Secret tape links 'bribe' to developer Oct 24, 2009
A PROMINENT property developer was behind a $57,000 ''bribe'' to a workplace safety representative just days after work on the Mercy Hospital site was stopped after workers were exposed to asbestos. Secret tape recordings obtained by The Age reveal that former union leader turned industrial fixer George Wason confirmed he was offering the money on behalf of Sam Tarascio snr to Jack Andrews, the safety representative. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
New training center opens in in Atlanta Oct 21, 2009
The center will offer seminars and hands-on training in workplace safety, interior construction and the administrative side of construction. All courses are offered in Spanish and English. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Random drug tests at Caltex refinery Oct 21, 2009
Dr Edward Wray-Bliss, a senior lecturer at the University of Technology, Sydney's school of management, said there was no evidence to support the idea that drug use affected workplace safety - heavy workloads were the major safety culprit. The court heard Caltex's own survey of 60 staff indicated fatigue and stress were bigger safety concerns. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Power hungry world needs to consider the nuclear option Oct 20, 2009
What's more, as a matter of workplace safety, I never blow dry my curls while operating my power drill. I wait until I've finished putting the shelves up. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
EFCA evens playing field Oct 19, 2009
It's simple, unions fight to insure that working families that generate corporate wealth, receive a fair wage, benefits and also a voice in workplace safety and fair treatment. People like Mr. Hinkle see no need for these things, after all, they might cut into his profits. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
N.C. construction fatalities down 41% Oct 17, 2009
A Labor spokesman says researchers attribute the drop, in part, to the slowdown in the industry but also to an increased emphasis on workplace safety. There is an effort across the industry to emphasize the issue, he says. (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Border fence boondoggle Oct 17, 2009
Perhaps it is because we have so many laws about everything from wages to workplace safety, to affirmative action, etc. All of these restrictions raise the cost of production, which in turn leads to unemployment of American citizens and higher prices. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
OSHA fines Cambridge embalming fluid co. $138K for safety violations Oct 15, 2009
An embalming fluid manufacturer on Cambridge Park Drive has been fined $138,000 after allegedly violating 41 workplace safety and health standards. According to the U.S. Department of Labor s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The Dodge Co. Inc located at 165 Cambridge Park Drive was cited, with numerous hazards such as failure to maintain clean work floors, operating unapproved forklifts where flammables are used, and providing inadequate safeguards in storing formaldehyde to which... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Deaths at workplaces up in first six months Oct 15, 2009
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Companies land $600K in rebates at Safety Day Oct 14, 2009
The program was designed to promote workplace safety and educate employers in order to reduce the number of workplace accidents each year. The Dayton/Miami Valley Safety Council is run by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Obama Regulators Step Up Enforcement Oct 14, 2009
Washington Post: Some Under the Radar Obama Appointees Are Enforcing Product and Workplace Safety Standards More Strictly ... Michaels has called for a more aggressive OSHA, saying that illnesses and death have resulted from the agency not issuing workplace safety rules ... "The law says that employers are responsible for workplace safety and health," he said in June. (CBS News -- US)
County settlement costs drop Oct 14, 2009
Changes made a few years ago in the county's Workplace Safety Program put a safety officer in the Risk Management Department and increased the number of safety awareness programs for employees, Byron said. Officials also have held to a "zero tolerance" employee discipline policy for accidents and traffic citations. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Lawsuit Alleges Bias Against Hispanic Employees Oct 13, 2009
The lawsuits by former employees Balbina Bahena, Maria Cisler and Anna La Torre accused the company of firing some of its Hispanic workers following complaints made to federal workplace safety officials. Company officials did not immediately return a call Monday from The Associated Press. (7 KETV Omaha)
Caster maker rolls into city Oct 10, 2009
Increased emphasis on ergonomics and workplace safety has helped the industry, too. Competition comes from big diversified industrial distributors, such as , a $7 billion producer from Lake Forest, Ill. (Columbus Business First, OH)
As Teens Plug In, Parents Fret Oct 10, 2009
But, according to federal workplace safety standards, "if you are exposed to 85 decibels for eight hours on the job, you have to wear ear protection," Bothwell said. And music from personal players and rock concerts can no doubt be louder than that, she said. (MEDLINEplus)
All workers deserve fair shake Oct 5, 2009
Remember that all workers, both private and public, should have fair wages, workplace safety, and job security. Mary Dozois Sharon. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Abuse of National Health Insurance Scheme Oct 5, 2009
In the beginning there was the emphasis on public health needs, with emphasis on community and workplace safety through preventive medical practice. There was a generation of health inspectors are long gone. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Small Businesses Brace for a Hit From the H1N1 Flu Oct 5, 2009
"Right now the bulk of smaller businesses haven't prepared," says Howard A. Mavity, a labor lawyer who heads up the workplace safety and catastrophe management practice group at Fisher ips, in Atlanta. Overall, however, interest in how best to address a viral onslaught is intense, says Mavity, noting that inquiries from businesses of all sizes about his firm's free webinars on workplace-related H1N1 topics have increased "tenfold," since the summer. (Time.com)
Fatal sugar refinery blast was preventable, US panel says Sep 25, 2009
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration last year cited Imperial Sugar for 211 workplace safety violations at its refineries in Georgia and Gramercy, La. It recommended $8. (Boston Globe)
New Beryllium Reference Material For Occupational Safety Monitoring Sep 24, 2009
20, 2007) Chemists at NIST have developed a new set of reference materials that could contribute to significant improvements in workplace safety through more accurate measurement of the amount of quartz dust. . (Science Daily)
Paterson supports new cost Sep 21, 2009
The state will agree to pay $5 million in fiscal 2010-2011 to provide Family Health Plus coverage for child care workers; another $9 million in the same fiscal year to expand and enroll them in the program; and $3 million to ensure workplace safety. Also, the unions will set up a professional development fund for child care workers, and the state will provide $500,000 for it. (Albany Times Union)
Training and Development Planning f... Sep 21, 2009
Workplace Safety - is critical when working with heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, repetitive activities, and almost all other activities in which employees are involved. Safety training must involve all employees, ensuring compliance and the elimination of unsafe practices. (Suite101.com)
Union blasts Phoenix construction firm Sep 21, 2009
is running radio ads and launched a new Web site critical of Phoenix-based The carpenters union is alleging Pete King hires illegal immigrants, has workplace safety violations and owes back taxes and back compensation to workers. The company did not respond to calls to its Phoenix and Las Vegas offices seeking comment on the union claims or what kind of action it might take in response. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Hispanic Contractors wins OSHA grant Sep 19, 2009
This program support workplace safety and health programs for workers in high hazard industries, workers with limited English proficency, and employees of small businesses. Safe jobs are our priority, Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Teaching workplace safety Sep 17, 2009
By Stephen Vittorioso/Staff writer. Wed Sep 16, 2009, 09:04 AM EDT. (Acton Beacon, MA)
Deaths at work put sharper focus on liability Sep 17, 2009
VICTIM support groups have written to the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, warning of the ''devastating effects'' workplace death has on the community amid continuing union pressure against the Labor governments' reform of workplace safety laws. Yesterday a 48-year-old man was killed by a falling hoist at a Coca-Cola production line in Northmead. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Unions launch ad blitz against workplace laws Sep 14, 2009
THE ACTU will today unleash its first big advertising blitz since the anti-Work Choices election campaign, but this time the peak union body is opposing state and federal Labor governments and planned reform of workplace safety laws ... Unions met the Deputy Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, and state workplace ministers last week to outline their opposition to draft national workplace safety legislation that has been agreed to by the Federal Government and the states, except Western Australia. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Safety continues at KapStone Sep 11, 2009
apStone representatives recently attended the mid-year meeting of the Mid-South Behavior Based Safety Association held in Charleston, SC. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the organization s strategic plan to include workplace safety initiatives, membership recruitment and building the Mid-South image within the pulp and paper industry. The association consists of facilities in the paper industry which utilize a behavior-based safety approach in their workforce. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Workers comp premiums due to fall for 5th straight year Sep 11, 2009
Hawai'i employers are due for another cut in their workers' compensation premiums next year because of progress being made in workplace safety ... Schmidt said the reduction in workers compensation claims is the a result of the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health division of the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relation working with Hawai'i's employers and labor organizations to enforce workplace safety and health laws. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Obama to Give Speech on Financial Crisis Sep 11, 2009
4- This WHOLE POINT IS WORTHLESS.I should point out that all of us already pay the costs of health care for illegal immigrants -- through emergency room visits, Emergency Medicaid, hidden fees by hospitals, workplace safety incidents, and the like. This idea that we all aren. (CBS News)
More needle attacks in tense China city Sep 9, 2009
Xinhua said the government, which said the measure was aimed at ensuring "workplace safety," did not specify the substances involved. The head of the Urumqi branch of the Communist Party and Xinjiang's top police official were both sacked on Saturday in the wake of the needle attacks and subsequent protests. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Inquiry into man's death from mine fall Sep 8, 2009
Workplace safety authorities will investigate the death of a man after a fall at a mine at Mount Compass, south of Adelaide. SafeWork SA said the man died after falling about three metres at the Unimin Australia mining operation on Friday last week. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
A Labor Day for the 21st century Sep 7, 2009
That s why they fought for a more just set of rules, a fight that ultimately led to the 40-hour workweek, the first minimum wage laws, the abolition of child labor, and workplace safety standards. Over the last 30 years, we ve seen the pendulum swing back the other way. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Push is on for one-stop IR shop Sep 7, 2009
NSW has already agreed to amend its occupational health and safety legislation as part of Ms Gillard's push for a national workplace safety law. While unions continue to fight the proposed changes, there is support for the NSW commission to continue to hear occupational health and safety matters under the new law. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Howard returns to CDC post Sep 5, 2009
The news was met with approval from unions, organizations that work on workplace safety issues and business groups. Former Dr. Julie Gerberding was widely criticized when she was the CDC s director for not reappointing Howard to another term. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- World)
Suburban company cited for workplace safety issues Sep 5, 2009
A safety inspection turned up violations of federal workplace safety standards at a metal coating company in suburban Lombard. The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the violations Friday. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Emory, Grady require flu shots Sep 4, 2009
A health care employer probably could justify mandatory flu vaccinations based on the direct threat to safety posed in the patient care setting, especially for the seasonal flu vaccine, said Howard Mavity, a labor lawyer and co-chairman of Fisher & Phillips Workplace Safety & Catastrophe Management Practice. Piedmont Hospital is offering seasonal flu vaccines to employees on a voluntary basis. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Workplace Accident Guide for Employ... Sep 3, 2009
It regulates workplace safety habits and helps employers implement strategies to keep their employees safe and working, and reduce the number of workplace accidents ... OSHA's Requirements for Workplace Safety ... Workplace Safety Inspections and Employee Confidentiality. (Suite101.com)
Xcel Energy, Public Service Company of Colorado and Others Indicted for OSHA Violations That Caused Death of Five Men in October 2007 Aug 29, 2009
DENVER, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Xcel Energy, Inc., Public Service Company of Colorado, RPI Coating, Inc., and two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver late yesterday on charges that the defendants violated Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace safety and health rules and regulations that resulted in the death of five men at the Cabin Creek Hydro Plant, near Georgetown, Colo ... The deaths were caused by violations of the Occupational Safety... (PR Newswire)
Xcel indicted in fatal fire Aug 29, 2009
Minneapolis-based Xcel and its Colorado unit, Public Service Company of Colorado, are accused in the criminal indictment of violating federal workplace safety and health regulations in connection with the fire at Xcel's Cabin Creek Hydro Plant, near Georgetown, the office of the U.S. attorney for Colorado, David Gaouette, announced Friday. Also named in the indictment, which was handed up late Thursday, is RPI Coating Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Senator Kennedy's Passion for Public Service Remembered on Eve of Funeral Aug 29, 2009
Massachusetts other senator, Democrat , cited Kennedys work on matters such as the Americans With Disabilities Act, workplace safety, childrens health issues and Meals on Wheels. He labored with all his might to make health care a right for all Americans and we will do that in his honor, Kerry said. (Bloomberg -- US)
Click to read:Family, Political Luminaries Honor Kennedy Aug 29, 2009
"There might not be a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Meals on Wheels, student loans, increases in the minimum wage, equal funding for women's college sports, health insurance portability, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first billions for AIDS research, workplace safety, Americorps, or the Children's Health Insurance Program.". Sen. (CBS News)
Kennedy to Be Missed in Health Care Fight Aug 28, 2009
This includes civil rights legislation, the regulation of businesses, the anti-trust laws, public health and product safety standards, public welfare programs like Medicare and Social Security, airport and highway construction, minimum wages, workplace safety standards, safety standards for public transportation, licenses for public broadcasters and a whole gamut of other issues. None of those subjects of legislation was specifically mentioned in the Constitution. (CBS News)
Occupational deaths declined in 2008 Aug 21, 2009
U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis used the release of the data to stress the need for heightened workplace safety measures. While the decrease in the number of fatal work injuries represents change in the right direction, it does not lessen the need for strong enforcement to ensure that safety is a top priority in every workplace, Solis said in a separate news release. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Around Oregon and Idaho Aug 20, 2009
PENDLETON (AP) The state agency that enforces workplace safety rules is investigating an incident that killed a journeyman lineman working in Pendleton last month. On July 14, power poles struck Gary W. Anderson, who worked for Mount Power Construction, a contractor for Pacific Power. (Ontario Argus Observer, OR)
School board discusses Sweetwater, swine flu Aug 19, 2009
Alcohol and Drug Policy: Swiontek said the district could redeuce their Workplace Safety and Insurance cost by adding the following line to the current policy: Any employee involved in a work-related accident requiring medical attention will be subject to immediate drug and alcohol testing. It was unanimously approved by board members. (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Battery factory had safety violations at Canton site Aug 18, 2009
In 2006, OSHA also cited Electrochem for violation of workplace safety after a worker burnt a finger. The incident prompted the company to hire a safety and environmental manager and last year, the state and OSHA recognized Electrochem for workplace safety. (Canton Journal, MA)
Pinnacol in hot seat again Aug 15, 2009
Our members have found Pinnacol rates to be affordable and the company to be a real partner in workplace safety. Gagliardi said, adding that in the last four years, NFIB members have seen their premiums from Pinnacol decline by 42 percent. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Bureau pushes 22.8% workers comp hike Aug 13, 2009
Instead, Poizner said last month, insurers should cut avoidable costs within the system, such as by boosting workplace safety initiatives and fighting fraud. Employers that self-insure, he had said, have proven that costs can be contained. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Training camp for work skills Aug 12, 2009
Trainees visited iron workers in South Boston, carpenters in Millbury and painters in Roslindale, and also took workplace safety instruction. "All the trades came together to just try to expose these kids to the construction industry, the different fields and opportunities out there," said Sean Perry, a Training Center instructor. (Hopkinton Town Crier, MA)
National workplace safety laws 'closer' Aug 12, 2009
National workplace safety laws 'closer. Julian Drape and Crystal Ja. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
E3: Stimulus money used to employ, enrich, engage local youths Aug 9, 2009
n A workplace safety certificate. n Many opened their first bank. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Eau Claire postal center penalized by OSHA Aug 8, 2009
The Postal Service s Processing and Distribution facility in southern Chippewa County is facing a potential 58,500 in penalties for what OSHA calls repeat and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards. The postal center is at 3510 Hogarth St. in the city of Eau Claire. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
A lurch and a lifeline 37 floors up Aug 6, 2009
Two workplace safety inspectors from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration also responded to the scene earlier yesterday to investigate, said spokesman Ted Fitzgerald. According to the safety administration s listing of workplace safety investigations, Harvard Maintenance has been the subject of only two inquiries since 2004, one in Manhattan and one in Minnesota. (Boston Globe)
Drugs in the workplace Aug 5, 2009
However, Mr Wray-Bliss says there is very little international evidence that such testing actually reduces drug use, or improves workplace safety. He cites a 2004 British independent inquiry into drug-testing at work which suggested factors such as bad working conditions, sleeping and health problems, excessive workloads and work-related stress may have a greater impact on safety, productivity and performance. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
We’re here for the long haul, Rudd says Jul 31, 2009
LOOMING national workplace safety laws, which unions argue will leave. The Government has ruled out imposing punitive tariffs on imports from. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Scene set for stoush over draft safety laws Jul 31, 2009
LOOMING national workplace safety laws, which unions argue will leave NSW workers worse off and will lower safety standards, were the subject of heated debate behind closed doors last night ... The workplace safety laws will remain the subject of strenuous union campaigning. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
ACLU: Calif. Heat Rules Don't Protect Workers Jul 31, 2009
-- Farmworkers and their advocates are suing California workplace safety officials, claiming the state's heat safety rules are too weak. The American Civil Liberties Union sued on behalf of the United Farm Workers and five plaintiffs, most of whom have suffered heat illness or have had relatives die. (KSBW 8, CA)
WebTech Wireless Announces First Sales to Alberta's Oil & Gas Industry Under the NelTrak Partnership Jul 30, 2009
Commenting on the recent sales, Harald Fritz, Senior Director ASP Sales and Services, said, "It's clear that even in the face of a challenging economic climate for Alberta's oil and gas sector, service companies are realizing that our technology and the combined resources of the NelTrak partnership can help them significantly reduce their operating costs and increase workplace safety. These are the first of many sales we see occurring in the near future as the recessionary pressures on the... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
New initiatives to improve cleaning industry Jul 29, 2009
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Letter to the Editor: Why the rush on health care reform? Jul 28, 2009
Guillermo wrote on Jul 26, 2009 10:50 PM:" Thank you, thank you Mr. Morgan for your cogent and articulate commentary on our nation's health-care conundrum. It is heartening to find one's own thoughts and feelings reflected in the musings of another. I applaud you for flexing your empathy muscles in front of all the knee-jerks. Perhaps those hardworkingwhitemale "I GOT MINEs" could use a different "fiscal formula" so that they might better connect the dots: over 60% of the USA's personal... (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Ney all the way Jul 23, 2009
Cleanliness, field knowledge, workplace safety, teamwork, record-keeping, presentation, and customer service are among the qualities graded by a four-person evaluation team from Norfolk. Cross Hall Galley's most recent inspection on June 8 led judges to declare its five-star status. (The Dolphin, CT)
Depot mural still mystery;clues sought Jul 23, 2009
Record said it concerns workplace safety for now at this stage of the restoration. The only access to that area is through an area where demolition and construction is underway. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Commissioners vote to try out a new employee program Jul 21, 2009
Overall, the program should improve workplace safety and make employees feel valued. I d like use this program, but what concerns me is the cost, said Commissioner Matt Shaheen. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Somerville community groups sponsor Immigrant Community Workers Health Fair Jul 21, 2009
On Saturday, July 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clarendon Family Housing Development, community members can receive free health screenings, opportunities to enroll in health insurance, and critical workplace safety and health information and assistance. This Immigrant Community Workers Health Fair is sponsored by the Somerville Immigrant Service Providers Group/Health in collaboration with the Cambridge Health Alliance, Tufts University and the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety... (Somerville Journal, MA)
