OSHA unconstitutional? 

• A federal lawsuit was filed to cancel hundreds of OSHA safety regulations.  is getting the attention of state attorneys general, environmental groups, and labor advocates.
• The plaintiff, Allstates Refractory Contractors LLC in Ohio, argues that OSHA’s “permanent rules” have been unconstitutional for 50 years.
• A federal district judge dismissed the case on Sept. 2, but Allstates Refractory appealed, and gained the support of industry groups.
• Environmental groups also have submitted a brief arguing that a wholesale overturning of OSHA rules could lead to restrictions on the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Lawsuit filed over death in rock salt pile collapse

• A lawsuit was filed by the widow of a Pennsylvania man who died after a mound of rock salt collapsed, burying him alive,
• The woman filed a lawsuit against the salt’s manufacturer, JVA De-Icing Inc., and Cargill Inc., the company that stockpiled the product.
• OSHA already investigated the case and fined the company $12,000 for a safety violation.
• The victim, Mark Donahue, was standing between two trucks, which were in a line of trucks waiting to have rock salt loaded when the 40-foot-high mound unexpectedly gave way and buried him.

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MACOSH committee to be unveiled

• OSHA has wrapped up nominations for membership on the Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (MACOSH).
• This committee advises the Secretary of Labor in formulating maritime industry standards and matters pertaining to the administration of the Occupational Safety and Health Act related to the maritime industry.
• Secretary of Labor Martin J. Walsh was due to select 15 members to create a diverse committee representing the interests of employers, employees, safety and health professionals, and government organizations.
• Members serve a two-year term and the current MACOSH membership expires on April 12, 2023.

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Sioux Falls contractor over trench concerns

• OSHA opened an inspection after learning a work crew employed by Siteworks Inc. of Sioux Falls had struck an overhead power line while digging trenches to install storm sewer lines.
• The agency determined the company failed to take the required steps to protect employees working near energized electrical powerlines from dangerous electric shocks.
• A day later, OSHA inspectors observed a Siteworks employee installing water lines while they worked in an unprotected trench.
• The agency issued two violations and proposed $85,005 in penalties.

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