ISHN engages Jim Frederick, assistant director of health, safety and environment department, United Steelworkers
December 11, 2012
Can OSHA survive annual budget cuts of 8% as projected in the cliff scenario? Like any organization, budget cuts at OSHA will be difficult. Cuts to OSHA are likely to have a disproportionate effect on workers in small workplaces, workers with English as a second language and non-union workers. All workers have the right to a safe workplace and OSHA’s job is to make certain that workplaces are safe from recognized hazards.
A new report published American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals a widespread practice in the construction industry of hiding injuries rather than reporting them and risking retaliation.
The United Steelworkers’ (USW) Health, Safety and Environment Department has been awarded the Tony Mazzocchi Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health for its efforts to improve workplace health and safety.
Although Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety regulations will still take precedence, a new FAA proposal for addressing flight attendant workplace safety will allow OSHA to enforce certain occupational safety and health standards currently not covered by FAA oversight.
OSHA has cited Williams & Davis Boilers Inc. with nine safety violations - including one willful, four repeat and four serious - for continuing to expose workers to fall and other hazards at the company's facility in Hutchins. Proposed penalties total $131,670.
An employer notified of fire hazards in August of 2011 failed to take corrective action, says OSHA – resulting in injuries to two workers. The agency has cited Vann Energy Services LLC in Nixon, Texas with 13 safety and health violations – including two willful and three repeat – for exposing workers to flash fires and other hazards.
Health hazards associated with welding, cutting and grinding include eye and face impacts, arc radiation, inhalation of certain airborne contaminants, noise, heat stress, repetitive stress injuries, electrocution, fire and compressed gases.