U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. May 10, 2017 BOS 2017-040Court upholds OSHA finding that railroad companyviolated Maine employee's whistleblower rightsBOSTON - A federal appeals court has affirmed that Pan Am Railways, Inc. must pay $260,000 in punitive and compensatory damages to - and take corrective action on behalf of - an employee who was subjected to retaliation for filing a Federal Railroad Safety Act whistleblower complaint.The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the complaint, filed in 2011, against the North Billerica-based commercial railroad and found the railroad retaliated against the employee, who works in a rail yard in Waterville, Maine, when it charged him with dishonesty in connection with his FRSA complaint. The employee had tried to report an injury.The department ordered the railroad to take corrective actions and pay the affected employee $10,000 in compensatory damages and $40,000 in punitive damages. Pan Am Railways appealed, and in 2014, an administrative law judge upheld the agency's finding of retaliation and increased the amount of punitive damages to $250,000. The railroad again appealed, to the department's Administrative Review Board, which affirmed the judge's order. It then appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, which denied the railroad's petition on April 21, 2017."This case is a strong reminder that our whistleblower laws prohibit reprisals against employees who file whistleblower complaints, report workplace injuries and illnesses, or raise awareness of hazardous safety or security conditions," said Galen Blanton, OSHA's New England regional administrator."A safe and healthy workplace is a goal we should all aspire to achieve. Discriminatory actions by employers, including but not limited to retaliation, can freeze employees into silence. Hazardous conditions can go unreported as a result, and lead to avoidable human and financial costs," said Michael Felsen, the department's regional solicitor of labor for New England.OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and 21 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health care reform, nuclear, pipeline, worker safety, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime and securities laws.Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or provide protected information to the employer or to the government. Employees who believe that they have been retaliated against for engaging in protected conduct may file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor to request an investigation by OSHA's Whistleblower Protection Program. Detailed information on employee whistleblower rights, including fact sheets, is available at http://www.whistleblowers.gov.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.# # #Editor's note: The U.S. Department of Labor does not release names of employees involved in whistle-blower complaints.Media Contacts:Ted Fitzgerald, 617-565-2075, [email protected] James C. Lally, 617-565-2074, [email protected] Number: 17-556-BOSU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. May 4, 2017Ohio auto insulation manufacturer faces penalties following worker injuryCompany cited for willful violations of machine safety proceduresOREGON, Ohio - An auto insulation manufacturer in suburban Toledo faces $569,463 in proposed penalties after a U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation following a report that a machine amputated a 46-year-old worker's right hand, wrist and part of his forearm.Investigators found the injury occurred while the worker at Autoneum North America was guiding waste materials into a shredding machine. His arm was caught in the machine's point of operation - a circular drum that shreds the fabric fibers for reuse. OSHA found the company failed to equip the machine with adequate safety guards when the Dec. 23, 2016, injury occurred. The agency issued three willful and two repeated violations of machine safety procedures."This incident illustrates why companies must evaluate machine safety procedures to ensure they are adequate and effective in protecting workers from injuries on the job," said Dorothy Dougherty, deputy assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. "In addition to being the law and the right thing to do, safe workplaces are an important component in supporting and sustaining job growth in America."OSHA cited the company for:In February 2016, OSHA cited the company for similar machine hazards at its Wynn Road facility in Oregon.View current citations here.Autoneum North America is based in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and is a parts supplier for the automotive industry. The company is a subsidiary of Swiss-based Autoneum, a global market and technology leader in acoustic and thermal management solutions for vehicles.The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Toledo Area Office at 419-259-7542.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.# # #Media Contacts:Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, [email protected] Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, [email protected] Number: 17-576-CHIU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

Thank You for Visiting Our WebsiteYou are exiting the Department of Labor's Web server.The Department of Labor does not endorse, takes no responsibility for, and exercises no control over the linked organization or its views, or contents, nor does it vouch for the accuracy or accessibility of the information contained on the destination server. The Department of Labor also cannot authorize the use of copyrighted materials contained in linked Web sites. Users must request such authorization from the sponsor of the linked Web site. Thank you for visiting our site. Please click the button below to continue.<!--Continue -->Close

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. May 3, 2017OSHA reminds storm recovery workers, volunteers to take safety precautionsSPRINGFIELD, Mo. - As Midwest residents deal with historic flooding in southeastern Missouri, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration urges workers and the public at-large to be aware of the hazards they may encounter and what steps are needed to protect themselves as they begin clean-up activities.OSHA resource officers are headed to hard-hit areas to assist local emergency responders with advice and information on important safety tips to prevent potential causes of injury and illness among those active in clean-up activities. "Our main concern is the safety and health of workers and volunteers who may be exposed to various hazards such as electrocution, drowning, chemical exposures, struck-by, caught-in and other hazards during clean-up," said Kimberly Stille, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "With more rain in the forecast for the Ozarks and mid-Mississippi Valley in the week to come, residents and workers may be exposed again to flash flood hazards as rivers are already swollen."Protective measures should involve:Evaluating the work area for all hazards.Providing training for the task.Task-specific hazard exposure monitoring.Utilizing engineering or work practice controls to mitigate hazards.Using personal protective equipment.Assuming all power lines are live.Following proper hygiene procedures.Correctly using portable generators, saws, ladders, vehicles and other equipment.Utilizing traffic work zones.Implementing safe work procedures.Clean-up work may involve restoring electricity, communications, water and sewer services; demolition; entry into flooded areas and removal of floodwater from structures; debris removal; tree-trimming; structural repair; roadway and bridge repair; use of cranes, aerial lifts and other heavy equipment; hazardous waste operations and emergency response activities; and repair of dams and levees.Inherent to these operations are hazards such as:Illness from exposure to contaminated water or food.Risk of excessive exposure or heat stress.Electrocution dangers related to downed electrical wires.Carbon monoxide and electrical hazards associated with the use of portable generators.Fall and struck-by hazards involved in tree-trimming or working at heights.Being caught in unprotected excavations or confined spaces.Burns, lacerations and musculoskeletal injuries.Being struck by traffic or heavy equipment while working.Risk of drowning in surges of moving water during clean-up.OSHA maintains a comprehensive website on keeping disaster site workers safe during clean-up and recovery operations. It contains fact sheets, concise "quick cards," frequently asked questions, safety and health guides and information, public service announcements in English and Spanish, and links to information from other sources.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Kansas City Area Office at 816-483-9531 or St. Louis Area Office at 314-425-4249.# # #Media Contacts:Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, [email protected] Burke, 312-353-6976, [email protected] Number: 17-564-KANU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. April 25, 2017OSHA, Holder Construction Group partner for safetyat northeastern Illinois data center construction siteParticipants:U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health AdministrationHolder Construction Group LLCPartnership: The strategic partnership will protect and educate workers on construction hazards during the building of the DuPont CH3 Data Center project in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.The partnership was developed jointly by OSHA and general contractor Holder Construction Group as well as by the state's Labor Department On-site Safety and Health Consultation and several local unions. They include Plumbers Local Union 130; International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134; United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners Local 839; Laborers International Union of North America Local 118; Pipefitters Local Union 597; International Association of Iron Workers Local 1; International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, and International Association of Sheet Metal Workers Local 73.The partnership will:Develop effective safety and health training programs and procedures.Identify common construction hazards such as falls, electrical, struck-by, caught-in, silica, carbon monoxide, heat stress, cranes and noise.Encourage worker participation in employer safety and health programs.Ensure 100 percent of contractors and subcontractors have site-specific written safety and health programs.Require each employee to attend a job site safety orientation before working on the site.The DuPont CH3 project consists of a 317,000-square-foot data center. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2017. During construction, up to 30 subcontractors with 300 tradesmen may be employed on-site. Duration: The agreement terminates on Dec. 1, 2017, or when construction is completed, if that occurs sooner. Background: Through its Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA works with employers, employees, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html.Quote: "Our focus is to forge a working relationship that will prevent serious workplace construction hazards and establish a foundation for the development of effective safety and health program at the sites," said Angeline Loftus, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "In order to support jobs and job growth in America employers must provide safe workplaces."# # #Media Contacts:Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, [email protected] Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, [email protected] Number: 17-546-CHIU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of LaborOccupational Safety and Health AdministrationOffice of CommunicationsWashington, D.C.www.osha.govFor Immediate Release Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. May 1, 2017 Contact: Office of Communications Phone: 202-693-1999OSHA seeks applications from organizations interested in becomingOSHA Training Institute Education CentersWASHINGTON - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration today announced that it is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations interested in providing instructor-led classes on occupational safety and health as part of the OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers Program. The national program serves private and public sector employers, supervisors, and workers within OSHA's jurisdiction.The program was initiated in 1992 to meet a growing demand for private and public sector training similar to that provided by the agency's OSHA Training Institute (OTI) in Arlington Heights, IL. In the past 10 years, OTI Education Centers have trained more than a quarter of a million students and more than 52,000 students received training in FY 2016 alone.For information on how to apply, see the Federal Register notice. Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. CDT on Friday, June 30, 2017, and must be submitted by regular mail to Jim Brock, U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA Directorate of Training and Education, 2020 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005-4102. Prospective applicants with questions should contact Mr. Brock at [email protected] or by telephone at 847-759-7700.A proposal conference will be held at the same Arlington Heights location on May 17, 2017, to provide potential applicants with information about the training program, expectations for OTI Education Centers, and administrative and program requirements.OSHA does not predetermine the number of organizations selected to act as OTI Education Centers but selects organizations according to each applicant's qualifications, ability to serve regional populations and OSHA's training needs.Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.# # #U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats' which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests' please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. April 26, 2017OSHA Recognizes Workers' Memorial DayRenews commitment to making safety a priorityATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will recognize Workers' Memorial Day on April 30 at 2 p.m. EDT by participating in a ceremony in Atlanta.American workers are the backbone of our nation's prosperity and a focal point of President Trump's "America First" agenda. With the recent increased growth in manufacturing, mining and construction industries, OSHA renews its commitment to making safety a priority through education, training and collaboration with American workers, businesses and state partners.OSHA will partner with the Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council for a Workers' Memorial Day ceremony at Reverend James Orange Park at Oakland City Park to read the names of workers who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace in 2016 and 2017.For more information, visit OSHA's Workers' Memorial Day webpage. All local events are free and open to the public. You can also learn more about OSHA by visiting www.osha.gov.# # #Media Contacts:Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, [email protected] Michael D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, [email protected] Number: 17-545-ATL (56) U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. April 26, 2017 BOS 2017-034OSHA Recognizes Workers' Memorial Day in New YorkRenews commitment to making safety a priorityNEW YORK - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will recognize Workers' Memorial Day on April 28 at various events throughout the country, including New York.American workers are the backbone of our nation's prosperity and a focal point of President Trump's "America First" agenda. With the recent increased growth in manufacturing, mining and construction industries, OSHA renews its commitment to making safety a priority through education, training and collaboration with American workers, businesses and state partners. In New York, OSHA will honor those who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace, helping to support and strengthen our nation, at the following events:New York CityApril 27 - 2 p.m.Annual Memorial Mass in memory of all construction workers who died on the job this past year.St. Patrick's Cathedral, 460 Fifth Ave.White Plains April 27 - 5p.m.Event honoring working men and women who were injured or died while working in the past year.Renaissance Plaza, Mamaroneck Ave. & Main St. AuburnApril 28 - 10 a.m.Workers' Memorial Day event held by the Cayuga County Labor Council, AFL-CIO. Hooper Park, 100 South Herman Ave.Rockland CountyApril 28 - 10 a.m. Construction Career Day. A moment of silence will take place to remember the men and women who died while at work in the past year. Rockland Community College, 145 College Rd., Suffern. RochesterApril 28 - 5 p.m. Annual Workers' Memorial Day Event held by the Rochester & Genesee Valley Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. Highland Park, Workers' Memorial Day Monument, 180 Reservoir Ave.HauppageApril 28 - 7 p.m. Long Island Federation of Labor/NYCOSH sponsored Workers' Memorial Day Ceremony. New York State Office Building.Orchard ParkApril 29 - 10 a.m.Annual Workers' Memorial Day Event held by the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and the Buffalo Central Labor Council. Chestnut Ridge Park, Workers' Memorial, 6121 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Niagara FallsMay 6 - 10 a.m. Annual Workers' Memorial Day Event held by the Western New York Area Labor Federation, AFL-CIO and the Niagara/Orleans Central Labor Council. Reservoir Park Workers' Memorial, 5755 Military Rd. For more information, visit OSHA's Workers' Memorial Day webpage. All local events are free and open to the public. You can also learn more about OSHA by visiting www.osha.gov. # # #Media Contacts:Ted Fitzgerald, 617-565-2075, [email protected] James C. Lally, 617-565-2074, [email protected] Number: 17-508-NEWU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. April 25, 2017OSHA recognizes Workers' Memorial Day in OhioRenews commitment to making safety a priorityCLEVELAND - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will recognize Workers' Memorial Day by participating in various events throughout the country on Friday, April 28.American workers are the backbone of our nation's prosperity and a focal point of President Trump's "America First" agenda. With the recent increased growth in manufacturing, mining and construction industries, OSHA renews its commitment to making safety a priority through education, training and collaboration with American workers, businesses and state partners.In Ohio, OSHA will honor those who have been injured or lost their lives in the workplace, helping to support and strengthen our nation at three events.WHAT:Workers' Memorial Day Ceremony at the International Chemical WorkersWHEN:Friday, April 28, 201711 a.m. EDTWHERE:I.C.W. Union Council1655 W. Market St.Akron, OHWHO:Howard Ebert, area director, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Cleveland Area OfficeWHAT:Proclamation Presentation for Workers' Memorial Day at Gateway PlazaWHEN:Friday, April 28, 20175 p.m. EDTWHERE:Gateway Plaza2301 Ontario St.Cleveland, OHWHO:Cleveland Mayor Frank G. JacksonKen Nishiyama Atha, regional administrator, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Chicago Regional OfficeWHAT:Parade for Workers' Memorial Day at Progressive Field.First pitch by Ken Nishiyama Atha, regional administrator, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Chicago Regional OfficeWHEN:Friday, April 28, 20176 - 7 p.m. EDTWHERE:Progressive Field Left Gate2401 Ontario St.Cleveland, OHQUOTE:"OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, and helping companies and employees develop effective safety and health programs. Together, we can ensure that Ohio workers return home safe and healthy at the end of every shift," said Ken Atha, regional administrator, U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Chicago Regional Office.For more information, visit OSHA's Workers' Memorial Day webpage. All local events are free and open to the public. You can also learn more about OSHA by visiting www.osha.gov.Media Contacts:Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, [email protected] Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, [email protected] Number: 17-510-CHIU.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).

U.S. Department of Labor Please note: As of January 20, 2017, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies. April 25, 2017OSHA Recognizes Workers' Memorial DayRenews commitment to making safety a priorityATLANTA - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will recognize Workers' Memorial Day on April 28 at 3 p.m. CDT by participating in a memorial at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 429 in Nashville, Tennessee.American workers are the backbone of our nation's prosperity and a focal point of President Trump's "America First" agenda. With the recent increased growth in manufacturing, mining and construction industries, OSHA renews its commitment to making safety a priority through education, training and collaboration with American workers, businesses and state partners.During the event, OSHA will partner with the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee and the AFL-CIO to light a candle and read the name of each worker who died as a result of workplace injuries in Tennessee in 2016.For more information, visit OSHA's Workers' Memorial Day webpage. All local events are free and open to the public. You can also learn more about OSHA by visiting http://www.osha.gov.Media Contacts:Eric Lucero, 678-237-0630, [email protected] D'Aquino, 678-237-0630, [email protected] Number: 17-505-ATL (55)U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).