OSHA News and Enforcement

New and Revised Fact Sheets on Silica Now Available

OSHA has released more than a dozen fact sheets that provide guidance on the respirable crystalline silica standard for construction. One fact sheet is an overview of the silica standard. The other fact sheets provide employers with information on how to fully and properly implement controls, work practices, and if needed, respiratory protection for each of the 18 tasks listed in Table 1— Specified Exposure Control Methods under the standard.

Kraft Heinz Foods Cited After Employee Injured by Machine at Ohio Facility

An employee of Kraft Heinz Foods Co., suffered a partial finger amputation while clearing a jammed machine. The Mason, Ohio, company was cited for failing to: implement energy control procedures to prevent equipment from starting unintentionally; install machine guards and energy isolation devices; and train workers on the use of energy control procedures. OSHA proposed penalties of $109,939. Read the news release for more information.

Nebraska Egg Processing Facility Cited After Employee Fatally Injured

Michael Foods Inc., an egg processing facility based in Wakefield, Neb., was cited for multiple safety violations after an employee was fatally struck by a dock leveler. Investigators found that the company failed to: properly brace equipment during servicing and maintenance; develop effective training and procedures for lockout/tagout; and review the company’s lockout/tagout safety procedures. OSHA proposed penalties of $188,464. For details, read the news release.

New York Dairy Producer Cited for Failing to Correct Hazards

OSHA initiated an inspection of Summit Milk Products LLC, after the company failed to correct hazards that were identified during a previous inspection when workers were seriously burned from heated milk. The Waterloo, N.Y., dairy producer was cited for failing to record injuries, and provide workers with adequate personal protective equipment. OSHA proposed penalties of $143,954. Read the news release for more information.

Florida Roofing Company Cited After Employee Suffers Fatal Heat-Related Injury

OSHA investigated Southeastern Subcontractors Inc., after an employee died from hyperthermia while working at a residential site in Jacksonville, Fla. The company was cited for exposing employees to heat-related injuries, and failing to report a workplace fatality to OSHA within eight hours. OSHA proposed penalties of $22,173. For more information, read the news release.

Colorado Concrete Company Cited after Trench Collapse Injury

OSHA cited Langston Concrete Inc., in Colorado Springs, for failing to protect its workers from trench collapse hazards. Four employees were working in an unprotected trench when it collapsed, burying one worker, who suffered a broken hip and femur. OSHA proposed penalties of $90,535. For more information, see the new release.

Two National Campaigns in April Seek to Protect Workers from Vehicle-Related Injuries and Fatalities

Vehicle collisions are the number-one cause of work-related fatalities. Two public outreach campaigns are taking place this month to help keep employees safe while working on the road or roadside.

The National Safety Council (NSC) designates April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month. NSC is offering a free webinar, “Engaging Ways to Address Distracted Driving at Work,” on April 19, 2018. The NSC’s free Safe Driving Kit can also be ordered online.

Objects and vehicles striking workers are the leading cause of roadside-related construction deaths.

The annual National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 9-13, features events across the country to bring attention to these hazards and encourage safe driving around work zones. The Georgia Struck-By Alliance, which includes OSHA, will hold stand-downs at highway construction locations throughout Georgia during the week to train workers on the dangers of distracted driving and flying debris. More than 140 workers were fatally injured in crashes at roadway worksites in 2016.

OSHA and the National Grain and Feed Association Hold Grain Engulfment Prevention Campaign April 9-13

OSHA and its Alliance partner, the National Grain and Feed Association, in cooperation with the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the American Feed Industry Association, will hold the second annual “Stand-Up for Grain Engulfment Prevention Week,” April 9-13, 2018. Topics include grain bin entry, mechanical hazards, and grain engulfment. A free webinar on April 10 will emphasize ways to reduce injuries and prevent fatalities from engulfment, and toolbox talks on lockout/tagout, fall prevention, and grain handling. Industry employers and workers are encouraged to host or participate in local stand-up events. Visit the campaign website for more information and registration details.

Employee Receives Court-Ordered Restitution After Justified Whistleblowing Action

A jury and judge ordered Albany-based Champagne Demolition, LLC., and its owner, Joseph A. Champagne, to pay $173,793.84 to a former employee who was fired after reporting improper asbestos removal practices at a school worksite in Gloversville, N.Y. The judgment supports a U.S. Department of Labor lawsuit that found the company violated the employee’s whistleblower rights. The company must pay $103,000 in back wages, $20,000 in compensatory, and $50,000 in punitive damages. For more information, read the news release.