- OSHA Insider
- Posts
- April 2024
April 2024
nate wilkerson
April 01, 2024
OSHA Insider
Essential Updates
April 2024 Edition
Welcome to Our April 2024 Safety Spotlight
Dear Safety Champions,
Spring is on the horizon, bringing with it a renewed focus on growth, rejuvenation, and, most importantly, the continuous pursuit of workplace safety. In this edition of our newsletter, we delve into three critical narratives that underscore the vital importance of our collective safety efforts.
Tragedy in Macon: We start with a heart-wrenching incident in Macon, Georgia, where a lack of proper trench safety measures led to a fatal accident. This story is a grim reminder of what's at stake when safety protocols are sidelined.
Chemical Hazards in Atlanta: Next, we uncover the story of a Southern Industrial Chemical company, an Atlanta-based manufacturer facing significant penalties for exposing workers to dangerous chemical and struck-by hazards. This case highlights the crucial need for comprehensive hazard communication programs and proper protective measures in high-risk environments.
Roofing Risks in New York and New Jersey: Finally, we examine the case of a company that, after vigorous litigation by the Department of Labor, ceased contesting its egregious willful citations related to Fall Hazards. This outcome not only marks a win for safety advocacy but also serves as a cautionary tale for industries nationwide.
Each of these stories brings to light the challenges and responsibilities we face in ensuring a safe workplace. They remind us of the consequences of neglect and the difference vigilance can make.
Join us as we explore these narratives, drawing lessons and inspiration to bolster our commitment to safety. Together, let's make safety not just a priority but a core value in our daily operations.
Warm regards,
Dale
In our ongoing commitment to shed light on workplace safety and the critical importance of compliance, a recent case from Robbinsville, NJ, compels us to take a closer look at the consequences of neglecting safety protocols. CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC, a manufacturer known for its frozen dumplings, wontons, and noodles under the Twin Marquis and Chef One brands, finds itself under scrutiny once more by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Following an unfortunate incident in August 2023, where a worker suffered an amputation, OSHA's investigation revealed a concerning pattern of safety oversights. The company was cited for exposing workers to significant lockout/tagout hazards, leading to a substantial penalty of $551,719. This latest inspection marks the sixth in just five years for the company, now a part of the Severe Violator Enforcement Program since a notable case in 2021.
OSHA's findings underscore a persistent issue: the company's failure to safeguard its employees from dangers that are all too preventable. The cited violations include four willful, one repeat, and three serious infractions, painting a stark picture of the risks that workers face when energy control protocols are not strictly enforced.
The Area Director's message is clear: immediate action is necessary to avert further tragedies. This situation serves as a potent reminder of the indispensability of rigorous safety practices and the need for continuous vigilance in upholding them.
As we reflect on this case, let's use it as a catalyst to revisit and reinforce our commitment to safety standards within our own operations. It’s a stark reminder that the well-being of our workforce depends on our unwavering dedication to creating a safe working environment.
Let's pledge to prioritize safety, not just in words, but through our actions and practices, ensuring that incidents like these become a thing of the past. Safety is not just a regulatory requirement; it's a moral obligation to protect those who trust us with their well-being each day they come to work.
In a concerning development from Atlanta, Southern Industrial Chemicals Inc., operating as SIC Technologies, has come under significant scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The agency's rigorous inspection has unveiled a worrying array of safety and health violations, leading to a proposed penalty of $289k for 67 serious infractions.
These violations span a range of workplace hazards, notably including chemical and struck-by dangers. Among the key findings, OSHA highlighted the company's failure to implement crucial safety measures, such as:
Adequate engineering controls to minimize employee exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen.
A comprehensive respiratory protection program, including necessary medical evaluations and fit-testing for respirator use.
An effective hazard communication program for the safe handling and usage of hazardous chemicals.
Proper informational and training resources for laboratory staff on hazardous chemicals.
Appropriate facilities for emergency eye and body washing, critical in the event of chemical exposure.
Secure storage practices for chemical drums and pallets, ensuring they are safely stacked and contained.
Training and certification for employees operating powered industrial trucks, ensuring they're equipped to handle such machinery safely.
OSHA's findings underscore a significant lapse in Southern Industrial Chemicals' commitment to worker safety and health. As OSHA Atlanta-West Area Office Director aptly pointed out, the neglect of such essential safety protocols exposes employees to potentially life-altering or even fatal conditions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the imperative to prioritize employee safety, especially in industries dealing with hazardous materials. It highlights the critical need for employers to establish robust safety and health programs that not only comply with federal standards but actively protect workers from harm.
For those in the chemical manufacturing sector, this incident is a call to action. It underscores the importance of rigorous hazard communication, proper safety training, and the implementation of engineering and administrative controls to mitigate risks.
Let this be a motivator for all of us to review and strengthen our safety practices. Ensuring a safe working environment is not just a regulatory obligation—it's a moral one. As we move forward, let's commit to making safety a priority, not just in policy but in practice.
In a notable victory for workplace safety, the determined efforts of the U.S. Department of Labor have led to a significant development in a case involving a New York-based roofing company known for its disregard of fall protection measures. After facing vigorous litigation, the company has ceased contesting the severe citations and penalties imposed by OSHA, amounting to $687,536, for violations observed at a New Jersey site in 2022.
This resolution comes after an OSHA inspection in August 2022 at a residential construction site revealed multiple employees working on steep-slope roofs without the necessary fall protection. This inspection wasn't the first; it followed a tragic pattern of safety violations, including an incident less than six months prior where an employee suffered a fatal fall in Spring Valley, New York.
The citations issued encompassed three per-instance egregious willful fall protection violations, a willful unsafe ladder violation, and four serious violations. This decision to withdraw its contest notice, just one week before a scheduled trial, affirms the citations and their related penalties.
The implications of this case are far-reaching. Regional Solicitor emphasized the importance of holding employers accountable for repeatedly ignoring critical safety standards. OSHA Area Director reinforced this stance, highlighting the clear message sent to employers that deliberate disregard for worker safety will not be tolerated.
This case not only underscores the commitment of the Department of Labor's Office of the Solicitor and OSHA's investigative efforts but also serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting worker safety. It's a call to action for all employers to prioritize the well-being of their employees by adhering to essential safety regulations.
Let's take this moment to reflect on the importance of relentless advocacy for workplace safety. Together, we can create environments where such tragedies are prevented, and safety is not just a regulation but a cornerstone of our work culture.
About the Author
Dale, your OSHA Expert
Hey Everyone,
As we conclude this edition of our newsletter, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for joining us on this journey of safety enlightenment. The stories we've shared, from the tragic to the triumphant, remind us of the critical importance of our collective commitment to workplace safety.
These cases serve as a sobering reminder of the real-world consequences when safety protocols are overlooked. It underscores the necessity for each of us to not only advocate for stringent safety measures but to actively implement them in our daily operations.
As your partner in safety, I'm inspired by our shared dedication to creating safer work environments. Let the insights from this edition motivate us to review, refine, and reinforce our safety practices. Remember, the strength of our safety programs lies not just in compliance but in our unwavering commitment to protect every worker who trusts us with their well-being.
Looking ahead, we promise to continue bringing you the most relevant, informative, and actionable safety insights. Your feedback, stories, and engagement fuel our mission, and together, we can forge a future where workplace accidents are a rarity, not an expectation.
Until our next edition, stay safe, stay informed, and never underestimate the impact of your role in safeguarding the health and safety of our workplaces.
Warmest regards,
Dale