OSHA watch
Controversial ruling on Process Safety Management Standard being appealed
A controversial ruling by the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) that extended the Process Safety Management Standard beyond hazardous chemicals has been appealed by Oklahoma-based Wynnewood Refining Co. LLC and its successors, the refinery at the center of the ruling. The OSHRC affirmed citations under the standard, even though the explosion occurred at one of the refinery's boilers, an onsite utility operation workplace that safety and legal experts say is typically not included in process safety management.
The case was appealed to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Free online course on preventing workplace violence
The Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine launched a free online program to train retail workers and employers on preventing and responding to violence in the workplace. The course offers tips on how to respond to violence or the threat of violence by reading body language and using de-escalation techniques, and how to establish a workplace violence prevention program. Participants may register and complete the training at their own pace.
New resources
Alerts:
- Keep Trenches Safe for Workers
- Keeping Workers Safe during Flood Cleanup
- Protect Workers Operating and Working Near Forklifts
Webpages:
Flyer:
Solar panels do not qualify as roofing work
The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco denied a petition to review an Occupational Safety and Review Commission's final order affirming a citation for violating fall protection standards. Bergelectric was hired to install solar panels on the roof of a hanger in San Diego and argued that the installation was on a low-sloped roof, which has laxer standards than work on unprotected sides and edges. The court determined that the installation of solar panels did not qualify as performing "roofing work" and so Bergelectric violated the fall standard because they failed to use personal fall arrest systems, safety nets or guardrails.
Enforcement notes
California
- USF Reddaway Inc, a trucking company received four citations and $68,438 in penalties after a worker was fatally struck by a tractor at a truck terminal. Inspectors found that the company failed to ensure operators were competent to operate terminal tractors and did not implement traffic controls.
- Anaheim-based Nexus Energy Systems Inc., a solar panel installer, faces fines totaling $193,905 for multiple serious workplace safety hazards, including failure to provide fall protection for its employees. One worker fell and suffered a broken wrist and jaw.
- Hanwha L&C USA, LLC received eight citations and $52,705 in penalties after a forklift crushed a worker's foot. Citations related to training and evaluating workers.
Florida
- GA&L Construction Corp. Inc. and The Rinaldi Group of Florida LLC were cited for failing to protect employees from fall hazards after a fatal fall at a construction worksite in Miami. The two companies face $87,327 in penalties.
- Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., based in Belle Glade was cited for exposing employees to workplace safety hazards after a worker required medical treatment due to an anhydrous ammonia leak in the farm's packaging house. The company faces $95,472 in penalties. The inspection is covered under the National Emphasis Program on Process Safety Management Covered Chemical Facilities.
- National discount retailer Dollar Tree Store Inc.was cited for exposing employees to safety hazards at its store on Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach. The company faces $104,192 in penalties for exposing employees to struck-by, trip, and fall hazards due to unstable merchandise stacked in excess of 7-feet high in the path of an emergency exit.
Georgia
- Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, based in Thomasville, was cited for failing to protect employees working in excessive heat. An employee suffered heat exhaustion and was hospitalized after working in direct sunlight and wearing required protective clothing during welding and fabrication work at a Key West, Florida worksite. The company faces $21,311 in penalties, including the maximum penalty allowed by law for the heat-related violation.
- An appeals court denied a review of citations issued to Century Communities Inc. for a fatal electrocution at a residential construction site. Although none of its employees were exposed to the hazard, Century was cited under the multi-employer worksite policy.
Illinois
- Residential homebuilder Florentino Rodriguez of DB Custom Carpentry LLC was cited for exposing employees to falls at a residential site in Wheaton. The contractor faces penalties totaling $196,905 for one serious and two willful safety violations.
Nebraska
- Discount retailer Family Dollar Store was cited for safety violations at an Omaha store, including failure to secure compressed gas cylinders, follow manufacturer's instructions when using electrical apparatus, ensure emergency exit doors remain unlocked, cover overhead lights, and allowing equipment to block an exit route. Proposed penalties are $302,147.
Pennsylvania
- Energy Transportation LLC and MW Logistics Services LLC were cited for serious safety violations after a fatal fire at a natural gas processing plant in Houston. Energy Transportation LLC, the company contracted to clean lines and vessels at the plant faces penalties totaling $51,148. MW Logistics Services LLC, the host employer, faces $47,360 in penalties. Both were cited for violations of the PSM standard.