Weekly news round-up
OSHA’s proposed silica exposure rule was the top EHS-related news story this week, but it wasn’t the only one covered on ISHN.com:
Women in construction the focus of OSHA alliance
Women comprise 9 percent of the industry workforce
The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and OSHA signed an agreement last week to work together to provide NAWIC members and others with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect the health and safety of workers.
Eye safety checklist
Create a safe work environment. Minimize hazards from falling or unstable debris. Make sure that tools work and safety features (machine guards) are in place. Make sure that workers (particularly volunteers) know how to use tools properly.
The high cost of road repair
122 workers killed in highway work zones last year
June 11, Howard County, Maryland: A highway worker was struck and killed while placing cones on westbound Route 216 at Route 29. He was wearing his reflective shirt at the time of the collision.
Eye protection for infection control
By Dave Johnson
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eye protection for a variety of potential exposure settings where workers may be at risk of acquiring infectious diseases via ocular exposure.
What can small businesses expect from proposed silica rule?
And how much will compliance cost?
Among those who will be directly affected by OSHA’s proposed rule on crystalline silica exposures will be small businesses and their employees in industries like dental laboratories, foundries, and construction.
Home Depot Inc. fined $150K for repeat safety hazards at Ohio store
Company “continues to dismiss a culture of safety”
OSHA has cited Home Depot Inc. for eight safety violations, including seven repeat, carrying proposed penalties of $150,700 after an inspection at its Reynoldsburg, Ohio store. The inspection was initiated under the site-specific targeting program that directs enforcement resources to workplaces where the highest rates of injuries and illnesses occur.
Water park lifeguard crushed to death
Company failed to control hazardous energy
OSHA has cited Enterprize Management Inc. and Schlitterbahn Beach Resort Management LLC, both doing business as Schlitterbahn Beach Waterpark and Resort in South Padre Island, Texas, for six safety violations regarding hazardous energy sources that fatally crushed a 20-year-old lifeguard and severely injured a maintenance supervisor.
OSHA’s new silica dust proposals will draw attention to eye protection
By Dave Johnson
Yes, respirators will be the primary PPE discussed when protecting workers against silica dust exposures. Silica dust often arises when workers are cutting, crushing, drilling, grinding or otherwise disturbing material that might loosen silica, particularly in construction and mining work.
OSHA’s proposed silica rule: What’s next?
Process will include hearings, comments from stakeholders
OSHA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica has been submitted for publication in the Federal Register. The NPRM is OSHA's formal notice of regulatory action related to Occupational Exposure to Crystalline Silica. This is a proposal, not a final rule.
Construction deaths up in 2012
-Even as overall work fatalities decline
After five consecutive years of decreases, construction deaths rose five percent last year, propelling the construction industry into the top spot in terms of work-related fatalities per industry in 2012.
Global solvents industry seeks greener alternatives
Study finds environmental, regulatory pressures driving change
Driven by increasing environmental and regulatory pressures, and concerns over toxicity to humans, the global solvents market continues to undergo significant changes as demand for “greener” solvents has increased in developed countries during the last 15 years, while demand for traditional solvents (outside of China) continues to decline, according to a new IHS Chemical (NYSE: IHS) global market research report.
TSA employees at risk for electrocution, amputations
OSHA can’t fine a fellow federal agency, but issues notices
OSHA has issued 14 notices of unsafe or unhealthful working conditions to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration, following an inspection at Boston's Logan International Airport. The inspection was begun earlier this year as part of OSHA's Federal Agency Targeting Inspection Program.
Silica exposure rule reaction: It’s about time
Asphalt industry says it’s ready, Chamber of Commerce not so sure
Reactions to OSHA’s proposed rule to protect workers from exposure to crystalline silica have come swiftly from the EHS community, along with the industry and business sectors.
OSHA announces proposed silica exposure rule
Agency says it will save 700 lives a year
OSHA took industry and EHS professionals by surprise late Friday by announcing what some call a long-overdue proposed rule to lower worker exposure to crystalline silica – a substance that causes cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in those who are exposed to it.
Pa. lead abatement company exposes its workers to lead
OSHA has cited N.E.J. Abatement Group Inc. for six serious violations involving lead hazards at a Pittsburgh work site. An April inspection was prompted by a referral from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and conducted by OSHA under its National Emphasis Program on Lead.
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