Readers write May 15, 2009
The standard 40-hour workweek, overtime pay, sick leave and workplace safety rules, for example, are all taken for granted by American workers today, but resulted from union action - not the benevolence of management. Like it or not, unions have been good for the American workplace, and they need to be supported through legislation like the Employees Free Choice Act. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Clipper Home wins top award from OSHA for workplace safety May 14, 2009
WESTERLY A local nursing home and rehabilitation center has earned a distinction for outstanding workplace safety in the eyes of state health officials. Share your thoughts. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Calls for expert road crash teams May 14, 2009
"In 1972 the groundbreaking Robens report revolutionised workplace safety and led to the creation of a coherent and rational legal structure that has saved hundreds of lives," he said. "It is time to have a similar root and branch review of the way transport safety policy is implemented and co-ordinated. "We have to challenge the global trend towards criminalising accidents and their investigation. (BBC News -- UK)
How pensions go awry May 10, 2009
Decisions about retirement, by workers and employers alike, depend on facts about workplace safety and life expectancy - facts that evolve over time. Meanwhile, the state pension classification system seems stuck in prehistoric ooze. (Boston Globe)
House favors right to keep guns in parked vehicles May 8, 2009
The legislation has stirred controversy among business owners because of concern for private property rights and workplace safety. The bill would not apply to parking areas of detached, single-family residences. (AZCentral -- News)
Michael McCannSPORTS LAW May 6, 2009
The agency enforces myriad regulations that are designed to ensure workplace safety and it can fine employers up to $70,000 for each violation. OSHA is now on-site investigating the collapse. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NFL)
Cowboys' scout paralyzed, two others hurt after practice facility collapses May 5, 2009
The agency generally looks for violations of federal workplace safety rules. On Sunday, a steady stream of curious fans and neighbors tromped in the mud behind Gold's Gym, separated by a fence from the ruined Cowboys facility. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Victims of Workplace Tragedy Remembered at Threads of Life 5K Walk May 1, 2009
This is why we walk- to raise much needed community awareness. We believe that workplace injuries and illnesses are preventable. (Canada Newswire)
State Capitol Briefs, Tuesday, April 28 Apr 30, 2009
By State House News Service. Tue Apr 28, 2009, 11:14 PM EDT. (Arlington Advocate, MA)
Report: Nevada has largest increase in workplace fatalities Apr 29, 2009
The report also provides analyses on workplace safety, according to Spokesman Zack Pesavento. The report identifies Nevada's rate for worker fatalities as 5. (KRNV.com, NV)
Bigger fines urged in worker deaths Apr 29, 2009
"There needs to be a balance," said Lawrence Halprin, an attorney with Keller and Heckman who focuses on workplace safety. Tuesday's hearing followed more than a dozen so far in the House Education and Labor Committee as Democrats in Congress are preparing legislation to overhaul the Occupational Safety and Health Act. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Jovenes Latinos conference is where governor discusses safe jobs for youth Apr 29, 2009
CAAS youth educator Jesselyn Vasquez said that at the three-day conference, called LEAPS (Leadership Education and Action to Promote Safety for young workers), youth learned about the three-part pyramid of workplace safety and health. You can use personal protective equipment, but that s the least effective, because it leaves all the other workers at risk, she said. (Somerville Journal, MA)
Debra Diener Apr 28, 2009
An extensive biosecurity program is in place at Stony Point and Reuter is a strong proponent of workplace safety, making dust masks and hearing protection available to his one full-time and several part-time employees. Mark Johnson. (Sioux Falls Tri-State Neighbor, SD)
Veolia names new safety director Apr 28, 2009
Jamieson has experience in flight, passenger and commuter rail operations and workplace safety. He most recently served as a Federal Railroad Administration certified motive power and equipment rail safety investigator at the Texas Department of Transportation. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Nevada panel over debates worker safety training plan Apr 28, 2009
(AP) - Changes to speed up the workplace safety training for new employees, in efforts to reduce on-the-job deaths and injuries, prompted questions Monday in a Nevada Assembly committee hearing. AB148 requires 10 hours of safety training for employees and 30 hours of safety training for supervisors. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Alexis Minerals Recognized With Two Awards by the Val d'Or Chamber of Commerce Apr 28, 2009
This entailed a strong focus on training and development, along with an emphasis on the company's new workplace safety standards. This course of development within the company was also recognized by the Chamber of Commerce with a second 2008 award for 'Production and Transformation', for the quality operation of a natural resource enterprise. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Local firms among companies honored for workplace safety Apr 20, 2009
COLUMBIA More than 400 company locations from across South Carolina were honored for making workplace safety a priority. The South Carolina Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2008 Safety Awards lunch-eon on March 25, presented by Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C., at the Radisson Columbia. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Health & Safety Canada 2009 Apr 20, 2009
The Forum will feature an inspirational keynote address from Stacie Louttit and Marc Shaw, members of the 2008 Canadian Paralympic Sailing Team, award-winning student videos from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, an interactive game show, and a personal story from Eric Olivieri, a young, injured worker. As well, there will be winning drama performances from two high schools that won the LINK regional drama competition. (Canada Newswire)
Workplace accord may hurt NSW employees Apr 18, 2009
The pre-printed postcards ask the Government to "keep its promise to the Australian people and put in place the best workplace safety standards for all". Mrs Banton said: "It's so important that workers, when they say goodbye to their families, that those families can expect them to come home.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Inside Alaska business Apr 14, 2009
And Nathan Menah, a Labor Department investigator, produced two videos about workplace safety for young Alaskans. Breast-cancer survivors sought for study. (Anchorage Daily News)
Empty Commonwealth Court seats draw candidates Apr 13, 2009
Much of her legal practice involves workplace safety and workers' compensation cases, and she has represented both employers and injured workers. She also has a nursing license and worked as a nurse to put herself through college. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Dzau: Getting healthy on the job Apr 11, 2009
Ultimately, the goal is to have all workplaces conform to national standards and achieve measurable health status of employees just as OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, measures and enforces standards for workplace safety. A program such as the one I'm suggesting should be relatively easy to implement. (CNN -- US)
iQmultimedia Announces a New and Improved Information and document Management Kiosk Solution Apr 8, 2009
iQmultimedia is an established name in touch-screen kiosk software, with customers across Australia and the US. IQ LINK is iQmultimedia's third major information software, affirming the company's commitment to workplace safety. . (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA orders Southern Air Inc. to withdraw retaliatory lawsuit and pay more than $7.9 million to 9 whistleblowers Apr 8, 2009
OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit. (PR Newswire)
Legislative panel OKs increased workplace safety training in Nevada Apr 7, 2009
Associated Press - April 6, 2009 7:05 PM ET. (AP) - A measure to reduce on-the-job deaths by mandating safety training and to ensure there's proper oversight by government agencies was endorsed Monday by a Nevada Assembly panel. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
ON THE ROAD: Travelers say cutback in trips has pluses, minuses Apr 7, 2009
Debra Martin, a workplace safety specialist, is traveling less and spending more time in her Kent City, Mich. home. (USA Today)
Probe: Workplace Safety Not Well Enforced Apr 3, 2009
Current conditions for local cities. Forecasted Temperatures. (KIRO TV, WA)
Breaking news: Five of county's unions reject pay cut proposal Apr 1, 2009
Socrates wrote on Mar 31, 2009 8:41 PM:" That's right folks, get rid of the unions. See how long people maintain even a basic standard of living and are protected from unfair labor practices. All, and I mean ALL of the benefits and rights afforded to American workers is due to the blood, sweat, and tears of UNION WORKERS. If you like weekends, holidays, bathroom breaks, and workplace safety thank the union workers. There is a reason jobs have moved overseas: workers in those countries can be... (Longview Daily News, WA)
KVDA-TV earns "Star" for workplace safety Mar 28, 2009
OSHA has worked to improve workplace safety and health for the past 38 years. Web site: www. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Workers put at risk in the name of privacy Mar 27, 2009
"The Labor Government has given a higher priority to processing employer requests for 457 visas than to ensuring the workplace safety of these vulnerable workers," said Bob Kinnaird, a labour market expert and former public servant. In September the Immigration Minister, Senator Chris Evans, announced a Commonwealth-State agreement to "strengthen the monitoring of employers hiring overseas workers on subclass 457 visas". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Smithsonian, worker dispute perils of asbestos Mar 23, 2009
Within weeks, Pullman had gathered internal documents and filed federal workplace safety complaints ... An institution-wide workplace safety official, Rachel Gregory, found no cause for alarm. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Reese Electric wins state safety award Mar 22, 2009
A panel of industry professionals judges the awards, which honor extraordinary contributions to the field of workplace safety and health. The categories include outstanding employers, individuals and associations. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Some employers struggling with Oregon's medical marijuana law Mar 22, 2009
"Medical marijuana is the leading threat to workplace safety in Oregon," Hanna said. But workplace accidents in Oregon have decreased since the medical marijuana law passed in 1998, said marijuana activist Larry Funk. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Speak up against reform Mar 22, 2009
Also playing a significant role in declining union membership are the decline in heavy manufacturing and better laws governing wages, hours, employment rights and workplace safety. A change in attitude on the part of employers, who have come to realize the costs of worker turnover and the returns on treating workers fairly, has also contributed. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
Legislative Roll Call Report (March 20) Mar 21, 2009
ESSB 6035 would also limit the use of retrospective refunds for operation of the retrospective ratings programs to include; reasonable administrative costs, costs directly related to the development and implementation of a safety plan to increase workplace safety and accident prevention, costs directly related to claims assistance provided to member employers and to establish and maintain reserves for the sole purpose of covering the costs of future potential assessments. ESSB 6035 is now before... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Globe leads National Newspaper Award nominations Mar 20, 2009
Investigations: Sue Bailey and Jim Bronskill of The Canadian Press for an investigation, with the CBC, into the increasing use of Taser guns by police forces; David Bruser, Moira Welsh and Andrew Bailey of the Toronto Star for a probe into workplace safety and the role of the WCB; David Pugliese, Ottawa Citizen, for insight into a helicopter crash that killed three and injured four others. Arts and Entertainment: Marty Klinkenberg, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal, for profiles on two of Canada's... (Globe and Mail)
Bloomer company appealing OSHA fines Mar 18, 2009
The agency said A-1 received 11 workplace safety citations for life- threatening violations at a trenching operation in Weston last September ... The Bloomer company has received 38 workplace safety citations since 1982, according to OSHA.. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
City moves to support expanding federal anti-discrimination laws Mar 17, 2009
Several citizens spoke in favor of the resolution, most calling it an issue of basic rights and workplace safety. But the Rev. Dale Bartscher disagreed, and urged the council to vote no. Bartscher, a pastor, said people have every right to request the policy change, but until the city exhibits a pattern of discriminatory behavior there was no reason to change existing policy. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
'Heroes Among Us' winners announced Mar 15, 2009
Kendall Vry of Parkersburg, workplace safety. Recipients' deeds varied from saving lives during an EF5 tornado to providing lifesaving CPR to a toddler and making life a little brighter for a teenager in need. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Chinese government reiterated its policy of "sticking to reform and opening-up and grasping developing opportunities" in its just-released gov't work report.• Full Text: Report on the Work of the Government Mar 14, 2009
A number of serious and major incidents concerning food and workplace safety have occurred, which have inflicted serious loss of life and property on the people and taught us a sobering lesson. We need to thoroughly appreciate how serious and complex the international and domestic economic situations are, be more mindful of potential perils and crises, fully exploit favorable conditions and actively respond to all challenges so that we can successfully accomplish all our tasks and prove worthy... (Xinhuanet, China)
Turner to participate in federal workplace safety program Mar 14, 2009
has been chosen to participate in a federal program designed to improve workplace safety and eliminate hazards ... The program recognizes cooperative efforts by management, labor, and OSHA to ensure workplace safety. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Weyerhaeuser to lay off 19 at Longview mill Mar 13, 2009
the zipster wrote on Mar 12, 2009 8:31 AM:" digdug: Eliminate unions and watch the payscale for everyone go into the toilet and workplace safety deteriorate. Having worked both sides of that fence, I would choose to work union every time. Organized labor created the middle class in this country by negotiating for a fair wage. That wage is what made it possible to sell cars, houses and other consumer goods which kept the small business folks gainfully employed. Were it not for unions, there would... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Lawmakers urged to increase workplace safety training in Nevada Mar 12, 2009
Associated Press - March 11, 2009 10:25 PM ET. (AP) - Mothers of 2 men killed in workplace accidents urged Nevada legislators on Wednesday to mandate improved on-the-job safety training and to make sure that there's proper oversight by government agencies. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
44 died on job in Oregon in '08 Mar 11, 2009
"We have done a good job in promoting a culture of workplace safety," he said. "We're not where we need to be, but we certainly have come a long way from where we were.". (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Balance is part of Tory history Mar 11, 2009
Leaders such as Bob Stanfield, Joe Clark, Peter Lougheed, Preston Manning, Bill Davis or Richard Hatfield made a series of progressive and populist changes and proposals on income security, human rights, education, lifting seniors out of poverty, workplace safety and agricultural support that enrich the Tory part of the Conservative Party of today. And that Tory base is actually strengthened by the anti-establishment Reform tradition of enhanced accountability. (Globe and Mail)
Highlights of work report on China's Supreme People's Procuratorate Mar 10, 2009
-- Pay more attention to people's livelihood through striking hard the production and sale of poisonous and harmful food and medicine, investigating dereliction of duty behind major workplace safety and food security cases. -- Go all out to strengthen legal supervision over litigation for maintaining and promoting judicial justice. (Xinhuanet, China)
Police buckle under pressure Mar 9, 2009
Paul Hannen, the Association's workplace safety organiser, said officers had had to leave the force on workers' compensation payouts because of injuries, and others were stuck in offices doing paperwork wanting nothing more than to get back on the street. The leather belt needs a minimum hip circumference of 65 centimetres to carry all the appointments - as police equipment is called. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Bill increasing workplace safety training in Nevada gets broad support Mar 7, 2009
Associated Press - March 6, 2009 10:05 PM ET. (AP) - A measure to improve safety training for construction site employees was endorsed Friday by workers and labor leaders, a key state lawmaker, a major contractor and the head of Nevada's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Nevada lawmakers start 6th week Mar 7, 2009
On Wednesday, Senate Commerce and Labor plans another in a series of hearings on workplace safety and worker compensation laws; and Assembly Judiciary, a joint Senate-Assembly budget panel and Assembly Health and Human Services will review several programs and proposals to help elderly Nevadans. Also Wednesday, Senate Health and Education reviews SB135, requiring some public school students to wear uniforms; and SB165, a measure to prevent cyber-bullying in public schools. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Crime)
Ball Aerospace-Built Kepler Spacecraft Launches From Cape Canaveral Mar 7, 2009
Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the current global credit squeeze and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures; integration of recently acquired businesses; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including in respect of chemicals or substances used in raw... (PR Newswire)
Nevada OSHA chief defends workplace safety efforts Mar 6, 2009
(AP) -- The head of defended his agency's efforts to ensure workplace safety during a Senate committee hearing that marked the start of a monthlong review of such efforts ... Maggie Carlton, D-Las Vegas, the committee chairwoman, raised several questions about workplace safety in Nevada, noting a dozen construction workers died in a recent 18-month period at job sites on the Las Vegas Strip. (KRNV.com, NV)
I.D. Systems Reports Financial Results for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2008-Year Over Year Revenues Increase 58% Mar 6, 2009
Wireless Vehicle Management Systems for industrial trucks help improve workplace safety and security by restricting vehicle access to trained, authorized operators, providing electronic vehicle safety inspection checklists, and sensing vehicle impacts. The systems also help reduce fleet maintenance costs by automatically uploading vehicle data, reporting vehicle problems electronically, scheduling maintenance according to actual vehicle usage rather than by calendar or manual data entry, and... (Primezone Releases)
McKinney: Going with the flow Mar 4, 2009
Some of the initiatives he will support are environmental impact, workplace safety, recycling, energy efficiency and philanthropy, said Lewis Kling, Flowserve President and Chief Executive Officer. As a company that has operations in more than 55 countries, our sustainability and social responsibility efforts in support of our customers, employees and the communities where they live are a top priority, Kling said. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Your lawmakers and their priorities Mar 1, 2009
PRIORITIES: At the top of Lynn's legislative list is a workplace safety bill that was prompted by a deadly 2007 explosion at Daytona Beach's 2007 Bethune Point wastewater treatment plant. The bill -- which adopts recommendations of a task force Lynn helped create -- would require public employers to adopt federal general industry and construction safety standards by 2012. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Another 10,000 Workplace Safety and Health professionals needed Feb 27, 2009
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. Employers will be able to tap on higher course fee support and absentee payroll under SPUR to send their staff for WSH training. (Channelnewsasia.com)
OSHA cites Bloomer firm for cave-in hazards Feb 26, 2009
The federal agency said Wednesday that A-1 Excavating Inc. of Bloomer has received 11 workplace safety citations for life-threatening violations involving a trenching project in Weston last September ... OSHA says the company has received 38 workplace safety citations since 1982. (Menomonie Dunn County News, WI)
Final right-to-work bill dies Feb 24, 2009
He said unions are responsible for the eight-hour work day, health insurance, unemployment insurance, pensions , paid vacations and holidays and workplace safety for workers. These things just didn t drop out of the sky (from employers), Wilson said. (Missoulian, MT)
Construction worker killed at McCarran Airport Feb 24, 2009
"Las Vegas Paving Corporation is deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of life of one of our valued employees on the McCarran Airport Terminal 3 project. As a company, we place workplace safety as 'priority one' and strive to provide our employees with a safe and secure workplace. Unfortunately, and as with all construction projects, the possibility of unforeseen accidents resulting in bodily injury and death is ever present. Las Vegas Paving will be working closely with the appropriate... (KRNV.com, NV)
Manpower Ministry launches new skills programme to help PMETs Feb 23, 2009
" Examples of programmes expected to be rolled out in the next few months include a Master of Science Programme in Integrated Circuit Design at NTU-TUM (Technical University of Munich) for integrated circuit design engineers and a Bachelor of Social Work at SIM University for social workers. More will be introduced progressively in coming months. Professionals in finance and engineering can also upgrade through specialised courses. They can specialise in risk management or product control at... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Bill is Democrats' attempt to silence building industry association Feb 20, 2009
It s a voluntary program, designed to promote workplace safety. It s been fairly effective in reducing injuries and resulting claims costs for employers who choose to take advantage of it. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Workplace conditions 'like those in industrial revolution' Feb 19, 2009
A workplace safety conference will be held in Melbourne in March. It will show that one in three supervisors say their senior management are not serious about safety while nine per cent say their bosses are "in denial", Mr Merritt said. (The Australian)
State smoking ban clears Ind. House committee Feb 17, 2009
Workplace Safety wrote on Feb 13, 2009 1:56 PM:" I worked as a factory engineer, and I got to see the health safety sheets (MSDS) on various toxins. The carinogenic effects of second-hand smoke are MUCH worse than anything else allowed in a workplace! It's funny how the union reps would demand we remove fumes that are less than 1/100th as dangerous as second hand smoke, then ask why they can't smoke indoors. ". Smokers are. (Munster Times, IN)
Cannabis at work? Resident, agencies cite pros and cons Feb 16, 2009
If Employers are truly concerned about workplace safety then Impairment Testing will be implemented and the UA will be dismissed. UA's do Nothing to improve Workplace Safety, period ... If employers are concerned about workplace safety they should adopt impairment testing that will identify dangerous workers regardless of why they are impaired and dangerous. (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
How stimulus plan could affect you Feb 16, 2009
1 billion for studies on the effectiveness of different medical treatments -- $200 million to upgrade labs and facilities for the Department of Agriculture "to improve workplace safety and mission-area efficiencies" -- $10 million for urban canal inspection (to be continued) (). Please enter the five letters from the above image to report this comment. (The Herald-Mail Online)
Take a bite out of crime early this year (Feb. 12) Feb 13, 2009
But more than six months ahead of schedule, we are urging people to consider hosting their own block parties, dorm get-togethers and workplace safety meetings to take a preventative approach to crime. The reason is evident to anyone who regularly reads our news pages and the police blotter entries in our Crime Watch section. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
