The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced in a press release that the agency expects more than 125,000 renovation and remodeling contractors to be trained in lead-safe work practices by April 22, the effective date for a rule requiring such training. The agency is on target to implement the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which will protect millions of children from lead poisoning, on April 22, 2010.
The United Steelworkers (USW) this week condemned remarks made by oil industry trade associations in the aftermath of the Tesoro refinery explosion and fire April 2 in Anacortes, Wash., that killed five and severely injured two others.
In the aftermath of the disaster at the Upper Big Branch mine in Raleigh Co., W. Va., the safety history at that mine and of Massey Energy overall is “troubling and demands a tough investigation” moving forward, United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) International President Cecil E. Roberts said in a prepared statement.
“As the nation grieves with the families of at least 25 mine workers who died in West Virginia Monday, we must confront a terrible truth: workers in a wide range of industries face horrific risks on the job. Just last week, six workers died from an explosion at the Tesoro Refinery in Anacortes, WA. In February, five workers died from an explosion in a rush to build a power plant in Connecticut,” said Andy Stern, president of the Service Employees International Union in a prepared statement regarding the West Virginia mine disaster.
EPA is requiring new restrictions on aluminum and magnesium phosphide products to better protect people, especially children, from dangerous exposures, according to an agency news release.
An OSHA whistleblower investigation found that New Jersey Transit violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act when it retaliated against an employee for reporting a work-related illness, according to an agency press release.
Shipbreaking workers are exposed to asbestos, falls, electric shock and fires when removing gear and equipment from outdated ships and breaking down these vessels for recycling. According to an OSHA press release, a new document, Safe Work Practices in Shipbreaking, offers ways to help protect workers from injury and death and outlines employers' obligations for providing safe work environments for their workers.
Standards play a critical role in the field of occupational safety and health, providing a set of regulations and a level of excellence that must be met to improve safety and quality of life, while enhancing competitive advantage for global businesses. The American Society of Safety Engineers’ (ASSE) Standards Development Committee announced in a recent press release the reaffirmation of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) A10.42-2000 (R2010) standard. The standard, “Rigging Qualifications and Responsibilities in the Construction industry,” was reaffirmed March 24, 2010, and establishes the minimum criteria of knowledge and performance requirements for a qualified rigger in the construction and demolition industry.
The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a new regulation that is the first substantive rulemaking on the Trade Adjustment Assistance program in more than 15 years, according to a press release. The rule will implement changes to the TAA funding formula, as required by the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009, which is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These changes to the funding formula will improve the way the department provides TAA funding to states. The rule also requires that TAA-funded personnel administering services and benefits to workers covered by certifications be state employees covered by a merit system of personnel administration.
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