Gas explosion traps 29 Chinese miners Oct 30, 2008
The head of China's workplace safety agency said officials underreported casualties in nine major accidents in the first quarter of 2007. China is the largest producer and consumer of coal, which has fueled its economic boom and accounts for 70 percent of its energy consumption. (CNN -- International)
Ministers urging a Question 2 defeat Oct 30, 2008
"The letter, which will be posted on the coalition's website and distributed via e-mail, is also signed by the Rev. Ray Hammond of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jamaica Plain; Minister Don Muhammad of Muhammad's Mosque of Islam No. 11 in Dorchester; the Rev. Gregory Groover of Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury, the Rev. William Dickerson of Greater Love Tabernacle in Dorchester; and the Rev. Bruce Wall of Global Ministries Christian Church in Dorchester.The ministers and other... (Boston Globe)
Workplace injuries hit five-year low Oct 30, 2008
Furthermore, the TDI-DWC s Workplace Safety program area provides various safety and health services to help reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace through prevention. Reader Comments. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Stem cell proposal opens way to unrestricted research Oct 30, 2008
As with other controlled substances, marijuana has a profound effect on workplace safety, accidents, lost time, productivity, absenteeism, insurance costs and loss of good will. Workplaces exposed to marijuana use will face increased liability. (Detroit Free Press)
Barrow, Stone differ on taxes, click on reform Oct 29, 2008
"For any country that's importing products or we're outsourcing services to, if you're not in substantial compliance with U.S. minimum wage, OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, all the requirements that we put on U.S. business in terms of wage laws, workplace safety laws, environmental standards, we have to equalize in tariffs to take away the price advantage that their product enjoys over American products. "If we do that, you're going to see a rebirth of American manufacturing jobs that are good-paying jobs... (The Augusta Chronicle)
Domestic abuse comes ‘out of the shadows’ Oct 28, 2008
The cost-neutral initiative includes training of employees on domestic violence awareness and prevention, personnel procedures that respond to the needs of domestic violence victims, creation of workplace safety plans, and measures to hold accountable those who may use state resources to commit acts of domestic violence. Barasch said that domestic violence can affect the workplace on many levels, including employees missing work due to abuse and harassment at work by the abuser. (Catskill Daily Mail, NY)
* Chinese authorities probe cover-up in coal mine blast Oct 27, 2008
The head of Chinas workplace safety agency said officials underreported casualties in nine major accidents in the first quarter of last year. This story has been viewed 364 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Time is propitious for Canada to stop exporting asbestos Oct 27, 2008
The industry's labour battles, and role in the approval of workplace safety laws, have given it an almost sacred status in the province and made it politically untouchable. Even health officials are wary of criticizing it, although mesothelioma rates in Quebec are among the highest in the world. (The Gazette (Montreal))
Can Chicago's factories hold the line on jobs? Oct 26, 2008
Its steelworkers are being deployed on maintenance and repair jobs at plants or enrolled in workplace safety and job-training classes. The company pledged this fall to invest $3 billion in its plants as part of a new, four-year contract with steelworkers. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Business group takes aim at pot law Oct 26, 2008
Speaking to the Albany chamber last week, he said Hoffman Corp. won t hire anyone with a medical marijuana card and cited several reasons why other employers might want to take the same approach, including concerns about workplace safety, legal liability and the potential loss of federal contracts. But he also claimed Oregon s medical marijuana law is being widely abused, and he framed the effort to scale back the law as a moral crusade. (Albany Democrat-Herald, OR)
Axe the ads: Rees cuts back on spin Oct 26, 2008
In order to cut out waste and duplication, the policy also advocates splitting design and production costs with other states by sharing campaigns that deal with generic issues, such as road and workplace safety. Treasurer Eric Roozendaal said NSW families were doing it tough and it was "time for the Government to tighten its belt". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Letters to the editor (Oct. 20) Oct 23, 2008
On the other hand, jobs programs, public education, enviromental protection, workplace safety. you know, all those liberal feel good initiatives that stabilize the economy and directly improve the lives of millions of actual people too, all at 1% of the cost of the bail out. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Safety Decisions Often Based On Incomplete Scientific Information Oct 17, 2008
"This knowledge should be helpful in teaching people to be better searchers and for making improvements to the design of databases. The researchers conducted six studies of the information-seeking behaviors of professionals who work in the fields of injury prevention and safety promotion. They used subscribers to the weekly SafetyLit Literature Update Bulletin as a pool for a survey. Subscribers included attorneys, engineers, staff members of legislative and other government offices, community... (Science Daily)
Best Places to Work: Friendship Village of South Hills Oct 16, 2008
Employees also receive generous benefits, unique perks and rewards for workplace safety. Staff members are rewarded for their efforts by kicking back the remaining money from the workers compensation fund to pay for a staff luncheon. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
DuPont Acquires Local Training Program Company Oct 15, 2008
DuPont Safety Resources offers customized consulting services and safety training materials and products that help clients improve workplace safety systems and operations ... In addition to its consulting services, the business offers workplace safety and training materials, including the DuPontTM STOPTM program, which has helped thousands of employees at companies around the world prevent injuries and incidents for more than 25 years. (WTKR.com, VA)
Coal industry, unions criticize fed drug test plan Oct 15, 2008
"Adoption of the proposed rule as published will actually diminish the level of workplace safety," said Mining Association lobbyist Bruce Watzman. Mine operators said that provisions to protect jobs of workers who fail drug and alcohol tests be stripped. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA launches national initiative on cranes and derricks to promote safe construction crane operations Oct 10, 2008
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)
Industrial park blast kills man Oct 10, 2008
Fire and state workplace safety officials are investigating a powerful explosion yesterday at Campbell Industrial Park that left one man dead and three injured. The blast apparently occurred while a worker was welding a storage tank containing waste oil. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
OSHA recognizes Valero Travel Services for workplace safety Oct 3, 2008
for free extra services. Subscribe to San Antonio Business Journal. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Engineer defends managers at gold mine Sep 23, 2008
A former manager of the Beaconsfield Gold Mine has told a coronial inquest the operation would have benefited from more frequent inspections from Tasmania's workplace safety body. Matthew Gill was the manager in April 2006 when a rockfall killed miner Larry Knight and trapped two others underground for a fortnight. (ABC Online)
Hard To Beat Workin' On This Railroad Sep 22, 2008
Responding to the Times report, president Helena Williams described the awards by the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board pension system as "alarming and out of sync with our workplace safety record," and "inconsistent with social security disability rates.". In a statement, Williams said she asked the inspectors general of both the Railroad Retirement Board and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the LIRR's parent body, to review the situation. (CBS News -- US)
Smells like a garbage fee hike Sep 22, 2008
SPECIAL In a TV advertisement for workplace safety, a young, beautiful sous-chef working in a busy kitchen suddenly slips on some grease while carrying. Sitting in Yankee Stadium one day this summer, out of the press box and among the unwashed, a scribe could carve out a sliver. (Toronto Star)
Major Canadian carriers jettison fuel surcharges Sep 22, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008. Air Canada also ends $25 fee for checking second bag, anticipating winter travel season Sep 19, 2008 04:30 AM. (Toronto Star)
Atlantic Pipe faces safety charge fines Sep 19, 2008
Atlantic Pipe faces a total of $117,250 in proposed fines. Specifically, $109,250 in fines was proposed for 52 serious citations. (New Britain Herald, CT)
"For these companies the penalties are pocket change" Sep 17, 2008
Citations for "willful'' violations, which can bring criminal prosecution, were frequently adjusted to lesser charges that carry only civil penalties. Some cases plodded through the system; five dragged out for more than a decade. The reduced penalties are the end result of a system that emphasizes reaching settlements -- settlements often proposed by OSHA itself, rather than the company under scrutiny. An OSHA official told ProPublica that the agency's impact on workplace safety cannot be... (Salon)
Work deaths prompt bid for uniform safety laws Sep 13, 2008
" In 2006 in NSW, there were 89 unpaid fines for serious workplace safety breaches totalling almost $5million. Mrs Viegas was shattered when a coronial inquest found that her husband had been "in the wrong place at the wrong time". A WorkCover prosecution of the contractor that employed Mr Viegas resulted in a low $65,000 fine. For the past two years Mrs Viegas has been waging a civil case against the contractor. But crucial documents have gone missing. "It's been really hard for the three of us... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Oregon restaurants embrace a safety initiative Sep 12, 2008
In concert with the restaurant association, Mesaros said, OSHA will develop workplace safety materials and programs designed for restaurant owners. In addition, the agency has a division that will send safety experts to consult with business owners at no cost and with no threat of a citation. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Housing migrant laborers Sep 12, 2008
On Tuesday evening, about a dozen men gathered to hear a presentation on recycling, which was followed by a seminar on workplace safety hosted by Sonoma Valley Hospital's Occupational Medicine Department. "We're really collaborating with the community," Ramirez said. (Sonoma Index-Tribune, CA)
Kashrut must also apply to ethics, insist local rabbis Sep 12, 2008
In practice, heksher tzedek would be awarded to companies that pay fair wages, ensure workplace safety, follow government environmental rules and treat animals humanely, among other criteria. We re excited (the Reform movement) has joined forces with us, remarks Weiss. (Cleveland Jewish News, OH)
On-the-job injuries, deaths plague oil workers Sep 12, 2008
-- A high-pressure environment where workplace safety lapses are common ... A report issued in April by a Senate committee described Patterson-UTI as one of the nation's worst violators of workplace safety laws. (San Francisco Chronicle)
BC Safety Authority Seeking Safety Champions Sep 11, 2008
Workplace safety products including safety relays, switches, mats, e-stop buttons etc, with technical support. www. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
U.S. Oilfield Deaths Skyrocket With Demand Sep 11, 2008
A high-pressure environment where workplace safety lapses are common. Government agencies responsible for enforcing the rules rarely dole out tough penalties. (CBS News -- 60 minutes II)
QR told to lift its game on safety Sep 11, 2008
He said QR awarded safety advisor a $24 million contract over four years to assess and improve workplace safety aiming zero harm. I understand this increased focus on safety and the engagement of DuPont has ruffled some feathers within QR, but safety must be improved further. (Transport and Logistics News)
Mushroom farm probe focuses on pump house Sep 9, 2008
WorkSafeBC investigator calls accident 'confined-space incident;' refuses to comment on signage or language issues on Langley property. VANCOUVER -- A Langley workplace accident that killed three people and injured three others has been named a "confined-space incident," but it's unclear what, if any, measures were in place to protect employees or how well such measures would even have been understood by non-English speakers. (Globe and Mail)
Investigators suspect faulty pipe in B.C. farm deaths Sep 8, 2008
The investigation by WorkSafeBC, the provincial agency responsible for workplace safety, is expected to take months, but at this point investigators believe there was a problem with a pipe carrying compost mixture in the pump house that released gas into the shed. An electrician had been at the pump house earlier and the two employees are believed to have been continuing repairs. (Globe and Mail -- National)
Workers comp rating bureau recommends 16% rate increase Sep 6, 2008
Workers comp claims have become less frequent nationwide as the economy has shifted from manufacturing to services, and with a general increase in attention to workplace safety, Hannan said. The rating bureau tallied 455,789 insured claims filed within 18 months of the 2005 policy year, a 5 percent decline from the first report claims for the 2004 policy year, and less than half as many as were recorded for 1990. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Work safety law to be revised Sep 5, 2008
The Manpower and Transmigration Ministry will revise a law on workplace safety, after concluding existing prison sentences and fines for company violators are too lenient, an official says. Under the current law, passed 38 years ago, violators face a Rp 100,000 (US$10. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- City)
China coal mine blast kills at least 27 Sep 4, 2008
The country's top workplace safety official said in January that corruption and ineptitude were major factors in the horrific number of deaths in Chinese coal mines. "Graft and trading power for money still exist among a small number of government employees," Li Yizhong, minister of the State Administration of Work Safety, told reporters when asked to explain the accidents. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Report card: U.S. workers worse off Sep 1, 2008
"But there are some bright spots long term," Kruse said, including improvements in workplace safety, a small but growing percentage of employers offering support for childcare and employee wellness programs, and more Americans who are completely satisfied with their jobs. Meanwhile, the last week said the number of people signing up for jobless benefits declined for the third straight period but remained above 400,000 -- an indicator of a slowing economy. (CNN -- International)
Are unions still relevant? Sep 1, 2008
We established workplace safety standards and defined prevailed wages ... The result is lower wages, lower workplace safety standards and weakened local economies. (Montana Standard, MT)
Quest for statewide smoking ban continues Aug 30, 2008
It is a workplace safety issue for the employees who have to work there to earn a living. This is no different than requiring guards on machinery, hard toed boots, hard hats, ear protection, scrubbers for toxic dust or gases, etc. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Unions protest Browne School wrecking crew Aug 29, 2008
The unions said they would be picketing until Driscoll goes to the site and meets with them on what they claim is failure to properly dispose of construction waste, shield holes in floors and educate workers about workplace safety. Loading commenting interface. (Watertown TAB & Press, MA)
AMC to pay fine for child labor laws violation Aug 28, 2008
The U.S. Department of Labor said Wednesday that the nation's second-largest theater operator also agreed to display a child labor public service announcement on workplace safety in each of its 296 U.S. theaters. Due to our proactive cooperation during the investigation, the Department of Labor rewarded us with a very reasonable fine, said Sun Dee Larson, a spokeswoman for the Kansas City-based company. (AZCentral -- Business)
America's Most Dangerous Jobs Aug 26, 2008
The bad news: Workplace safety experts say the decline in fatalities was due in part to lower employment nationwide, particularly in the construction and manufacturing industries. (Construction-related deaths, still the highest among any profession on an absolute basis, dropped to 1,178 from 1,239. (Forbes)
Paper mill fined over worker's death Aug 26, 2008
Judge Howard said the company had previous convictions for workplace safety breaches including being prosecuted over the death of another man at the same mill just three years before Mr Carroll was killed. Share this article. (Melbourne Herald Sun)
Workplace fatalities down by 19% Aug 22, 2008
"While success has been achieved in some areas, these results show that more can still be done to improve workplace safety," Ms Gillard said. Fatalities dropped by 16 per cent on the "base period" of 2001-02 to 2002-03, exceeding an interim target of a 10 per cent reduction set by the National OHS Strategy 2002-12. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Workplace safety on the rise Aug 21, 2008
Members: Not Registered. for free extra services. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Regulate Us, CEO of Exploded Sugar Refinery Urges: Ann Woolner Aug 20, 2008
The tragedy at Port Wentworth was the result of willful violations of existing standards and a blatant disregard for safety and would not have been prevented by the existence of another standard,'' Foulke the Senate Labor on Employment and Workplace Safety. If followed, the general safety and housekeeping rules, which apply to all sorts of worksites, would have prevented the explosions, he testified. (Bloomberg -- Columnists)
NSW prison overtime system faces reform Aug 18, 2008
"It's not good for workplace safety and it's certainly not good for the prison system.". Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell said the state government has known about overtime rorts for up to five years but has so far failed to stamp out the practice. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Ironworkers get help handling friend's tragic death Aug 17, 2008
QUINCY - Federal workplace safety inspectors were back at the Fore River Shipyard yesterday, searching for the cause of a crane collapse on Thursday that took the life of an ironworker from Weymouth. Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were called in after a project dismantling the giant crane, known as Goliath, went awry, sending a portion of the massive metal leg crashing to the ground and instantly killing Robert Harvey, 28, and causing minor injuries to four... (Boston Globe)
Crane collapse kills ironworker Aug 16, 2008
The federal inspectors are trying to determine the cause of the collapse and whether any workplace safety rules were violated by the workers or companies involved, OSHA spokesman Ted Fitzgerald said. The investigation could take several months to complete, he said. (Boston Globe)
Colorado Economic Leadership Coalition opposes labor, union measures Aug 12, 2008
The UFCW is backing a measure mandating health care coverage and imposing new workplace safety standards. The economic coalition is urging businesses statewide to contribute money toward the defeat of the union-backed proposals and the right-to-work amendment. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
MICHAEL I. MARSH AND DOROTHY A. JOHNSON: Farmworkers shouldn't have to die providing our food Aug 10, 2008
Last month, the state fined the company a record $262,700 for violating workplace safety requirements in the Vasquez case. Workers' compensation statistics show that farmworkers suffer from heat illness in higher numbers than any other occupational group except firefighters. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Probe focuses on lack of permits, inspections Aug 10, 2008
Although federal agencies set many rules controlling how chemical companies do business, such as standards for workplace safety and pollution, regulating their construction happens much closer to home. "Typically, that's all done at the local level. ... OSHA does not get involved in, say, a building permit," Hall said. (Florida Times-Union)
Injuries hurt region's workforce Aug 8, 2008
"I really like to stress that workplace safety is the employee's responsibility," Ross said. "Workers need to keep a close eye on their job and how it affects everyone around them.". (The News-Herald)
* Taiwan beats odds to win film award Aug 7, 2008
The jury awarded top prizes to three films this year X Nick of Time produced by the IOSH, Agir pour prevenir lharcelement sexuel en entreprise by Le deuxieme Observatoire from Switzerland, and Animation in Safety@Work by Workplace Safety and Health Council and ST Engineering from Singapore. Three special awards were given to films from South Korea, France and Peru. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Man falls 17 floors to death Aug 7, 2008
Police and workplace safety officers are investigating. The death is not being treated as suspicious. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Ansonia Copper and Brass fined Aug 6, 2008
The alleged violations took place at the manufacturer s tube mill at 725 Bank St. The company is headquartered in Ansonia. Ansonia Copper & Brass President Raymond McGee said he received the list of alleged violations Tuesday. (New Haven Register, CT)
Battle over chemical-exposure legislation Aug 6, 2008
Her legislation would require the board, which is appointed by the governor, to set workplace safety standards for chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm. Those chemicals are on a list created when voters approved Proposition 65. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Science)
Secret Risk Assessment Rule Aims to Halt Worker Safety Protections Aug 6, 2008
The would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to alter their current risk assessment approaches and to take an additional step in the rulemaking process before a workplace safety rule can be proposed ... It was developed not by the workplace safety and health experts within OSHA and MSHA, but by political appointees at the highest levels of DOL, the regulatory policy officer and his staff. (OMB Watch)
Ansonia Copper faces $212,000 in OSHA fines Aug 6, 2008
Ansonia Copper Inc. faces $212,000 in fines after federal workplace safety inspectors accused the company of 70 violations at its Waterbury tube manufacturing facility, the U.S. Department of Labor said Tuesday. Inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted a "wall-to-wall" inspection of the 725 Bank St. facility in February, the department said. (Republican-American)
Businesses challenge Ohio on worker's comp Aug 5, 2008
At issue are discounts of up to 90% in the insurance premiums paid by business groups with records of workplace safety. The lawsuit says the bureau isn't being fair to businesses that don't belong to those groups. (FOX19.com, OH)
Thinking the unthinkable: life after 'Hurricane Hazel' Aug 5, 2008
If Ms. Mahoney does not run, her husband Steve Mahoney, a former MPP and federal cabinet minister, who is now chairman of the provincial Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, may join the fray. And from the private sector, some think that a high profile local businessman such as Jake Dheer, who runs the local cable television channel, may be a candidate. (Globe and Mail -- National)
No review of Beaconsfield safety despite 24 rockfalls Aug 4, 2008
He said the risk of such a tragedy would also have been reduced had Tasmania s workplace safety regulator had the resources to give adequate attention to the mine s response to the earlier rockfalls. The inquest in Launceston continues. (The Australian)
Vacant government buildings being turned into transitional dormitories Aug 2, 2008
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