Documents show Wisconsin refinery knew about equipment issues years before 2018 blast

A 2018 explosion at a Superior, Wisconsin oil refinery four years ago injured 36 refinery employees and contractors. Two suffered serious injuries including a punctured lung and spinal fractures while others walked away with minor cuts and bruises. Nearly 1,300 pages of documents from Fed-OSHA shed new light on what refinery officials knew in the days leading up to the explosion, and indicate the company was aware years earlier of issues with the very equipment investigators believe caused the explosion. The refinery’s new owner says steps to improve safety in operations have since been taken. WPR

 

Welder killed in fall while working on ferris wheel at Jersey Shore amusement park

A 62-year-old welder was killed Monday morning after falling from a lift while working on a ferris wheel at an Ocean City, New Jersey amusement park. Fed-OSHA is investigating. NJ.com

 

County pays $315K to settle injured corrections officer’s wrongful termination suit

Cumberland County, New Jersey has paid an ex-corrections officer $315,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging he was wrongfully fired after suffering an injury on the job. The lawsuit had accused the county of retaliation, wrongful termination and violation of a state discrimination law. NJ.com

 

Boston-area trimmer injured when part of tree falls on him

A 19-year-old tree trimmer was hospitalized Sunday evening when part of a tree fell on him as he was cutting it down at a Norton, Massachusetts jobsite. Fed-OSHA is investigating. NBC Boston

 

Florida diver training school faces consequences after drownings

A Jacksonville, Florida diving school that saw two of its students die this year following underwater training incidents has had its authority to certify divers suspended. Florida Times-Union

 

Arm amputation at could have been prevented: Fed-OSHA

The subsidiary of a Japanese manufacturer of refractory products willfully violated safety laws at its Clairton, Pennsylvania, which led to an employee’s arm amputation last November, according to Fed-OSHA, which has fined the company more than $108,000. The incident occurred as the 53-year old employee loaded bricks into a brick crusher machine, which was not securely anchored to the floor. The employee’s left hand and arm were caught in the rotating arms of the machine, amputating that limb. The agency found the company knew about the hazard but failed to correct it. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette