New OSHA Regulation under Fire

• A U.S. Congresswoman, has introduced legislation targeting the so-called “walk-around rule.”
• The regulation allows an employee representative to accompany Occupational Safety and Health Administration compliance officers during inspections.
• Congress members say, that it allows union officials to meddle in the affairs of employers.
• OSHA issued an amendment that clarifies who can accompany an inspector.
  Read More Here and Here

 

Firefighters Sue NYC

• Four firefighters are suing New York City for negligence.
• The firefighters allege that a policy, in place for decades, puts them in danger by preventing the use of the closest firehouse.
• FDNY policy closes firehouses when firefighters are having their annual physicals.
• The firefighters say, that this policy resulted in several firefighters losing their lives.
• They say it also violates Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations.
  Read More

 

That Was Sure Stupid

• Some employers inadvertently put their workers at risk.
• Other employers don’t care and pay dearly for it.
• Then there are those in the, “what were you thinking category.”
• Here are some of the most ridiculous examples.
  Read More

 

People Pose the Greatest Risk

• Health and social service providers are encountering workplace violence at an alarming rate.
• Out of the over 20,000 workplace assaults, 75% were in the health and social services sectors, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This was between 2011 and 2013.
• These numbers are likely an underestimate, say governmental associations.
• A U.S. Congressman recently introduced a bill that would require employers in these fields, to better protect their workers.
  Read More

 

MA Construction Workers Injured

• Five construction workers were injured when a wall collapsed.
• The collapse occurred when several construction workers were attempting to raise a wall at a rehab facility, according to the Bedford fire chief.
• The wall may have been too heavy, the fire chief said.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, arrived on the scene and will determine the cause.
  Read More

 

Police Report Released on Boeing

• The Charleston Police Department, says Boeing employee, John Barnett, died from suicide.
• Barnett was giving testimony regarding work place safety, when he was found dead from a gunshot wound.
• The death has fueled speculation that his death was not suicide, and that actual foul play was involved.
• Barnett became alarmed, at what he considered, dangerous working conditions at Boeing. He alerted the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, before leaving his job.
  Read More

 

Construction Worker Buried

• A New Jersey construction worker lost his life after falling into a hole.
• The construction worker, part of a crew working an excavator, fell and became buried in concrete.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident.
• At the moment, it’s unclear what led to the accident.
  Read More