Statement of Jordan Barab, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health – U.S. Department of Labor.  Before the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections Committee on Education and the Workforce – U.S. House of Representatives; June 28, 2012 … HomeRead More »

This has been translated from Portuguese so be kind! Many thanks to Nicolau Bello (longtime contributor!).   Acidente mata duas pessoas em obras do Metrô de São Paulo   Photo: AE / Luiz Guarnieri) / Accident happened in the bed of the future station on Line 5-Lilac Moema (Photo: Ramon Fabregat Bruna / VC in G1) Two people died in an accident in the work of a future subway station...

Here are some facts from OSHA documents (Preamble, CPL, LOIs, etc.) that I have compiled in the hopes that they may help define what OSHA means by (1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and (2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit; and (3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy. … HomeRead More »

This is something I put together for a client a few years back. … HomeRead More »

HHS proposes a revision to the current requirement for open-circuit self-contained breathing apparatus (OC-SCBA) remaining service-life indicators (indicators), which are devices built into a respirator to alert the user that the breathing air provided by the respirator is close to depletion. HHS intends to revise the current standard to allow greater latitude in the setting of the indicator alarm...

One of the best explanations on a very subjective topic from the National Safety Council’s Safety & Health Magazine… … HomeRead More »

This is a PERFECT EXAMPLE of how a “non-covered” chemical within a PSM Covered Process can impact that PSM/RMP covered process.  This can happen to any type of covered process; just not in a refinery!  I have personally experienced a single acid line (not covered in the PSM program) leak over another pipe in a pipe rack that was carrying a PSM/RMP covered chemical, corrode the...

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Recently, I spent some time with a new (and unlisted) client who experienced a severe LOTO accident, resulting in a severe injury to an employee.  I was asked to review their programs and practices related to the control of hazardous energy (e.g., LOTO).  Everything looked good until we got to the “periodic inspection” requirement.  As is the case most of the time, the employer...

Yep, this unsafe act has its own very name – “Ladder Hopping”.  Not sure if this is an official name, but I am sure this guy is not the first to practice this.  Something tells me this is not proper ladder safety protocols!  However, with that said can anyone point to an OSHA violation that this worker is committing (either 1926.1053 or 1910.26).  I was unable...

A facility was told they needed secondary containment around their fuel tank.  No one was given any specifics, just that they needed secondary containment.  This was the result. … HomeRead More »

The recently released AIHA white paper addresses OSHA’s current approach and opportunities for improved effectiveness in key areas enumerated in the agency’s strategic plan and the 2011–2016 Strategic Plan of the Department of Labor (DOL). While AIHA believes in the mission of OSHA as originally envisioned, it recognizes the need for adaptations built upon OSHA’s history of successful programs and...