Top Stories OSHA Extends Some Compliance Dates for General Industry Beryllium Standard OSHA issued a final rule to extend the compliance date for specific ancillary requirements in the general industry beryllium standard to Dec. 12. The extension applies to methods of compliance, beryllium work areas, regulated areas, personal protective clothing and equipment, hygiene facilities and practices, housekeeping, hazard communication, and recordkeeping. During this time, the agency will prepare a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to clarify certain provisions that maintain worker safety and health, and address employers’ concerns with compliance. Read the news release for more information. OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program Shows Annual Benefits of More than $1 Billion OSHA recently published an analysis showing how the agency’s On-Site Consultation Program, contributes $1.3 billion to the national economy each year. The On-Site Consultation Program provides free, confidential safety and health services to small and medium-sized businesses. Employers who implement the workplace improvements suggested by OSHA consultants can reduce lost time due to injuries and illnesses. This in turn can lead to higher employee morale, increased productivity, and lower workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Deputy Assistant Secretary Addresses Poultry Industry On Aug. 13, OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Loren Sweatt addressed the National Safety and Health Conference for the Poultry Industry. The conference, designed specifically for poultry facility and corporate safety personnel, was sponsored by the Georgia Poultry Federation, Georgia Tech Research Institute/Agricultural Technology Research Program, National Chicken Council, National Turkey Federation, and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association. In her remarks, Sweatt stressed worker lives and livelihoods depend on our ability to jointly prevent injuries and illnesses. She also unveiled a new QuickCard addressing common hazards at poultry processing plants. The card, in English on one side and Spanish on the other, offers basic tips such as making sure machines are properly guarded before beginning work, turning off equipment during cleaning or maintenance, wearing protective clothing, and reporting early signs of repetitive motion injuries to management. It's Safe + Sound Week More than 1,700 organizations are participating in Safe + Sound Week, a nationwide event Aug. 13-19 to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs. More than 2,000 participants have registered workplace events. The governors of Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska issued proclamations officially recognizing this outreach effort. Visit the Safe + Sound website to find free training and events near you. Participants can also download a certificate or share their successes through social media. New Compliance Assistance Resources Available for OSHA’s Silica Standard OSHA's silica standards require employers to limit worker exposures to respirable crystalline silica and take steps to protect workers. OSHA has several new resources to help employers meet the requirements of the standards. return to top of page Enforcement Alabama Auto Dealership Settles with OSHA Following Fatal Fire OSHA reached a settlement agreement with Carl Cannon, Inc., to resolve citations and penalties issued after five employees were injured, three fatally, in a fire at the company’s automobile dealership. The company agreed to implement a chemical hazard communication program, properly store flammable liquids, discontinue use of unapproved electrical receptacles and equipment in hazardous areas, and pay $114,074 in penalties. Read the news release for more information. Companies in Florida and Texas Cited for Trenching Hazards in Separate Incidents OSHA cited Archer Western Construction, Inc., for safety violations after two employees suffered fatal injuries while performing trenching activities. Inspectors determined the company failed to inspect the work area for hazards and brace a section of a concrete highway barrier that later collapsed. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $33,259. For more information, read the news release. El Paso Underground Construction faces $190,642 in proposed penalties for exposing employees to trench collapse hazards. Inspectors found the company failed to provide training and implement trench protections. OSHA cited the company four times in 2017 for similar violations. The agency has placed the company in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program. Read the news release for more information. Illinois Adhesive Manufacturer Cited for Serious Health and Safety Violations Adhesive Systems, Inc., was cited for multiple safety and health violations. The company failed to provide employees with respirator fit tests and appropriate respirators; ensure electrical equipment was approved for use in hazardous atmospheres; and conduct a personal protective equipment assessment. OSHA proposed penalties of $587,564. For more information, read the news release. Ohio Manufacturer Cited For Exposing Employees to Excessive Noise and Other Hazards OSHA cited Polystar Containment for exposing employees to excessive noise that led to hearing loss. Inspectors concluded that the employer failed to: monitor employee hearing loss; install controls to reduce noise levels; use machine guards; provide adequate respiratory protection; remove damaged forklifts from use; train workers on hazardous communication; and properly store flammable materials. The company faces penalties totaling $331,490. Read the news release for more information. Kansas Grain Bin Operator Cited Following Fatal Engulfment of Two Workers OSHA cited Gavilon Grain, LLC, after two workers were fatally engulfed in a soybean storage bin. Inspectors found that the company allowed employees to enter a bin in which bridged and/or hung-up grain was present. Gavilon also failed to lock out equipment to prevent unintentional startup, or provide employees with lifelines, fall protection, and rescue equipment. The company faces proposed penalties of $507,374 and has been placed in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. For more information, read the news release. Oregon Shipbuilder Cited for Willful and Serious Safety Violations OSHA cited Vigor Marine, Inc., for 16 willful and serious violations following an inspection in response to employee complaints. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $370,358. Inspectors determined that the company allowed employees to work on energized circuit boxes; and failed to conduct fit-testing and medical evaluations before providing respirators, implement an effective hearing conservation program, and ensure employees wore seat belts when operating powered industrial trucks. The company was cited for similar violations at its facilities in Oregon and Alaska. Read the news release for more information. California Cites Contractor for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards California OSHA issued two citations and $146,004 in penalties to roofing contractor Petersen-Dean, Inc., for exposing workers to fall hazards. Inspectors determined that the company failed to correct unsafe conditions and work practices, and provide fall protection for workers on a sloped roof. The company was previously cited for these violations in 2013, 2016, and 2017. Washington Cites Company After Workers Suffer Serious Injuries The Washington Division of Occupational Safety and Health issued 26 citations and $253,320 in fines to National Products, Inc., for failing to protect workers from burns and amputation hazards. One worker had several fingers amputated by an unguarded and improperly maintained trimming press, and another worker suffered burns from carrying molten aluminum without adequate personal protective equipment. The company was previously cited for these same violations and is considered a severe violator. For more information, read the news release. return to top of page Safety and Health Outreach Free Safety and Health Training at Tennessee Conference Safety Fest TN will be held Sept. 10-14 at multiple locations in Oak Ridge and Knoxville, Tenn. The annual event features more than 100 free safety and health classes, a safety expo, demonstrations, a community forum, and a fire department conference. Safety Fest TN draws exhibitors and participants from across Tennessee as well as nearby states. For more information and to register, visit the Safety Fest TN website. Federal OSHA and State Labor Agencies Discuss How to Create Safer and Healthier Workplaces in the Midwest OSHA Regional Administrator Kim Stille addresses representatives from Midwestern state occupational safety agencies. OSHA Regional Administrator Kim Stille recently hosted a four-day meeting in Kansas City, Mo., with representatives of state occupational safety and health agencies in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The participants shared best practices and resources, attended workshops on hazards related to grain handling and trenching, and discussed ways to participate in OSHA’s Safe + Sound Week. OSHA and the state agencies pledged to continue their collaborative efforts to better protect the safety and health of workers. return to top of page Cooperative Programs California Consultation Program Helps Air Conditioner Manufacturer Bring Injury Rate to Zero QC Manufacturing, Inc., an air conditioner manufacturer in Temecula, Calif., accepted California OSHA’s (Cal/OSHA) invitation for a free visit from its On-Site Consultation Program to find and fix workplace hazards. After the first consultation, the employer hired a full-time safety coordinator and continued to focus on safety. After all hazards identified during the consultation were corrected, the company reduced its annual incidents of recordable workplace injuries to zero. In recognition of its efforts, Cal/OSHA accepted QC Manufacturing into its Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program. For more information, read the success story. Strategic Partnership Focuses on Safety During Texas Construction Project OSHA and the Manhattan Construction Company recently signed a partnership agreement to protect approximately 1,000 workers during the construction of a Major League ballpark in Arlington, Texas. Partners will provide a mentoring and training program, and promote communication between contractors and subcontractors to improve safety and health. The Strategic Partnership Program provides opportunities for OSHA to partner with stakeholders to create safe and healthful work environments. return to top of page Safety and Health Resources Redesigned OSHA Enforcement Webpage Easier to Navigate OSHA has redesigned the agency’s enforcement webpage to make it easier for users to find information on inspections, penalties, policy, guidance, and compliance assistance. Users can also access information by industry. Free Workplace Violence Prevention Webinar Available Online A free 60-minute webinar on preventing workplace violence in healthcare settings is available from The Joint Commission, a long-standing OSHA national alliance partner. The webinar includes an overview of OSHA’s Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Healthcare and Social Service Workers, as well as a discussion of a multi-hospital intervention study that reduced violent events. return to top of page Social Media Follow Us on Twitter and Visit Us on Facebook Follow @OSHA_DOL on Twitter (and thanks for retweeting!) and visit the DOL Facebook page for OSHA information and resources. OSHA also provides news and commentary on workplace safety and health from its senior leadership, staff, and guest contributors on the DOL blog. Featured Posts return to top of page See DOL's weekly electronic newsletter for more DOL news. For more frequent updates on OSHA activities, follow us on Twitter and like DOL on Facebook . 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