at the Upper Big Branch (UBB) mine in West Virginia, owned by Massey Energy. In the last 12 months, what’s been done to make sure a disaster like UBB never happens again? [Read more…] about 1 year after death of 29 miners: What’s improved?
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Case of the pot-smoking worker mauled by bear: Part 2
Last year we told you the story of an employee who was mauled by a grizzly in a bear park after having smoked pot. The employee received workers’ comp. The employer appealed to the state’s highest court, which has issued a ruling. [Read more…] about Case of the pot-smoking worker mauled by bear: Part 2
Report: Feds considering manslaughter charges for BP
It’s almost one year since the oil well explosion in the Gulf of Mexico that killed 11 workers and caused the biggest offshore spill in U.S. history. A recent news report says the federal government is consolidating its efforts to bring criminal charges against the company and perhaps some of its managers. [Read more…] about Report: Feds considering manslaughter charges for BP
Inspectors didn’t have to go far to look into these incidents
You’ve probably heard about OSHA inspections in which the inspector “just happened to be driving by” a construction site, saw problems and decided to take a look. In this case, all the inspectors had to do was look outside their windows. [Read more…] about Inspectors didn’t have to go far to look into these incidents
Who do workers turn to for safety info?
A new study shows when employees need safety training and information about their jobs, they’re most likely to consult … [Read more…] about Who do workers turn to for safety info?
Employee trampling death: Judge rules against Wal-Mart
A judge has ruled that Wal-Mart should pay a $7,000 fine in connection with the trampling death of one of its employees. But this case may not be over yet. [Read more…] about Employee trampling death: Judge rules against Wal-Mart
Pigeon droppings make workers sick; court upholds OSHA fine
An administrative law judge with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission has upheld fines against an Ohio company. An inspection revealed several employees had symptoms of a potentially fatal respiratory disease after sweeping up pigeon droppings. [Read more…] about Pigeon droppings make workers sick; court upholds OSHA fine
Workplace injury or preexisting condition?
An employee says he was injured at work. But wait: He had previously suffered a similar injury and was being treated for it. Does the employee get workers’ comp benefits for the injury? [Read more…] about Workplace injury or preexisting condition?
State bans workplace ergonomics regulations
As the debate over ergonomics regulations continues, one state has decided that such rules are too expensive for businesses. [Read more…] about State bans workplace ergonomics regulations
1 killed, 1 injured in trench collapse; $160K OSHA fine
A contracting company faces $159,600 in OSHA fines following the death of one employee and the hospitalization of another. [Read more…] about 1 killed, 1 injured in trench collapse; $160K OSHA fine