From OSHA Chief Dr. David Michaels talking to his troops to mixed reactions to a proposed fee on greenhouse gas emitters, here are the top OEHS-related news stories of the week as featured on ISHN.com:
OSHA: Workers who report violations of Affordable Care Act will be protected
Public comments on rule being accepted
Employees who are retaliated against for reporting violations of the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance reforms will get whistleblower protection, under an interim final rule announced recently by OSHA.
OSHA’s sequestration strategy starts with hiring freeze
Today is deadline
With the much anticipated sequestration deadline finally here, OSHA plans to freeze hiring and bonuses – moves that will enable the agency to avoid furloughing employees despite the looming budget cuts. That contradicts a Feb. 8 White House prediction that sequestration would force OSHA to take some of its inspectors off the job, at least for a period of time.
Even as you are stretched to your limits
Michaels talks to OSHA employees
Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.
Study: Training doesn't improve performance if workers aren't motivated
Employee engagement makes the difference
Employee training doesn’t work on employees who aren’t motivated, according to a new study by a business thought leadership organization, The Forum: Business Results Through People.
Report points to cancer risk from chemicals used to treat drinking water
Chemicals used to treat drinking water for millions of Americans may raise the risk of cancer and lead to other unintended health hazards, according to a report released today by the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization.
ANSI standards can help keep you heart healthy
Treadmill safety, workout monitors all covered
In the United States, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women, killing about 600,000 people each year. Voluntary consensus standards can play an important role in supporting both healthy lifestyle choices that reduce the risk of heart disease, and effective medical responses for those already suffering from the condition.
Safety in the oil and gas industry, hospitals
Michaels talks to OSHA employees
Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.
Former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop dies at 96
Helped public understand dangers of smoking
Dr. C. Everett Koop, the medical professional given credit for playing a major role in changing public attitudes about smoking died yesterday at his home in Hanover, N.H. at the age of 96.
Drilling company workers injured in gas well fire
Hall Drilling failed to provide FR clothing
A gas well fire that injured three workers has resulted in two serious citations against a West Virginia drilling company. OSHA inspected Hall Drilling LLC’s facilities following the August 2012 incident as part of its regional emphasis program for the oil and gas industry. Proposed penalties total $12,600.
Black lung benefits go paperless
Deadline is Friday
Like other recipients of direct federal payments, black lung beneficiaries and medical providers must begin receiving their benefits by direct deposit or prepaid debit card by Friday, March 1.
Manufacturers oppose greenhouse gas fees
NAM predicts job losses, higher prices
A proposed “carbon tax” would have a “devastating” impact on manufacturing and jobs, according to the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), responding to climate-change legislation introduced recently in the Senate.
Michaels talks to OSHA employees
Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.
Climate change legislation introduced in Senate
Carbon polluters would pay fees, frackers disclose chemicals
Senators Barbara Boxer (D-California) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) have introduced in the Senate comprehensive climate change-related legislation that includes two measures: a Climate Protection Act which would impose fees on major greenhouse gas emitters and a Sustainable Energy Act that would end subsidies to fossil fuel companies.
2013 Award of Excellence nominations due
Awards recognize top CHSTs, OHSTs and CSPs
The deadline for nominating people for Board of Certified Safety Professionals (BCSP) Awards of Excellence (AoE) is coming up fast. Nominations must be postmarked by Thursday, February 28, 2013 to qualify.
Michaels talks to agency employees
Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.
Fracking foes oppose likely Secretary of Energy pick
Dr. Ernest Moniz has close ties to oil and gas industry
President Obama’s rumored pick for Secretary Energy is drawing loud “boos” from a coalition of anti-fracking groups, who say the appointment of Dr. Ernest Moniz would be “a major step backwards” in addressing the problems caused by climate change.
Workers in TX exposed to cave-in hazards
SER Construction Partners LLC cited
OSHA has cited SER Construction Partners LLC with one willful violation for exposing workers repairing a water line to excavation hazards at its Conroe work site on State Highway 242. OSHA's Houston North Area Office began its December 2012 inspection as part of a national emphasis program on trenching and excavation.
Spate of mine fatalities prompts a safety stand down in W.V.
Two die at mine cited for 65 safety violations
Four mining fatalities within two weeks in West Virginia prompted Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to call for a safety stand down last week so that mine operators could review safety practices. The order signed by Tomblin required mines to stop operations for at least one hour on Wednesday afternoon.
Stay the course: Michaels talks to OSHA employees
Excerpts from all-hands meeting speech
Last month, Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Dr. David Michaels held an OSHA Employees All-Hands Meeting. OSHA employees who were not able to attend the meeting in person were able to participate through the web.
