2015 Fatality Tracker Electrical 55 (2013 = 32) (2012 = 68) Forklift/Aerial 60 (2013=62) (2012 = 52) Mining* 401 2013=87*) (2012 = 92*) *no longer includes China Explosions 157 (2013=194) (2012 = 241) Cranes 20 (2013=51) (2012 = 52) Falls 97 (2013=106) (2012 = 99) Work Zone 33 (2013=42) (2012 = 62) Trenching 20 (2013=25) (2012 = 44) LOTO/Guards 38 (2013=31) (2012 = 44) Confined Space 49 (2013=85)...

OSHA found plant workers and temporary workers employed by two staffing agencies were exposed to hazards and other dangerous safety and health violations at the plant. The inspection resulted in 30 OSHA citations against the nail polish manufacturer and staffing agencies. Proposed penalties total $139,500.  The plant faces $109,500 in penalties for 23 serious violations, which exposed plant employees...

PHMSA has become aware of the sale of adapters designed to allow refilling of DOT 39 cylinders using larger cylinders (see attached photographs). These adaptors are sold at various retail outlets and online. Some of the common trade names are the “Mac Coupler”, “Mr. Heater” and “Shnozzle”. “MacCoupler” is manufactured by KM North America in Traverse City, MI.  “Mr. Heater” and “Shnozzle” are manufactured...

Falls a bit short of 1910.333(b)(2) don’t you think? “Lockout and Tagging.” While any employee is exposed to contact with parts of fixed electric equipment or circuits which have been deenergized, the circuits energizing the parts shall be locked out or tagged or both in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph. The requirements shall be followed in the order in which they are...

With all the Christmas decorations up and all the cords running everywhere I thought this would be a good reminder.  As for work, remember since 2008 GFCI’s are required when workers are using electrical cords and corded tools that are used during construction-like activities, including certain maintenance, remodeling, or repair activities, involving buildings, structures or equipment (1910....

Reading through the opening comments from OSHA and EPA at this weeks Senate Committee hearing discussing Executive Order 13650 – Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security offered us some very interesting insights as to what OSHA and EPA are doing and planning in their efforts to improve process safety.  Here are some of those that I found most interesting. … HomeRead More &...

My article earlier this year about line breaks on relief valve vent lines that are attached to a header/manifold got a lot of you to ask more questions about the practice of “line breaking” (or as some call it “process opening”).  I have tried to answer each question but thought it may be helpful to explain the fundamentals of safe line breaking.  As we know, “line breaking” is the one safe...

Scenario Facts: These workers would NEVER enter the warm or hot zone for defensive or offensive actionsrelated to controlling the uncontrolled release.  They will be in the warm zone as they will be participating in Decon, but this places them in the far edge of the Warm Zone (e.g. right at the Cold Zone line).  They are trained in HAZCOM of the chemicals involved in the uncontrolled release and the...

What’s a holiday party or even the traditional Christmas morning scene itself without a beautifully decorated tree? If your household, as those of more than 33 million other American homes, includes a natural tree in its festivities, take to heart the sales person’s suggestion—”Keep the tree watered.”  Click READ MORE below for the two (2) tree fire videos. … HomeRead...

ICC-500, ICC/NSSA Standard on the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, establishesMINIMUM REQUIREMENTS for structures and spaces designated as hurricane, tornado, or combination shelters. The standard addresses the design of such shelters from the perspective of the structural requirements for high wind conditions and addresses minimum requirements for the interior environment during a storm...

Violations of permit confined spaces safety regulations led to the death of a worker, 23, on June 19, 2014, at a producer and distributor of food products. The worker was found unresponsive in a tanker truck at the facility. He was conducting sampling of the tank, which contained egg products and nitrogen. OSHA has cited the company for five serious safety violations, including exposing employees to...

The Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan (“TSASK”) has finalized its investigation into the December 24, 2013, explosion at the Co-op Refinery Complex (“CRC”) in Regina. The investigation has concluded that a bypass line of Polymerization Unit 27 froze following a maintenance procedure.  The stress of the freezing process ruptured the bypass pipe.   Once...