OSHA Updates Fire Brigades

• For the first time in decades the Occupational Health and Safety Administration is doing a major rewrite of the regulations that govern the fire service.
• These regulations specifically pertain to the safety standards that must be met by fire brigades formed by employers.
• The 250-page proposed rule focuses on such regulations as personal protective equipment and hazmat responses.
• The implementation of these, and newer regulations will depend on whether a state has its own OSHA program.
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MA Contractor Has a Bad Record

• A contractor responsible for the death of a police officer, has a past with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Police officer Ian Taylor was struck by an excavator while working at a construction site being run by N Granese & Sons.
• A local safety group has called out Granese & Sons for its abysmal safety record, in particular for OSHA violations over the past five years, resulting in several citations.
• OSHA has opened yet another investigation into the company since the death of the officer.
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Business Groups Criticize Heat Regs

• The New Jersey Legislature is close to passing a law requiring employers to take certain steps to protect workers from extreme heat.
• Employers will be required to implement a plan that involves providing plenty of water and shade, limiting the amount of time workers spend in the heat, and postponing non-urgent tasks, until a heat wave is over.
• Employers will also be required to maintain data in connection with their safety plans, within 30 days of the enactment of the bill.
• Business groups say the language is far too broad and not practical as written for some businesses.
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NY Construction Deaths Reach a New Low

• New York City’s Department of Buildings recorded the lowest number of construction-related deaths in 2023 in over a decade.
• Despite the good news, injuries are up significantly. There were 692 injuries in 2023 up 25% from 2022.
• As is the case nationally, falls remain the leading cause of injuries.
• The city says that despite the injury rate, fewer incident investigations required enforcement.
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Nebraska Company Cited by OSHA

• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a trucking company after a worker was struck by a vehicle.
• OSHA identified 23 violations at Rail Modal Group, including failing to protect workers from getting hit by vehicles.
• Rail received 21 serious and two non-serious citations related to fall protection, permitting, and other violations.
• OSHA inspected this company in 2023 for unsafe working conditions related to struck by vehicle hazards.
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