Pipeline safety, toxic toys, teaching occupational safety to schoolkids and a tale of workplace violence were among the top stories posted on ISHN.com this week.
Oil and gas industry rolls out new pipeline safety standard
The American Petroleum Institute (API) yesterday announced a new pipeline safety management system standard that was created with engagement and guidance from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), and other key stakeholders.
NTSB wants Amtrak to videotape its crew members
In a letter to Amtrak yesterday, the National Transportation Safety Board said that it should install crash- and fire-protected inward- and outward-facing audio and image recorders in the operating cabs of all of its trains, and review the recordings to ensure that crew actions are in accordance with procedures.
A FairWarning story
Asbestos found in imported crayons and toy fingerprint kits
Myron Levin Stuart Silverstein
Asbestos has been found in several brands of children’s crayons and fingerprint kits made in China and sold in the U.S., according to tests commissioned by an environmental group. The findings are detailed in a report being released today by the Environmental Working Group Action Fund. It marks the third time in 15 years that the cancer-causing substance has been detected in crayons or fingerprint toys marketed to children—apparently, due to the use of asbestos-contaminated talc.
Health experts push for higher legal smoking age
A move to raise the legal age at which tobacco can be purchased to 21 across the U.S. appears to be gaining momentum. A new national survey from the Centers for Disease Control finds that more than three quarters of adults support the change – including seven out of ten smokers.
Oklahoma schoolkids to get OSH training
Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin has signed a bill into law that requires school districts throughout the state to provide training on workplace safety and health to students in grades 7 through 12.
Gas leaks kill manufacturing workers in South Korea
Following a series of gas leaks that killed and injured workers, the world’s second largest maker of DRAM computer chips says it will beef up safety at its facilities.
NJ contractor repeatedly exposes workers to falls
OSHA inspectors who observed some employees working on a roof without fall protection opened an investigation at the site, which led to fines and citations for New Homes Construction, Inc. of Burlington, New Jersey.
Bill would restore bankruptcy-threatened health benefits to retired coal miners
Retired coal miners who lost health care benefits as a result of bankruptcy – including many who have black lung disease – have a shot of getting those benefits extended, under bi-partisan legislation introduced today in the U.S. Senate.
A NIOSH Science Blog post
Work, stress, and health: Help NIOSH plan the next 25 years
In May, NIOSH, the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Society for Occupational Health Psychology (SOHP) hosted the 11th International Conference on Occupational Stress and Health. “Work, Stress, and Health 2015: Sustainable Work, Sustainable Health, Sustainable Organizations” marks 25 years of efforts to advance research and intervention on work-related stress through the conference series.
How to have a heart healthy summer
Summer is in full swing – that means high temperatures that not only encourage people to head outdoors for barbeques and getting active, but that heat can also be harmful to your heart health. This summer, the American Heart Association wants to encourage you to protect your heart by eating healthy seasonal foods, staying hydrated, and making sure that you dress properly for the hot weather.
Judge rules for OSHA: Company failed to protect murdered employee from workplace violence
An administrative law judge has affirmed OSHA’s finding that Integra Health Management - now operating as Integra ServiceConnect LLC – failed to protect an employee from workplace violence, which lead to her death.
A FairWarning story
Collision course: With wary eye on big trucks, bike riders seek safe space on city streets
On a July afternoon in New Orleans last year, Philip Geeck was riding his bicycle in a marked bike lane on a busy street. Approaching an intersection, he came up alongside a tractor-trailer truck hauling a tank of chemicals.
Machine guarding bypassed; severe injury follows
A 32-year-old machinist suffered serious injuries to his left arm caused when his hand was caught and he was pulled into a machine on which his employer had bypassed safety devices designed to prevent such injuries. The worker has endured several surgeries and rehabilitation to repair his broken bones.
PHMSA proposes new pipeline safety regs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has proposed new requirements to strengthen Federal pipeline safety regulations related to pipeline accident and incident notification.
