A permit-required confined space has the potential to present inherent risks to worker health and safety and should be entered only when necessary and always with extreme caution. Unfortunately, there are times employees need to enter these work areas.

The number of coal company officials charged in a case involving defrauding regulators about black lung disease has risen to nine, according to a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Labor. U.S. Attorney Russell M. Coleman said Glendal “Buddy” Hardison, the former manager of all Armstrong Coal mines in western Kentucky, is the latest official from thecompany to be charged by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to defraud an agency of the U.S. government by deceit, trickery, and dishonest means.

Debt is a general concept that we all seem to understand from a financial perspective. Likely most have incurred or are currently incurring some form of financial debt -- for example, a car payment, mortgage, or a student loan.

OSHA investigators found that employees at a Texas gun range were not only exposed to above-permissible limits of lead in the air, they also risked potential exposure due to surfaces throughout the facility that were contaminated with the substance. Tap Rack Bang Indoor Shooting Range LLC - operating as The Gun Range faces penalties totaling $214,387 for safety violations at its facility in Killeen.