OSHA Compliance Posts

There have been millions of dollars spent over the past decade on Arc Flash Analysis.  And although I am one who spent some of that money because I believe in their value, I am asked often if this costly analysis is actually required.  Most facilities have hired an electrical expert to perform a very detailed…...

We have been seeing a lot of companies requiring all workers to wear high visibility vests in all areas of their facility.  Most of these vests are made of synthetic materials and this brings about my concerns.  SAFTENG has recently been at three different facilities where we have witnessed welders and electrical workers wearing these…...

Mere months after two employees were injured by dangerous machines, the facility again put workers at risk. Acting on a complaint, OSHA found workers unjamming and servicing machines without proper safeguards during an Aug. 25, 2014, inspection. This is the fourth time in the past year that the facility has been cited for hazards at…...

OSHA is issuing a final decision of what Arizona “shall” do to protect workers in that industry (15 page decision (scheduled for release tomorrow).  The short summary is, Arizona (ICA/ADOSH) will need to enforce what’s in subpart M to retain its 18e status.  You can ALL feel a measure of humble pride that we had…...

The company operates a chicken processing plant which employs approximately 500 employees at the facility and has approximately 11,000 employees company-wide. On January 15, 2014, an OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officer conducted a planned programmed inspection.  During the inspection, while at the chicken cut-up area in the facility, the CSHO observed two employees on…...

There are not many workplaces in the USA that do not have an “air receiver”; in fact most have multiple receivers of all different types and sizes.  But for the most part, these vessels operate in the dark corners of the facility – out of sight and out of mind.  Do these vessels pose a…...

Friday, 1/30/15, is the last business day before we have to: Review the 2014 OSHA 300 Log to verify that the entries are complete and accurate, and correct any deficiencies identified Create an annual summary of injuries and illnesses recorded on the OSHA 300 Log Certify the summary, and Post the annual summary\ Here’s the…...

Now that the OSHA website is back up and running, a new LOI has appeared dated 12/16/14.  This LOI is timely because it clarifies the two new “reportable injuries”:  amputation and loss of an eye.  An amputation, for OSHA reporting purposes, is defined under section 1904.39(b)(11); however, “loss of an eye” had a lot of…...

Have you ever seen fire extinguishers with an HMIS or NFPA Label?  Did you think to yourself… hmm do fire extinguishers fall under HAZCOM?  Here is an LOI discussing this very topic; however, it seems to be a mute point now that the OSHRC has stated Fire Extinguishers are exempt from 1910.1200 because they are “consumer…...

The 1st Michigan worker death of 2015 occurred on January 15, 2015. Employers and employees are urged to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities. Summary of incident: On January 8, 2015, a 37 year old sheet metal worker was in the process of torch cutting and welding when it is believed…...

Inorganic Arsenic Standard requires employers to: Monitor workers’ exposure to inorganic arsenic and notify workers of exposure-monitoring results; notify anyone who cleans protective clothing or equipment of inorganic arsenic exposure; develop, update and maintain a housekeeping and maintenance plan; monitor worker health by providing medical surveillance; post warning signs and apply labels to shipping and…...