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In response to a number of fatal accidents involving cranes, OSHA announced new regulations regarding crane and derrick safety on September 18. Employers can comment on the regulations published in the Federal Register, however, OSHA reserves the right to adopt the regulations as is without further notice.

A complete copy of the new regulations is available here.

“The cranes and derricks proposed rule (more…)

OSHA has announced public hearings on the controversial new personal protective equipment and employee training requirements regulations.

Many employers have questions or concerns regarding the most recent OSHA regulations. In an effort to allow business owners to air grievances, and take part in the process of formulating new regulations, the agency will hold hearings in October.

OSHA will hold public hearings on the new PPE and employee training requirements  in Washington, D.C. on (more…)

The U.S. Department of Labor recently designated October 20 through October 26, 2008 as national Drug-Free Work Week. The department has set aside this week to educate employers, employees and the public about the importance of being drug-free as an essential component of a safe, healthful workplace.

“Drug-Free Work Week is a good time to remind employers and employees that reducing workplace substance abuse is a crucial part of keeping workers safe,” said Elena Carr, drug policy coordinator at the Department of Labor. “Of course, in a safe and healthful workplace, every week should be drug free.”

More than 17.5 million adult workers in the US used illicit drugs in 2007, according to researchers at the University at Buffalo. An estimated 14.1% of working adults used illicit drugs. Even more seriously,   (more…)

 A tragic case in California illustrates exactly why federal legislators recently passed stiffer penalties for employers who fail to provide safe working conditions for workers under the age of 18.

GINA, the recently passed Genetic Information Non-disclosure Act, provides for a $50,000 fine for any employer who is found in violation of a safety regulation, resulting in the death of a worker who is a minor.

Recently, the California Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Occupational Safety & Health (DIR/Cal/OSHA) issued six citations in the sad death of a 17-year-old female Hispanic farm worker. Even more tragically, this death could easily have been prevented if the employer had taken a few minutes to comply with a few simple safety rules.

Maria Vasquez Jimenez died of (more…)

OSHA, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is warning employers to follow proper safety precautions in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, Hurricane Ike, and the related Midwest floods.

The federal agency has released several public service announcements to remind employers that they are still responsible for worker safety, even under such trying conditions as these natural disasters.

Employers should particularly be aware of the dangers of electrocution and falls from heights during the cleanup and recovery operations.

“In the wake of Hurricane Gustav, (more…)