Flash: Californian Picked to Head Fed-OSHA
There is about to be a new gun running Fed-OSHA. He is a Californian. Click here to find out who it is … Cal-OSHA Reporter
Ohio paint plant explodes, killing one and injuring eight
An explosion at a Columbus, Ohio paint and polymers company last week resulted in the death of one employee and injuries to eight others. The plant reportedly has a history of serious workplace safety violations, the most serious of which occurred during a 2012 Fed-OSHA inspection, with 15 of 16 total violations being deemed serious, and a $138,600 penalty that was settled for about $76,000. Columbus Dispatch
Window-washers rescued after scaffolding collapse in Cincinnati
A scaffolding collapse on Thursday morning left three window-washers dangling from their safety equipment eight stories above the pavement in downtown Cincinnati, but rescuers pulled all three to safety without injury. The employees’ harnesses kept them in the air even after the scaffolding supporting them gave out. WCPO (Cincinnati)
Tree-trimmer fatally trapped under stump grinder at Florida worksite
Fed-OSHA is investigating after a tree services company employee became trapped beneath a tree stump grinder at a Jacksonville, Florida worksite and died from his injuries on Wednesday. News4Jax (Jacksonville, Fla.)
Fed-OSHA fines Maine manufacturer $394K for guarding, other hazards
A manufacturing company in Waterville, Maine faces nearly $394,000 in Fed-OSHA fines for cited violations including struck-by and crushing hazards from homemade attachments used on auto lifts, failure to provide adequate training to employees, and failure to provide appropriate protective goggles for workers and other persons near a welding area that lacked noncombustible or flameproof screens or shields. WABI
Complaint filed over Georgia poultry plant
Following a deadly nitrogen leak in late January that killed six employees and injured others at a Gainesville, Georgia poultry processing plant, an advocacy group has filed a complaint with Fed-OSHA alleging the employer likely violated process safety management standards twice within six months. According to the complaint, employees had symptoms including burning eyes, headaches and sore throats for days, and calls for more exit doors that are unlocked and a working alarm system to go off when there is a leak or danger. WMAZ [with video]
Pennsylvania man dies after 41-foot fall from catwalk
A 65-year-old man died after falling 41 feet from an industrial catwalk in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania last Tuesday. Fed-OSHA is investigating. KCTV
NIOSH unveils new safety app for miners
The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health has released an app for mine employees and mine safety health professionals to track safety hazards in real time. The ErgoMine app, which is suited for both iOS and Android devices, features checklists to help identify slip, trip and fall hazards on stairways, walkways and fixed ladders. Pit & Quarry
Virginia lawmakers vote to legalize simple possession of cannabis
The Virginia General Assembly has voted to end criminal penalties for simple possession of marijuana beginning this July, backing the governor’s suggestion to accelerate the legalization timeline. Roanoke Times