Weekly news round-up
Falls in construction and communications tower work, robot and drilling safety and coal miners and the coal industry form an unlikely alliance against an EPA regulation. Those were among the top EHS-related stories featured this week on ISHN.com.
Mass. workers used metal-tipped rods to lift overhead power lines
P. Gioioso & Sons Inc. cited for electrocution hazards
OSHA has proposed more than $70,000 in fines for Hyde Park, Mass. contractor that exposed its workers to possible electrocution from working close to energized power lines at a Cambridge work site where required safeguards were not used.
A FairWarning article:
Labor activist who chose to work within the system is outsider once more, and again crusading for job safety
By Jane Kay
After decades of speaking out against workplace hazards in this country and abroad, Garrett Brown didn’t quietly fade away when he retired from his high-ranking state regulatory job in California. He came back to hound his former employer.
New, updated AEM manuals outline best practices for drilling safety
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) has produced a new Directional Drilling safety manual and updated its Directional Drilling Tracking Equipment safety manual to reflect the latest industry best practices for drilling safely. Keyholing and cross boring are prominently featured in the safety procedures for underground utility damage prevention.
Study links shift work to risk for Type 2 diabetes
Researchers cite many possible reasons for the effect, including hormonal changes
Shift workers, especially men, may be at higher risk for type 2 diabetes compared to people not on such schedules, a new study suggests. Also at special risk are shift workers who don't work on a set schedule, with shifts moving around at various times of the day.
Chromium, noise and fall hazards found at NY extruding plant
OSHA has proposed $53,000 in fines for 11 serious violations against a New York manufacturer that exposed its workers to multiple hazards at its Fonda, NY facility.
Untrained crew caused NJ train derailment, hazmat release
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that a derailment at Paulsboro Bridge in New Jersey, which resulted in a hazardous material release occurred because Consolidated Rail Corporation rules allowed the train to proceed past a red signal onto a movable bridge without the rail slide locks being fully engaged.
Coal miners rally against EPA’s Clean Power Plan
Regs aren't the only factor threatening coal jobs, though
The EPA wraps up four days of public hearings on its Clean Power Plan today -- and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) rally against it tomorrow in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Robot safety standards move forward
RIA continues its work on the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) committee for Industrial Robot Safety’s Technical Specification TS 15066 for guidance on collaborative robot operations. This specification will provide additional guidance on the safe deployment of collaborative robot operations, which are described briefly in ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 Parts 1 and 2.
Public health
Before you spray on that insect repellent…
Check out the EPA's new informational graphic
Sure, you’re spraying on insect repellent when you’re going to be spending time outside, but are you reapplying it when it wears off? Are your outdoor workers?
Experts: Gun violence prevention requires public health approach
Preventing gun violence will require a scientific public health approach and recognition of the limits of predicting individual cases of violence, according to experts slated to speak at the American Psychological Association’s 122nd Annual Convention. The experts will discuss how gun violence disproportionately affects different populations and results in consequences such as suicide, homicide and unintentional shootings.
After a decline, U.S. mining deaths on the rise again
Despite outreach efforts by the Mining Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), a high number of preventable mining industry deaths occurred during the first half of 2014, according to a mid-year summary.
OSHA issues new directive to keep communication tower workers safe
Communication towers are on the agency's regulatory agenda
OSHA has updated its Communications Tower directive regarding the use of hoist systems used to move workers to and from workstations on communication towers. This follows an alarming increase in preventable injuries and fatalities at communication tower work sites.
What does severe weather have to do with construction falls?
Hailstorm damage causes uptick in Montana roof repairs
Following a major hailstorm on May 18 and a resulting increase in construction, OSHA is extending enforcement activity and asks for Billings-area employers, workers and consumers to protect roofing and construction workers against fall hazards.
First draft of ISO 45001 available
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced the completion of the committee draft stage of ISO 45001, Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems—Requirements. The standard, which is available for purchase, gives stakeholders a chance to review it before its publication is finalized, which is slated for late 2016.
NHTSA's tips for safer summer bicycling
Americans in increasing numbers are embracing bicycling for fun, fitness, and for getting to work, school and errands. Summer is here, school is out, and more young people are out on their bikes. The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is reminding everyone about safety tips for safe bicycling this summer and throughout the year.
United Airlines cited for exposing workers to electrical, other hazards
Same hazards found in 2011, 2013
United Airlines Inc. has exposed ground operation workers at the Newark airport to hazardous conditions, prompting OSHA to issue 16 citations and propose penalties of $101,300. The safety violations were found during a January 2014 inspection that is part of an OSHA effort to focus on workplaces with high rates of injuries and illness.
EPA seeks comments on risk management program changes
The EPA has published a Request for Information (RFI) to seek comment on potential revisions to its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations and related programs to modernize its regulations as required under Executive Order (EO) 13650: Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security.
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