OSHA asked to oversee South Carolina safety program

• A union representing service and retail workers in South Carolina is demanding that the federal government revoke a decision that allows the state’s worker safety program to exist.
• States must receive approval from OSHA to create their safety agencies under current law.
• A Thursday petition from an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union asks OSHA to withdraw its approval of South Carolina’s worker safety agency—an action that would be rare from federal enforcers.
• If federal OSHA agrees, it could take over the management of the state agency.
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Grain mill workers want more protections

• US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board argues that grain mill workers need the protection of an OSHA rule aimed at preventing combustible dust explosions.
• A report from the Board outlined the causes of a series of explosions and a fire at Didion Milling Inc. in Wisconsin where five workers were killed and another 14 were injured.
• The U.S. Justice Department and OSHA investigated the incident.
• Dust from grains such as corn, soy, and wheat is an explosion and fire threat when the fine particles come in contact with heat or sparks.
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Commercial fishermen want more protections

• A bipartisan group of Senators introduced the Fishing Industry Safety, Health, and Wellness Improvement Act to build upon the Commercial Fishing Occupational Safety Research & Training Program to better address the range of occupational safety and health risks facing fishermen.
• These fishermen often work with fatigue and substance use disorder.
• The bipartisan bill would also increase the authorized funding for the program and make these research and training grants more accessible by eliminating the match requirement.
• “Commercial fishermen are industrial athletes whose work takes a toll on both physical and mental health, and we are pleased to see health and wellness included in these critical programs,” said Monique Coombs, Director of Community Programs at Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association. “This bill humanizes the work that fishermen do.”
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Simmons is OSHA Special Government Employee of the Year

• Marvin Enterprise Health & Safety Manager Bob Simmons was awarded the OSHA Special Government Employee of the Year for his significant contributions to workplace and community safety.
• Simmons was commended for his volunteerism and outstanding commitment to the partnership ideals of the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP).
• Simmons achieved this national recognition as a result of his participation on multiple VPP on-site evaluation teams, mentorship to multiple worksites and assisting OSHA with formal VPP training programs.
• In addition, Simmons provided driver safety outreach to the public.
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