OSHA has cited dairy food company with 10 serious, two repeat and two other-than-serious violations. OSHA began an inspection in November 2012 under its Site Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces, where high injury and illness rates occur, and the National Emphasis Program on facilities, covered under the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous...

  Many THANKS to my NEWEST and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2004 since 2013 since 2008 since 2010 2013 Fatality Tracker Electrical 6 (2012 = 68) (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift 20 (2012 = 52) (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining* 25 (2012 = 92*)  (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) *no longer includes China accidents Explosions 43 (2012...

There has been much written about the Ammonimum Nitrate (AN) stored at the West Fertilizer facility in West, TX.  The investigation is still on-going; however, investigators have confirmed that AN was stored on site and it is their leading suspect in the explosion that killed a dozen emergency responders.  Last week the media focus shifted to how the state of TX has no state codes to control/oversee...

Today I was quoted in an article related to the catastrophe in West, TX and how a business like that one can become a Program 2 RMP and be exempted from OSHA’s PSM standard.  I had written an article two weeks ago explaining how this happens (How could the TX fertilizer plant be a Program 2 RMP?); this article I wish to defend my comment that this “retail exemption” is very...

OSHA Most Frequently Cited General Industry Standards 2012 from John Newquist

WARNING!  This video may be upsetting to some.  Viewer discretion advised! 1910.178(n)(4) …. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing. 1910.178(n)(6) The driver shall be required to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of the path of travel. BUT THEN we have … 1910.178(n)(7)(i) When...

Seriously???  The contributor firmly stated this is NOT a setup and was observed by an entire shift of workers on lunch break.  The worker is still employed and no discipline.  Notice the improper use of the step ladder behind him as well.  This is why I am not a fan of banners!  This makes at least a dozen shocker photos of people installing “safety banners”!&...

The purpose of this guide is to help communities plan for hazardous materials incidents. Rural areas with limited resources may need to plan at the county or regional level. State officials seeking to develop a state emergency plan that is closely coordinated with local plans can adapt this guidance to their purposes. Likewise, officials of facilities handling chemicals, railroad yards, and shipping...

As a safety professional, former FF/EMT, HAZMAT Coordinator, and LEPC Chairperson I can personally attest to the value of what “preplanning” can do for a business, the community and its responders. Unfortunately in the current economic climate, most businesses, communities, and FD’s have had to set preplanning efforts to the side due to budget constraints. As a safety professional...

OSHA has cited a brewery with one alleged willful and five serious violations for failing to protect workers from exposure to carbon dioxide and other workplace hazards while working in brewery cellars. The October 2012 complaint inspection of the facility has resulted in a proposed penalty totaling $88,000. The alleged willful violation was cited for failing to consider the carbon dioxide atmosphere...

This is really sad!  What is really sad is that “elected officials” had no idea of their responsibilities as it relates to the safety of their community.  The one thing that is missing from the report is the lack involvement by the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC).  It is this commission, appointed by the governor of the state that is RESPONSIBLE for ensuring each...

  Many THANKS to my NEWEST and RENEWING Corporate Partners in Safety… since 2013 since 2008 since 2010 2013 Fatality Tracker Electrical 6 (2012 = 68) (2011 = 81) (2010 = 90) (2009 = 100) Forklift/Manlift 20 (2012 = 52) (2011 = 84) (2010 = 110) (2009 = 88) Mining* 24 (2012 = 92*)  (2011 = 248) (2010 = 480) (2009 = 586) *no longer includes China accidents Explosions 43 (2012 = 241) (2011...