A dropped object standard gets issued, carbon monoxide sends workers to the hospital in Illinois and workplace violence rates jump in one type of workplace. These were among the top stories featured on ISHN.com this week.

A better test developed for ag worker pesticide exposure

July 20, 2018

A simple, fast, and inexpensive blood test is proving effective at accurately detecting the level of pesticide exposure among agricultural workers.

Comments on Cranes and Derricks rule sought

July 19, 2018

OSHA is seeking comments to a proposed rule regarding railroad construction equipment provisions in the Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard. The agency says the proposed rule, which was published yesterday, would maintain safety and health protections for workers, and address employers’ compliance burdens.

EPA relaxes coal ash regulations

July 19, 2018

The Trump administration announced yesterday that it is rolling back regulations on how power plants can dispose of coal ash – a move that environmental groups say will threaten drinking water. The coal industry petitioned for the change, which extends by 18 months the time that the industry can use unlined coal ash ponds and groundwater-adjacent sites for dumping.

Workplace violence in U.S. hospitals way up

July 19, 2018

The incidence of workplace violence increased by 23% annually from 2012 to 2015 at the 106 U.S. hospitals included in a recent study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Ten workers at Ill. company treated for carbon monoxide exposure

July 19, 2018

An OSHA investigation begun after workers at an Illinois manufacturer had to be treated for exposure to toxic gas has resulted in multiple citations against the company. OSHA is proposing penalties totaling $216,253 against Cleary Pallet Sales Inc., a Genoa, Illinois-based pallet manufacturer.

A Confined Space blog post

Weekly Toll: Workers not coming home from work last week

July 18, 2018

MAXTON, N.C. (WNCN) – One worker died and another was hurt in an incident involving a large trash bin at the Campbell’s Soup plant in Robeson County on Sunday, media reports said. WMBF reported that a Dumpster fell on two workers around 11 a.m. at the plant at 2120 N.C. Highway 71 in Maxton.

A FairWarning story

With death of port worker, checkered safety record of cargo handler comes into focus

Eli Wolfe

July 18, 2018

For the third time in six years, a branch of one of the world’s largest cargo-handling companies has been accused by workplace safety authorities of a willful violation linked to a worker’s death.

Communications workers, other groups call for heat stress standard

July 18, 2018

The Communications Workers of America (CWA), Public Citizen and more than 130 other unions, and public health and allied organizations have submitted a petition (PDF) to OSHA demanding a standard to protect workers whose jobs expose them to extreme heat.

OSHA cites Georgia manufacturer after employee amputation

July 18, 2018

OSHA has cited Dupont Yard Inc. after an employee suffered a partial hand amputation and other injuries while working on unguarded machinery in Homerville, Georgia. The wooden post manufacturer faces $109,548 in proposed penalties.

First worker fatality ever at NC Campbell Soup factory

July 17, 2018

An accident yesterday at the Campbell Soup factory in Maxton, North Carolina claimed the life of one worker and injured another who tried to help him. According to a press release issued by Robeson County Sheriff Kenneth Sealey, 59-year-old Alex Radford died after being pinned by a dumpster at a loading dock.

Landscapers group takes on heat hazards

July 17, 2018

National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) is partnering with OSHA to heighten awareness among its members of the heat hazards faced by outdoor workers. An upcoming webinar, Heat Awareness-What you and your Team should know!, promises to take a “deep dive” into identifying the potential exposure factors to heat stress and methods for preventing or limiting their impact.

Long-awaited dropped object standard approved by ANSI

July 17, 2018

A standard aimed at helping employers reduce the risk of dropped objects incidents in industrial and occupational settings has been approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Developed by the ANSI and the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), ANSI/ISEA 121-2018, American National Standard for Dropped Object Prevention Solutions — approved on July 2, 2018 — establishes minimum design, performance, and labeling requirements for solutions and testing that mitigate this hazard.

ASSP to get new executive director

July 17, 2018

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) will welcome Jennifer McNelly as its new executive director on Aug. 16. She was introduced to staff Monday at ASSP headquarters and will become the Society’s eighth executive director since ASSP was founded in 1911.

Electrical accident claims Indiana worker’s life

July 16, 2018

A 21-year-old contract worker in Elkhart, Indiana was electrocuted Friday morning while working on power lines owned by Indiana Michigan Power. News sources say the victim, who was employed by Robert Henry Corp., made contact with an active power line. He died at the scene.

Most black adults have high blood pressure before age 55

July 16, 2018

Approximately 75 percent of black and men women are likely to develop high blood pressure by the age of 55, compared to 55 percent of white men and 40 percent of white women in the same age range, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.

Towboat worker drowns in a storm

Flotation device not meant for winter use

July 16, 2018

A company whose employee died while attempting a tow during a winter storm state of emergency has been cited for safety violations by OSHA. North Carolina-baseed Belhaven Shipyard and Marina Inc. - doing business as TowBoatUS River Forest - faces $11,640 in proposed penalties.