OSHA watch

Guidance on responsibility for recording injuries to temporary workers

As part of a stepped up focus on temporary workers, a new guidance document clarifies who is responsible for recording injuries and illnesses of temporary workers jointly employed by a staffing agency and a host employer. The determination is based on which entity has day-to-day supervision-usually the host employer. This, however, does not remove the non-supervising employer from responsibility for the health and safety of the temporary workers.

New letters of interpretation clarify info in hazcom rule

Four new letters of interpretation address OSHA's revised Hazard Communication standard. The first letter provides guidance on how to classify health hazards of petroleum streams under the new hazcom rule. The other letters address combustible dust, hazards not otherwise classified and classification criteria for Single Target Organ Toxicity.

Regional emphasis program targets auto manufacturers

A new Auto Supply Manufacturers enforcement program will target manufacturers in the southeast that supply engines, airbags, trim, or any other automotive products. The specific geographic areas covered include at least Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama. As a result of the REP, most automotive supply manufactures located in the Southeast can expect a comprehensive inspection within the next two years.

New fact sheets: Hazard communication, work-related asthma

Two new resources, "Hazard Communication: Small Entity Compliance Guide for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals" and "Steps to an Effective Hazardous Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals", offer employers steps to create an effective hazard communication program - including a sample program and a quick guide to hazard communication training.

Also available is a new Fact Sheet, "Do You Have Work-Related Asthma? A Guide for You and Your Doctor," which offers key questions to ask, quick facts, helpful resources for workers, and a guide for clinicians to diagnose work-related asthma.

New educational resources: Safe patient handling in nursing homes and anti-retaliation rights under the Food Safety Modernization Act

A new brochure, Safe Patient Handling, addresses the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders among nursing home and residential care workers and explains the benefits of implementing safe patient handling programs.

Also, a new Spanish-language Whistleblower Fact Sheet is available, which details the rights of whistleblowers under the Food Safety Modernization Act.

Recent fines and awards

Frozen food manufacturer, staffing agency and service company face over $263,000 in fines - Georgia

Schwan's Global Supply Chain Inc., which manufactures frozen foods sold under several brand names, including Red Baron pizza and Mrs. Smith's desserts, was cited for 32 serious safety and health violations at its Atlanta facility. Two other companies providing maintenance and staffing services for Schwan's, including Cimco Refrigeration Inc. and Adecco USA Inc., were cited for 18 safety and health violations.

Werner Construction cited after worker fatally struck by front-end loader - Nebraska

Werner Construction Inc. has been cited for three safety violations as a result of the death of a 35-year old maintenance worker who was struck by a front-end loader. Proposed fines are $14,000.

ConAgra Foods faces $117,000 in penalties related to machine guarding - Ohio

ConAgra Foods Inc. was cited for multiple safety violations at its Columbus-based flour mill. Triggered by a complaint, the inspection found 13 safety violations, most related to machine guarding.

Foundry cited for repeat safety violations; fines total $163,240 - Pennsylvania

Domestic Casting Co. LLC has been cited for 26 alleged safety violations found at its Shippensburg foundry. Initiated in response to a complaint, the inspection led to $163,240 in proposed penalties.

Combustible wood dust explosions leads to fines of $43,400 - Rhode Island

A combustible wood dust explosion and fire occurred at Inferno Wood Pellet Inc. in East Providence, injuring a worker and partially demolishing the building. The ignition of wood dust in the plant's production room migrated to a retention bin, resulting in an explosion that spread through the building. Inferno was cited for 11 serious violations of workplace safety standards with $43,400 in fines.

Concrete manufacturer cited after worker's foot severed - Wisconsin

County Materials Corp., which manufactures precast concrete products was cited for 18 serious safety violations, after a truck driver had his foot severed and femur crushed at an Elderon job site. The investigation determined the incident occurred when a cable on a trolley boom crane broke, pinning the driver against a concrete riser. Many of the violations involved standards on cranes and derricks in construction and carry fines of $56,700.

Detailed descriptions of the citations above and other OSHA citations can be found here.