News
A Department of Labor Office of Inspector report lists the challenges facing OSHA, including a lack of outcome-based data to determine the effectiveness of various programs.
OSHA issues a draft guidance document to assist employers in developing a safety and health program.
A new video from OSHA stresses the joint responsibility employers and staffing firms have in protecting temporary workers.
OSHA publishes a final rule on how it will handle retaliation complaints from railroad and public transit whistleblowers.
New OSHA agricultural and maritime fact sheets detail hazards and employer requirements in those industries.
Notable proposed fines
$161,000 to a furniture maker and staffing agency in Texas for two temporary workers’ severe injuries – including removing of the skin and finger amputations – due to inadequately guarded machines
$74,000 to a Pennsylvania metal company for unprotected machinery and struck-by hazards after a worker’s leg was crushed in a trash compactor and had to be subsequently amputated
$14,000 to a Massachusetts contractor for trenching violations in the death of a worker who drowned after a water main pipe broke and filled an excavation area
Review Counter
Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of Nov. 23:
| # of Days | OSHA Proposal |
| 144 | Walking/Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (final rule) |
| 49 | Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses (final 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.