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OSHA Roundup for April 1, 2013

April 1, 2013

Review counter

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

# of Days
777 Silica (proposed rule)
496 Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule)
278 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.

News

The Utah Occupational Safety and Health Division begins a nursing home worker safety initiative.

The Virginia Department of Labor launches a public service announcement highlighting worker safety.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries unveils advertising campaign encouraging employers to return injured workers back to the job through light duty.

The Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission is one of the best very small government agencies to work for; OSHA is about average, according to employees.

Notable proposed fines

$281,100 to an Oklahoma refinery in connection with the deaths of two workers killed in a boiler explosion

$184,500 to a New Jersey electronic cigarette manufacturer for allegations of exposing workers to toxic chemicals

$108,900 (.pdf file) to a Middle Village, NY-based manufacturer for a variety of alleged repeat and serious violations, including failing to train or conduct a hazard assessment

$43,000 to an energy company near Las Vegas for hazards related to the fall-related death of a worker during a training exercise

Happening this week

April 2-3 – Informal stakeholder meetings on crane operator certification requirements in OSHA’s Cranes and Derricks in Construction Standard

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