News
Employers, managers and supervisors who violate OSHA law may find themselves faced with criminal sanctions as a result of a formal agreement between the Departments of Labor and Justice to work closer with one another.
Appropriations legislation maintains OSHA’s flat funding, but clears the way for the agency to promulgate a silica rule.
Thinking about lying to OSHA? One employer did regarding the circumstances of a worker death, and he’s now facing 25 years in prison.
Lawmakers reintroduced legislation that would require OSHA to promulgate a health care industry standard requiring the use of mechanical lifts and other safe practices to better protect nurses from musculoskeletal disorders.
A new OSHA bulletin warns employers about carbon monoxide explosion hazards in the steelmaking industry.
Notable proposed fines
$157,080 to an Illinois manufacturing facility for alleged metal, machine and electrical hazards, among others
$131,440 to an Ohio plaster and masonry contractor for alleged fall hazards at two construction sites
$116,270 to a Florida textile facility for guarding and lockout/tagout violations for an incident in which a fiber-processing machine started unexpectedly and removed all the skin from a worker’s wrist and hand
$88,200 to an Ohio printing facility for machine guarding violations after three employees suffered amputation injuries
Happenings
Dec. 28 – Deadline to submit nominations for membership on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health
Review Counter
Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of Dec. 21:
| # of Days | OSHA Proposal |
| 172 | Walking/Working Surfaces and Personal Fall Protection Systems (final rule) |
| 77 | 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.
Happy holidays!
OSHA Roundup will be taking next week off for the holidays. Check back Jan. 4 for the first Roundup of the new year.
The opinions expressed in "On Safety" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.