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OSHA Roundup for June 22, 2015

June 22, 2015

News

A House subcommittee approves a budget that would cut funding for OSHA by 3 percent.

A roofing contractor is accused in an indictment of lying to OSHA investigators and violating the agency’s Scaffolds Standard in connection with a fatal fall.

In light of recent fatalities, OSHA has issued two new resources to protect workers from electrocution and engulfment hazards.

Confused about using old hazard communication labels under OSHA’s new Hazard Communication Standard? OSHA clarifies the issue in a new interim policy.

Notable proposed fines

$221,200 to an Oklahoma drilling company for allowing the use of an open-flame heater, which likely caused a rig fire that killed three workers

$112,200 to a Newark, NJ-based construction company for failure to provide fall protection, personal protective equipment and a proper ladder at a Pennsylvania worksite

$71,000 to a Springfield, MO-based vehicle suspension systems manufacturer for failure to protect workers from operating machinery parts following the death of a parts assembler who was struck by a metal spacer off a 4-pound hydraulic press

$62,000 to a Rhode Island health company for allegations of failing to protect workers from needlesticks following an employee complaint of being punctured by a used needle

$14,630 to a Columbus, NE-based construction company for failure to provide a hazard-free workplace as well as failure to train employees in towing methods and connection techniques in the death of a heavy equipment operator

Review Counter

Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of June 22:

# of Days OSHA Proposal
 
291 Occupational Exposure to Beryllium (proposed rule)

The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs – part of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget – reviews proposed regulations. The process is required for most rules before they can move forward, and typically takes 90 days.

The opinions expressed in "On Safety" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.

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