Inspections

Frankfort, KY – A sharp downturn in the coal mining industry is prompting some lawmakers in Kentucky to consider ending state safety inspections of coal mines.

Washington – The Department of Labor’s response to a House committee inquiry into an OSHA joint employer guidance document neglected to include information that could contradict the department’s assurance that it was not coordinating with the National Labor Relations Board, members of the GOP-led committee allege.

Waco, TX – The Chemical Safety Board is calling on OSHA to address the hazards posed by fertilizer grade ammonium nitrate in light of the chemical explosion that killed 15 people and injured more than 260 others on April 17, 2013, at West Fertilizer Co. in West, TX.

Washington – A recent study linking inspection-related citations and penalties to increased workplace safety and fewer injuries “confirms what we have been saying for a long time,” OSHA administrator David Michaels said in the Nov. 2 edition of “OSHA QuickTakes” newsletter.

Washington – A draft guidance document from OSHA that would require inspectors to obtain information to determine whether franchisors and franchisees are joint employers – and therefore liable for safety violations – has triggered concerns among some House Republicans.

Washington – A new OSHA directive based on public health guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates procedures for carrying out inspections and issuing citations for workplace exposure to tuberculosis.

Oakland, CA – Two new fact sheets from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA, outline worker safety rights and employer requirements for protecting temporary workers.

Washington – OSHA will focus hospital and nursing facility inspections on hazards that contribute to the industry’s high injury rate, a June 25 agency memorandum states.

Just as safety pros need to be prepared to identify and abate even the rarest of safety hazards, employers always should be ready for the possibility of a surprise visit from OSHA. Do you know what to do?