Labor

Halifax, Nova Scotia – More than three years after Nova Scotia created a system to issue penalties to employers, supervisors and employees for workplace safety violations, the Canadian province has proposed revisions after receiving complaints that the system is unfair.

Washington – The U.S. Park Rangers Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police is calling on the National Park Service to implement a plan that the organization claims will help improve the safety of employees in national parks.

Washington – The owner of the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig that exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 has been ordered to turn over internal investigation documents to the Chemical Safety Board in a July 23 ruling from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Washington – Farmworkers are inadequately protected from pesticide exposure, according to a new report from advocacy group Farmworker Justice.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is warning air-conditioning technicians, contractors, and propane manufacturers and sellers that the use of propane or other unapproved refrigerants in air-conditioning systems can lead to fires or explosions.

Milwaukee – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers is warning machine operators to watch for fire hazards caused by static electricity while refueling equipment with ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.

Washington – The Senate confirmed Thomas Perez on July 18 as secretary of labor with a 54-46 vote.

Richmond, CA – Agencies tasked with overseeing refinery safety in California need better coordination and stronger regulation, concludes a new report from the state’s Interagency Working Group on Refinery Safety.

Albuquerque, NM – Many farm laborers in New Mexico face unsafe working conditions, according to a recent report from the New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty.

Jefferson City, MO – A fund that owes millions to injured workers in Missouri is set to be replenished through a new business surcharge beginning in 2014.