News
OSHA withdraws proposed rule regarding revisions to SHARP inspections in light of adverse stakeholder comments.
With confirmation and swearing in of a second commissioner, OSHRC has a quorum and can begin ruling on cases again.
MSHA policy letter states that OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard is compatible with MSHA requirements.
Notable proposed fines
$1.14 million for fall protection violations, among others, to a steel manufacturing plant in Ohio with a history of fall hazards and employee injuries
$267,434 to a San Antonio cabinet manufacturer for alleged combustible dust hazards
$251,330 to a Hawaiian refrigerated food warehouse for a variety of safety violations, including locked exit doors and obstructed exit routes
$161,000 to a communication utilities contracting company for toxic chemical and electrical hazard violations, and $2,000 to a Kansas City, MO, restaurant for an alleged deficient emergency action plan, both in connection with the death of a restaurant worker in an explosion and fire
$148,400 to a Texas manufacturer for machine guarding violations and alleged amputation hazards
$143,000 to an oil company in Texas for alleged electrical, fire, machine guarding and health hazards
$127,400 to a Georgia farm in connection with a grain bin entrapment
$87,260 to a Pittsburgh candy factory for guarding and protection equipment violations in connection with an injury to an employee whose hand was crashed
$50,000 to a concrete block manufacturer in Lindenhurst, NY, in connection with a worker’s arm amputation
Happening this week
Aug. 22-23 – Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health meeting
Review Counter
Below is a count of how many days recent OSHA proposals have been under review, as of Aug. 19:
| # of Days | OSHA Proposal |
| 917 | Silica (proposed rule) |
| 636 | Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule) |
| 418 | Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment (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 "Washington Wire" do not necessarily reflect those of the National Safety Council or affiliated local Chapters.