Note to our valued subscribers: OSHA Today will be taking its annual holiday break starting Monday, December 23, 2019. We will resume daily publication Monday, January 6, 2020.

Violations found in June electrocution of Cincinnati city employee

According to documents provided by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, 12 violations ranging from lack of training to use of non-insulated tools, to working too closely to energized power circuits, occurred in connection with the June electrocution of a City of Cincinnati employee. The 48-year-old man was working alone in a bucket truck when he came in contact with live wires. Additionally, employees were not advised of hazards involved in the work they were performing and the employer did not maintain a written copy of operating procedures for employees. Cincinnati Enquirer

Feds sue Texas county for documents related to recent chemical fires

Federal prosecutors have asked a judge to order the Harris County, Texas fire marshal to hand over documents related to two recent chemical fires, saying the delay in responding is hindering investigations by the Chemical Safety Board. Houston Chronicle [may require registration]

Residents of Colorado Springs apartment complexes fear asbestos exposures

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment records show a permit for proper asbestos containment was never filed at two Colorado Springs apartment complexes prior to renovations, and former residents believe they may have been exposed. KRDO

Woman survives incident at suburban Chicago packaging plant

A woman who became trapped in a conveyor belt assembly machine at a Geneva, Illinois plant October 25 reportedly is alive, but Fed-OSHA, which is investigating, could not elaborate on her current condition. Geneva Patch

Massachusetts UPS facility fined by Fed-OSHA

Fed-OSHA has fined United Parcel Service more than $400,000 for a variety of cited violations at the company’s Vineyard Haven package and delivery shop in Massachusetts. The inspection found 11 violations that range from serious to repeat offenses, and include blocked exitways, exposure to toxic chemicals, unmaintained fire extinguishers and loose electrical cords. Vineyard Gazette

Fort Leonard Wood facility earns VPP Star

Fed-OSHA this week presented the Chemical Defense Training Facility at Fort Leonard Wood, in Missouri, with the Voluntary Protection Program Star. The facility implemented a continuous improvement safety and health management system model that focused on four elements: management commitment and worker involvement, hazard prevention and control, safety and health training and worksite analysis. Rolla Daily News