When looking for a new job, it’s not unusual to take job security into consideration. But how often do workers think about security on the job? A new survey from CareerBuilder looks at how safe workers feel in their workplaces and how well they feel their companies work to ensure their security.
According to the survey, while the vast majority of workers (94%) feel their office is a secure place to work, nearly a quarter of workers (23%) say they would not know what to do to protect themselves if there was an emergency in their office that posed a physical threat.
The national online survey was conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder by Harris Poll between February 11 and March 6, 2015 and included a representative sample of more than 3,000 full-time, US workers across industries and company sizes.
When asked about their feelings of security in regards to specific forms of threat, three in ten employees (30%) do not feel their workplace is well-protected from a physical threat from another person, and the same percentage (30%) feel their workplace is not well-protected from a digital hacking threat.
Most workers (85%) feel their workplace is well-protected in case of a fire, flood, or other disaster, and 83% feel their workplace is well-protected from weather-related threats.
One in five workers (21%) report their company does not have an emergency plan in place in case of fire, flood, or other disaster, and one in four (26%) say the same of extremely severe weather. Even more workers (40%) don’t believe their company has an emergency plan in place in case of a physical attack from another person or a technology security breach.
“Ensuring a safe and secure work environment should be of the utmost importance in any workplace,” says Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer of CareerBuilder. “Keeping employees protected means not only putting measures in place to keep them safe, but making sure employees are aware of the policies and procedures they can protect themselves, too.”
New Exclusions for Solvent Recycling and Hazardous Secondary Materials
EPA’s new definition of solid waste rule will present new opportunities for waste recycling outside the scope of hazardous waste regulation. Environmental Resource Center will present a webcast on the new Definition of Solid Waste rule on Monday, June 29th at 2:00 pm Eastern Time. This rule, which goes into effect on July 13, 2015, will maintain critical environmental protections while streamlining the regulatory burden for wastes that are legitimately recycled.
The first of the two exclusions is an exclusion from the definition of solid waste for high-value solvents transferred from one manufacturer to another for the purpose of extending the useful life of the original solvent product by keeping the materials in commerce to reproduce a commercial grade of the original solvent product.
The second, and more wide reaching of the two exclusions, is a revision of the existing hazardous secondary material recycling exclusion. This exclusion allows you to recycle, or send off-site for recycling, virtually any hazardous secondary material, and it will not meet the definition of solid waste. Provided you meet the terms of the exclusion, the material will no longer be hazardous waste.
Learn how to take advantage of these exclusions at Environmental Resource Center’s live one-hour webcast. You will learn:
- Which of your materials qualify for the exclusion?
- What is a secondary material?
- Which solvents can be remanufactured, and which cannot?
- What is a tolling agreement?
- What is legitimate recycling?
- What are the generator storage requirements?
- What documentation must be maintained?
- What are the off-site shipping requirements?
- What are the training and emergency planning requirements?
- Can the recycler be outside the US?
How to Implement OSHA’s Globally Harmonized Hazard Communication Standard (GHS)
OSHA has issued a final rule revising its Hazard Communication Standard, aligning it with the United Nations’ globally harmonized system (GHS) for the classification and labeling of hazardous chemicals. This means that virtually every product label, safety data sheet (formerly called “material safety data sheet” or MSDS), and written hazard communication plan must be revised to meet the new standard. Worker training must be updated so that workers can recognize and understand the symbols and pictograms on the new labels as well as the new hazard statements and precautions on safety data sheets.
Raleigh EHS Regulations and Transportation Training
Macon RCRA and DOT Training
Cleveland RCRA and DOT Training
OSHA Finds Holes in CAL/OSHA Safety Net
OSHA has cited the worker health and safety program in California for falling below minimum performance standards in response to a complaint filed by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). As a result, the state Division of Occupational Safety & Health (Cal/OSHA) must upgrade its enforcement and inspection programs or face a variety of federal sanctions.
In a letter to PEER dated June 26, 2015, OSHA Area Director David Shiraishi upheld the bulk of the “Complaint about State Program Administration” that PEER filed in February 2014. In its review, OSHA found that Cal/OSHA:
- Fails to conduct an adequate number of inspections in dangerous workplaces and fails to follow its own policy of doing follow-up inspections on serious violators
- Does not issue citations in a timely manner, thus delaying hazard abatement and prolonging dangerous conditions. OSHA found the “amount of time Cal/OSHA takes to issue citations is 69% longer than OSHA for safety inspections and 33% longer for health inspections.”
- Takes too long to respond to worker complaints of unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Cal/OSHA “averaged almost working four days to initiate investigations for complaints alleging serious hazards” with one serious complaint sitting 106 days. For non-serious complaints, Cal/OSHA averaged more than two weeks before inspecting with one case sitting 300 days.
The OSHA letter contains recommendations for how Cal/OSHA can remedy the identified failures while concluding that “the State Plan is required to remedy these deficiencies.” Like California, nearly half the states are funded by OSHA to operate their own state plans which, by law, must be at least as effective as the federal program. This finding means that California is not meeting that minimum threshold.
“California workers are more at risk than those in other states and have less protection on the job now than at any other time in a generation,” stated PEER Executive Director Jeff Ruch, noting that California has more game wardens than workplace inspectors. “This is a failing grade that Cal/OSHA cannot ignore if it wants to keeps its doors open.”
Under Governor Brown, Cal/OSHA has suffered from a leadership revolving door and a siphoning off of funding for other programs. The last OSHA annual audit in 2014 confirmed that Cal/OSHA “remains understaffed and, as a result, is challenged to fulfill its important mission.”
The only PEER charge that OSHA did not sustain was that OSHA failed to conduct an adequate number of health inspections. OSHA found that while the number of Cal/OSHA health inspections actually decreased, the ratio of health versus safety inspections increased.
“In California, environmental protection stops at the factory door,” added Ruch. “The Golden State often justifiably prides itself for being a national trendsetter but in terms of worker health and safety California is leading a race to the bottom.”
Sterling Seating Inc. and Staffing Agency Fined $196,000 for Repeatedly Exposing Workers to Hazards
The investigation was conducted at Sterling Seating, Inc.'s, furniture manufacturing plant at 9 Porete Avenue in North Arlington, New Jersey. On Target Staffing, LLC, a staffing company that provided laborers for Sterling is located at 258 Clifton Avenue in Newark, New Jersey.
OSHA initiated an inspection in January after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions at Sterling's plant.
An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule, or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.
"Sterling Seating has repeatedly violated basic safety and health standards and exposed its employees to needless hazards," said Lisa Levy, area director of OSHA's Hasbrouck Heights Area Office. "Host employers and staffing agencies share a responsibility for worker safety. Those that fail to ensure that safety will be held legally responsible."
Sterling Seating was fined $176,330, and On Target Staffing received a $19,800 fine.
Valley International Cold Storage Fails to Protect Workers from Hazardous Gas, Fined $76,500
OSHA issued the citations on July 1.
Eight of the 15 serious violations are related to the Process Safety Management Program for the maintenance and operation of the Anhydrous Ammonia refrigerant system to prevent potentially catastrophic releases.
OSHA proposed $76,500 in fines.
"Anhydrous ammonia can burn a worker's lungs, eyes and skin, and those burns can be fatal," said Michael Rivera, OSHA's area director in Corpus Christi. "Unlike the household cleaner, this is a very concentrated and toxic form of ammonia that requires strict controls and handling procedures to keep workers from harm."
Kemper Valve & Fittings Fined $71,000 after Worker Sustains Serious Hand Injury
A 32-year-old machinist suffered serious injuries to his left arm caused when his hand was caught and he was pulled into a machine on which his employer had bypassed safety devices designed to prevent such injuries. The worker has endured several surgeries and rehabilitation to repair his broken bones.
OSHA identified one willful and one other-than-serious safety violation at the Island Lake manufacturing facility following the March injury. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirement, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health. Proposed penalties total $71,000.
"Kemper Valve & Fittings decided to bypass safety devices and put employees at risk for severe injuries. For this worker, that willful choice resulted in a life-altering injury," said Angeline Loftus, area director of OSHA's Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines. "Employees pay the painful price when companies don't follow safety standards. Each year about 3 million workers in America are injured on-the-job, which affects their ability to provide for themselves and their families."
Investigators found the machinist was using sandpaper to remove surface rust from a part. The door guard of the computer numerical control machine remained open, to make the part accessible. The worker's hand was caught during the machine's rotation, and he was pulled into the rotating parts which resulted in the injuries. OSHA cited a willful violation because the company ignored basic machine safety rules.
The company also failed to create an annual injury and illness summary for each of its separate operating locations, resulting in one other-than-serious violation.
The incident occurred at Kemper Valve & Fittings' manufacturing headquarters. The company maintains its national sales and service center in Houston and has similar centers in Arkansas, Colorado, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Utah.
Cleveland Die & Manufacturing Company Exposes Workers to Amputations
OSHA's Cleveland office issued 11 serious safety and health citations to Cleveland Die & Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The agency initiated an inspection in March after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions at the company which manufactures brackets and parts for the automotive industry.
Violations included:
- Hooks and wire ropes were not inspected as required.
"Each year thousands of workers suffer injuries and illness that can affect their ability to earn a living. Cleveland Die & Manufacturing needs to make immediate improvements to ensure their workers are protected on the job."
Proposed penalties total $59,400.
Chicago Metal Shop Exposes Workers to Machine Hazards, Fined $54,780
OSHA's Chicago North Area Office initiated a follow-up inspection of Midwest Manufacturing and Distributing, Inc., doing business as Midwest Metal Forming, in Chicago, Illinois on March 4. The sheet metal manufacturer was cited in 2014 for exposing workers to amputation hazards from unguarded machinery and failed to provide OSHA with information detailing how the company had abated the safety hazards.
OSHA issued one willful and two other-than- serious safety violations. Investigators found the press brake lacked adequate machine guarding which protects workers from coming in contact with operating parts of the machine. Lack of appropriate machine guarding can cause lacerations, bruises, and amputations.
Two other-than- serious violations were issued to the company for not using electrical equipment in accordance with labeling and failing to post the annual injury and illness summary.
"Midwest Metal Forming has failed in its responsibility to protect workers from dangerous operating parts of machinery," said Angeline Loftus, OSHA's Area Director for the Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "Each year thousands of workers are injured by such hazards."
Proposed penalties total $54,780.
New Homes Construction Inc. Fined $40,480 for Exposing Workers to Falls
New Homes Construction, Inc., is a general contractor located at 739 Bordentown Road in Burlington, New Jersey. OSHA conducted the investigation at Wildflowers at Medford, an active adult community in Medford, New Jersey.
OSHA issued citations on June 10.
New Home Construction, Inc., received two repeat citations for not providing fall protection and other safety hazards. Five serious citations were issued for violations including the use of damaged and defective equipment, and lack of employee training.
“Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. In our jurisdiction last year, there were three fatalities related to an employer’s failure to provide fall protection. One death is one too many,” said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. “Plan, provide and train. These are three simple steps employers should take to prevent falls and ensure a safe workplace.”
Proposed penalties total $40,480.
Corizon Health Inc. Taking Corrective Action to Reduce Workplace Violence Hazards
Part of a settlement agreement with the US Department of Labor, the changes resolve citations issued by OSHA. In August 2014, OSHA cited Corizon for failing to develop and implement an effective program to prevent workplace violence for its Rikers Island employees. Corizon initially contested the citations, but has withdrawn that contest as part of the settlement agreement.
"While Corizon is taking corrective action at Rikers Island, it will expand that effort and change its practices at hundreds of locations to enhance safety for countless employees," said Robert Kulick, OSHA's regional administrator in New York.
"This corporate wide settlement is significant, given Corizon's dominant position in the correctional health care industry. It has the potential to improve how workplace violence issues are addressed by employers throughout the industry," said Jeffrey Rogoff, the department's regional solicitor of labor in New York.
The agreement commits Corizon to adopting comprehensive and specific abatement measures at its facilities. In consultation with employees and unions, each location will develop the following:
- A workplace violence prevention policy
- An incident reporting system
- Enhanced record-keeping procedures
- A workplace violence hazard assessment and prevention program
- Employee training
The settlement also requires Corizon to appoint a senior official to oversee compliance with the settlement agreement and the Occupational Safety and Health Act; allow OSHA to conduct inspections to monitor compliance; and seek greater coordination with local departments of correction or similar agencies that work with Corizon facilities. The company will also pay a fine of $38,000.
The original inspection was conducted by OSHA's Manhattan Area Office. The agreement was negotiated by attorney Kathryn L. Stewart of the department's regional Office of the Solicitor in New York.
Integra Health Management Failed to Protect Employee from Workplace Violence Hazards
After the horrific murder of a Florida health care worker in 2012, an administrative law judge affirmed in June that her employer failed to protect her from workplace violence.
Judge Dennis Phillips of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission determined Integra Health Management—now operating as Integra ServiceConnect, LLC—did not protect Stephanie Ross, a 24-year-old social service coordinator. Her client, with severe mental illness and a violent criminal history, fatally stabbed Ross outside his home in December 2012. On-the-job for approximately three months, Ross had prior meetings with the man and recorded in her case notes that she was uncomfortable being alone with him.
Like other social service coordinators, Ross visited dangerous and violent clients in their homes and coordinated case management. To perform mental and physical health assessments, she transported clients in her vehicle.
"The safety of social service workers in the field is a serious concern. Many face threats and violence in the workplace. Integra put its workers at risk of injury or worse by choosing not to implement commonly recognized safety practices and protocols," said Leslie Grove, OSHA's director of the Tampa Area Office. "Employers must take every reasonable precaution to protect employees against safety and health hazards in the workplace, including physical assaults."
OSHA investigators found Integra knew the assailant had exhibited several high-risk behaviors—including a history of violence, criminal behavior, schizophrenia and paranoia—but took no steps to protect its employee. The agency also discovered multiple incidents where Integra employees were victims of aggression and verbal and physical threats from clients. OSHA concluded that the company did not conduct a hazard assessment of the service coordinator position or develop a written program to prevent workplace violence hazards.
Investigators issued two serious citations with full penalties to Integra in March 2013 for failing to protect employees from violence in the workplace and not reporting Ross' death to OSHA. The company contested the citations that went before the commission for review. Judge Phillips found that Integra's approach to safety was inadequate, and the company should have taken precautions to prevent injury by hiring and training its employees appropriately. The citations bring penalties of $10,500.
In future health care industry inspections OSHA announced recently that it would expand its enforcement resources to focus on workplace violence and other safety and health risks.
Based in Owings Mills, Maryland, Integra Health Management is a health care service company specializing in community-based nonclinical support for individuals with health care and related social service needs. Integra contracts with insurance companies to perform mental and physical health assessments and coordinates case management for high-risk, high-cost members. It operates in Tennessee, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Florida.
On June 25, OSHA announced that it added musculoskeletal disorders, bloodborne pathogens, workplace violence, tuberculosis and slips, trips, and falls as key hazards for investigators to focus on in health care inspections. The action targets some of the most common causes of workplace injury and illness in the health care industry.
Alaska Department of Labor Encourages Hazard Elimination Following Anchorage Excavation and Trenching Fatality
On Tuesday, June 16, 2015, Samuel Adam Morgan, 23, died in a trenching accident while working for Hartman Construction & Equipment, Inc., at the intersection of 91st Avenue and King Street in Anchorage. This accident serves as a stark reminder of the serious hazards associated with construction work.
According to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 4,585 workers lost their lives on the job in 2013, and 828 of those deaths were in construction. The Alaska Occupational Safety and Health Enforcement program targets construction work across the state with an emphasis on high hazard activities, such as excavation and roofing work, that are likely to cause serious accidents and fatalities.
Hazards associated with excavation and trenching work are preventable, yet injuries and fatalities continue to be caused by these hazards. Regulations and consensus standards describe engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices to minimize hazards for workers during trench work and excavations when the depth is four feet or more. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring workers are properly trained to recognize and avoid trenching hazards and implementing systems to safely access and exit trenches along with adequate shoring protection, spoil pile placement and/or sloping of sidewalls to prevent cave-ins.
Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Heidi Drygas commented, “My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Morgan’s family during this tragic time of loss. We are investigating this incident and will take appropriate enforcement action, but Alaska cannot get to zero incidents through enforcement alone. We need strong commitments from all Alaskans and industry partners. Working together, we can make sure all Alaskans go home from work safe and healthy at the end of the day.”
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