Weekly news round-up
New rulemaking from the DOL, EPA and NTSB, workplace violence and a bid to break a noise record were among this week’s top EHS-related stories on ISHN.com:
EPA proposes carbon pollution standards for new power plants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today proposed Clean Air Act standards to cut carbon pollution from new power plants in order to combat climate change and improve public health.
NTSB issues final rule in response to pilot’s bill of rights
Applies to aviation certification enforcement appeals
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced today that it has issued a Final Rule to implement several changes to its Rules of Practice applicable to aviation certificate enforcement appeals.
Lifestyle intervention improves high schoolers’ health
Research shows promise for teens at risk of becoming obese
A teacher-delivered intervention program promoting healthy lifestyles improved health behaviors, social skills, severe depression, and academic performance in high school adolescents, a study has found.
DOL: Home health care workers must receive minimum wage, overtime
Ruling called "historic"
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has ruled that employers must pay minimum wage and overtime to home care workers who provide critical care to older adults and people with disabilities.
Fire, explosions rock Oklahoma chemical plant
No employees at worksite at time of incident
A fire last night at a chemical plant in Thomas, Oklahoma, heated pressurized containers and caused a number of explosions at the facility, news sources are reporting. The chemical which burned was believed to be methanol, which is used as an antifreeze, solvent, fuel, and as a denaturant for ethanol and in the production of biodiesel.
UN: Global child deaths down by almost half since 1990
Pneumonia, malnutrition among leading causes
In 2012, approximately 6.6 million children worldwide – 18 000 children per day – died before reaching their fifth birthday, according to a new report released today by UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank Group and the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs/Population Division.
OSHA inspectors spot an unstable trench while en route to another worksite
RI company faces $56,000 in fines
OSHA inspectors who were traveling to a scheduled inspection drove past the trench worksite of a different company and saw no trench box in use. They also noticed that traffic along the road caused loose debris to fall from the trench's wall.
'Negative Working Conditions Score' linked to depression
Adverse working conditions are associated with the risk of depression in working-age adults, suggests a study in the September Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).
Explosion, fire injuries three workers at Ill. paint plant
Employee with clothing on fire had to crawl past blocked exit
Fox Valley Systems Inc. of Cary, Ill. has been cited for multiple safety violations following an explosion and fire that resulted in serious injuries to three employees on March 6 at the Cary plant. OSHA cited the company for 26 safety violations, including two willful violations where locked doors impeded exit routes and snow blocked exits, slowing employees from exiting the plant quickly.
Seattle Seahawks fans make bid for loudest cheer – with hearing protection
Guinness Book attempt takes place Sunday
Hearing health will be the unlikely focus of this Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks’ game against the 49ers, played in a stadium rated as one of the top ten loudest stadiums in the U.S.
Equipment manufacturers spread safety message globally
AEM offers fuel safety info in multiple languages
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has released Chinese and Portuguese editions of its Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) best practices bulletin, in addition to the Spanish and English versions already available.
Diseases don’t stop at borders
CDC Director on public health challenges, opportunities
It’s a small world, after all – especially when it comes to disease outbreaks. Dr. Thomas Frieden, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made that point in a speech last week to the National Press Club.
Cave-in buries worker waist-deep in trench
One month later: company still has still has no cave-in protection
MSHA gets final word on ventilation plans, court rules
Mach Mining loses its appeal
A recent ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held that a Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) district manager has broad discretion to disapprove a mine operator’s proposed ventilation plan for an underground coal mine, and may do so as long as the decision is not arbitrary and capricious.
Workplace violence: Gunman kills 12, wounds others in D.C. Navy Yard
Shooter reported dead
Approximately 3,000 workers at the Washington Navy Yard were ordered to stay in place this morning after a man armed with an assault rifle, shotgun and handgun opened fire, killing 12 people and wounded at least eight others, news sources are reporting.
Webinars this week to help answer your questions
With polls continuing to show considerable confusion and apprehension over implementation and effects of the Affordable Care Act – also known as Obamacare – the federal government is hosting webinars intended to clarify the provisions of the act.
NJ company put highway workers at risk
OSHA issues citations for lack of traffic signs, oversight
OSHA has cited Henkels & McCoy Inc. of New Jersey for six serious safety violations at a Neptune work site, where workers were performing water service repair on a road. OSHA issued $42,000 in proposed penalties following an April inspection opened under the agency's national emphasis program on trenches and local emphasis program on highways.
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