OSHA Probes Forklift Runover Incident at Meta Data Center

forklift

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation after a worker for subcontractor VFC Lightning on Oct. 7 was run over by a lift, resulting in severe injuries, at Meta’s $800 million data center project in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
A VFC Lightning worker said his injured colleague, who was assigned as a ground spotter, was knocked down and run over by a lift, which then backed up and ran over him again. He said the man was treated for several broken vertebrae and ribs, an internal puncture and a broken ankle, and had surgery in the following days.
Ferguson said his crew was sent home with pay while work was suspended pending the OSHA investigation, but work elsewhere on the project continued. He said multiple companies are involved, with his employer subcontracting from another company.

Malaysia’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health on Oct. 14 released updated guidelines for protecting employees from the effects of haze at workplaces. Employers who ignore a stop-work order can face a fine of up to 500,000 Malaysian Ringgit ($123,000), up to two years in prison or both, plus a further RM2,000 for each day the offense continues.
When the Air Pollutant Index exceeds 100, employers should conduct risk assessments and take steps to reduce haze risks, including poor visibility and health effects. DOSH can order work stopped if haze poses an immediate danger to workers and the risks have not been adequately mitigated.
Requirements scale with severity. At API 101 to 200, strenuous outdoor work should be minimized and susceptible employees must be given respirators. At 201 to 300, earthworks must be temporarily stopped and all outdoor workers must get respirators. At 301 to 400, risk assessments must account for poor visibility during activities such as lifting operations. Above 400, outdoor work should be avoided and all employees should stay indoors.
Employers should keep enough disposable N95 respirators on hand, fit test workers who need them and provide training on their use. They should also watch for symptoms such as coughing, throat irritation and breathing difficulties, and give workers a way to report adverse effects.

A worker was trapped in a conveyor machine while working at workplace product manufacturer Cintas Corp.’s factory Union Township, New Jersey Oct. 15, suffering multiple fractures, including a broken hip. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Union police said emergency crews responded around 10:30 a.m. to a report of an industrial accident.
Union firefighters and emergency medical personnel freed him from the machinery, and he was taken to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the circumstances of the accident.