A Georgia poultry processing plant that had a fatal liquid nitrogen release in January 2021 was cited by OSHA after the plant experienced another chemical release March 11. Less than two months after the nitrogen leak killed six workers, leading to $1 million in fines for four companies, the plant experienced an ammonia leak. Inspectors found […]
Generators can be real life savers in the wake of a natural disaster such as a hurricane or blizzard. However, they also come with quite a few serious hazards, including: electrocution from improper use of power or accidental energizing of other electrical systems carbon monoxide from the exhaust fires from improper refueling, and noise and […]
A Montana company accused of exposing employees at its Anaconda plant to high levels of arsenic admitted that it had violated the Clean Air Act and has agreed to settle a civil case with OSHA regarding related safety and health violations. U.S. Minerals Inc. pleaded guilty Aug. 23 to one misdemeanor count of negligent endangerment […]
Q: Can OSHA cite a company under the General Duty Clause (GDC) for exposing employees to extreme heat? A: Yes, but a court recently set a high bar for OSHA to use the GDC for this hazard, according to Courtney Malveaux, attorney with Jackson Lewis PC. Historically, OSHA has protected workers against extreme heat by […]
OSHA cited a Colorado home manufacturer after two follow-up inspections revealed the employer was exposing employees to fall hazards. Inspectors found the company used damaged scaffolding, didn’t train workers on scaffolding safety and allowed unsafe use of ladders. The follow-up inspections were conducted after OSHA found the “company failed to abate numerous violations found in […]
Smartphone apps for workplace safety and health can be great tools and also save you some time. But first you have to find them. Whether you’re already using apps for safety at work or not, here are ones you should consider adding to your arsenal of OSH tools: Weather or not The OSH/NIOSH Heat Index […]
The busiest part of tropical storm season is just around the corner. Are your employees prepared to stay safe at work? Tropical storms can pose environmental health and safety hazards for employees. These hazards include things such as: carbon monoxide fumes from using generators in poorly ventilated areas, and lead, asbestos and mold growth exposure […]
When the temperature is above 100 degrees F, there’s no doubt an employer has to enact a “water, rest, shade” program for employees working outdoors. But what about somewhat lower, but still hot, temperatures? And how do humidity, direct sunlight and wind speed factor in? An outdoor temperature of 80 degrees doesn’t have the same […]
Timothy Barber, a 35-year-old worker assigned to the Genesee River Bridge Project in western New York, collapsed from heat exhaustion at the end of his shift July 7, 2020. Barber was treated for heat stress, but later died from hyperthermia. It was his second day on the job. OSHA investigators found Barber was doing light […]
