Workplace deaths down overall, but spikes appear in some categories
After a one-time jump of 7% from 2015 to 2016, the number of workplace deaths fell slightly in 2017.
Manufacturing
CEO, plant manager face jail due to Hurricane Harvey chemical release, fire
A prosecutor notes that while indictments against corporations and their managers for environmental and safety crimes are rare, “those who poison our environment will be prosecuted when the evidence justifies it.” Now two managers face jail time in connection with one of the worst storms in U.S. history.
Report: Hot work and maintenance shutdown combined for fatal blast
In the wake of an explosion that killed three contractors and injured seven more, a U.S. government investigatory agency is calling on OSHA to expand its Process Safety Management regulations – a recommendation that was made after another fatal explosion back in 2001.
Creating a safety culture: Situation at BP Alaska shows it never ends
Once you get your safety culture “right,” is that it – mission accomplished? Some recent reporting about BP’s Alaska operations shows it’s a never-ending challenge.
Old equipment, lack of written procedures led to fire, 4 workers seriously burned
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) says a culture that allowed maintenance to be done without proper instructions and training contributed to a fire that seriously burned four workers at ExxonMobil’s Baton Rouge, LA, refinery.
Judge throws out $2.38M in fines to Tesoro in explosion that killed 7 workers
A judge’s decision to vacate $2.38 million in fines against a Tesoro refinery in Anacortes, WA, came as a shock to state safety officials who now say they’ll appeal the ruling.
Rate of nonfatal workplace injuries falls in 2015
The rate of nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the U.S. has dropped in 2015 by the biggest amount since 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Lack of maintenance, poor communication fouled water for 300,000
What can go wrong when an aboveground tank used to store harmful chemicals isn’t inspected for 10 years?
Top 5 causes of workplace injuries
Five years and more than 1.5 million workers’ comp claims. That’s what The Travelers Companies looked at to determine the who, what, where, when, why and how of workplace injuries … also how much they cost.
