News

Potential budget cuts to OSHA could result in more workplace deaths and injuries, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) suggests.

OSHA and NIOSH evaluate their efforts during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup.

OSHA is accepting nominations for its Maritime Advisory Committee for Occupational Safety and Health.

Notable proposed fines

$225,000 to a South Dakota manufacturing plant for citations that include failing to provide emergency exits and fall protection

$185,900 (.pdf file) to a New Hampshire foundry after a follow-up inspection found alleged lead hazards unabated

$173,500 to a general contractor and several subcontractors for alleged fall and electrical violations found at a New Hampshire shopping mall they worked on

$133,100 (.pdf file) to a Cleveland manufacturing plant for alleged violations related to a workplace amputation

$126,000 to a waste treatment facility in Ohio for alleged health violations and citations related to the process safety management of hazardous chemicals

$95,700 to a manufacturing facility in Ohio for alleged amputation violations

$94,500 in citations to a Birmingham, AL-based furniture manufacturer as part of its OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on amputations and its Local Emphasis Program on high noise industries

$82,500 in repeat and combustible dust-related citations, among others, to a Montana crop processor

Review counter

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.

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

• 546 days – Silica (proposed rule)
• 265 days – Modernizing OSHA’s reporting system for injuries and illnesses (proposed rule)
• 47 days – Electric power transmission and distribution; electrical protective equipment (final rule)

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