Weekly news round-up
Heat-related illness, climate change, an increase in construction fatalities and a delay in enforcing an OSHA standard were among the top EHS-related stories featured on ISHN.com this week.
Critics say leadership failures at CSB jeopardize agency’s mission
Testimony before a congressional hearing earlier this month blamed investigative delays at the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) – and the exodus of CSB personnel that’s contributing to the backlog – on poor leadership by Chairman Rafael Moure-Eraso.
New educational resources available: Agriculture and Spanish language
OSHA has developed a new agricultural fact sheet and QuickCardTM on the safe use of tripod orchard ladders, which are used by workers such as fruit pickers and landscapers. Many workers have been hurt from slips on rungs, falls, collapsing ladders and being struck by tree branches.
EPA releases final risk assessment on Trichloroethylene (TCE)
Agency begins process to address potential human health risks
The EPA has released a final risk assessment for trichloroethylene (TCE) that identifies health risks to workers in shops and dry cleaners that use the chemical as a degreaser or a stain removing agent. Consumers may also be exposed to TCE when using spray aerosol degreasers and spray fixatives.
Lead in kids’ blood linked with behavioral and emotional problems
Emotional and behavioral problems show up even with low exposure to lead, and as blood lead levels increase in children, so do the problems, according to research funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. The results were published online June 30 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.
Going parasailing during your vacation? Read this first.
The National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) first investigative report into parasailing safety finds the activity is largely unregulated with serious accidents frequently caused by faulty equipment.
How one company improved safety and health in its workplace
“Now we are talking about safety in a proactive positive way”
"We've already experienced increased communication about our safety program, and now we are talking about safety in a proactive positive way. Employees are proud to work for a company that cares about safety and makes it a priority. Not only has our communication and awareness of safety issues increased, we expect to see reductions in worker compensation insurance premiums and general liability premiums," said Elizabeth Duffrin, Chief Financial Officer.
Amputation, electrical and combustible waste hazards at Mo. company
Repeat violations for Construction Trailer Specialists were for LOTO failures
A Sikeston, Mo. manufacturing company has been cited by OSHA for 21 safety and health violations - four of them repeat- for failing to protect workers from amputation*, electrical and other hazards. Proposed penalties total $82,390.
Acclimatization helps protect outdoor workers from heat illness
The Department of Labor and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have teamed up again to prevent heat-related deaths and illnesses. Heat-related injuries and fatalities in outdoor workers continue with record-breaking heat waves over the last three summers.
MSHA announces results of May impact inspections
Federal inspectors for the U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration issued 172 citations, 21 orders and two safeguards during special impact inspections conducted at 10 coal mines and two metal and nonmetal mines in May.
EPA releases new policy statement on climate change adaptation
The EPA today released a new policy statement on climate change adaptation to help the nation prepare for and respond to the impacts of a changing climate. The policy commits the Agency to work with states, tribes, and local communities to increase their resilience to extreme weather events and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
One in 10 deaths among working-age adults due to excessive drinking
Excessive alcohol use accounts for one in 10 deaths among working-age adults ages 20-64 years in the United States, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published recently in Preventing Chronic Disease
OSHA delays enforcement of electronic power standard changes
OSHA has just announced a delay in the enforcement of compliance regarding the recently released changes to the standards for electric power generation, transmission and distribution installations (1910.269 & Subpart V).
Construction deaths up for first time since recession
Falls still #1 cause of construction fatalities
More construction workers (849) were killed on the job in 2012 than in any other industry, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). That figure also represents the first increase in construction deaths since the country’s economic downturn.
Keep kids safe this summer
With kids out of school – and frequently riding bicycles or playing in neighborhood streets, the the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding everyone about safety tips to keep kids and everyone else safe this time of year.
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