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First Edition

Launching a Beacon of Safety: Your Monthly Guide to OSHA Compliance

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our very first monthly safety newsletter! I'm Dale, here to guide you through the world of OSHA - that's the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. My job is to help make your workplaces safer and to make sure you know all about OSHA's rules.

With all the OSHA certifications under my belt, and a huge variety of career experience, I've learned a lot about safety over the years. I'm excited to share all of this with you. In this newsletter, we'll make sense of OSHA's rules (even the tricky ones), share tips to solve common safety problems, and update you on any new OSHA news that might affect your company.

I'm always learning more about safety, and I promise to give you information that's right and up-to-date. This first newsletter is packed with value – from examples of the latest OSHA rulings to easy tips for making your job safer.

I'm really happy you're here to read this, and I hope you find lots of helpful ideas inside. Let's start this journey together to make your work a safer place!

Warm regards,

Dale

Your OSHA Expert

Forklift Fail of the Week

OSHA Violations and Penalties: Brookens Construction LLC Faces Challenges to Worker Safety

It seems like Brookens Construction LLC has recently run into some trouble with OSHA.

During their inspection, OSHA found several violations that raised concerns about the safety of their workers.

One incident involved a worker shingling a residential roof without proper fall protection, which is a serious risk.

Additionally, the general contractor failed to perform site inspections and neglected to provide necessary eye protection for the workers.

There were other issues as well, such as the use of a damaged ladder and the failure to adequately train workers on fall hazards.

These violations have prompted OSHA to propose penalties totaling $132,593.

It's worth noting that this isn't the first time Brookens Construction has faced such violations – similar hazards were identified in three previous inspections.

Now, the company has a few options.

They can choose to comply with the citations and penalties within 15 days, request a conference with OSHA to discuss the findings, or contest the findings altogether.

It's crucial for them to take the necessary steps to address these violations and ensure the safety of their workers.

Safety should always be a top priority in any workplace.

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US Department of Labor Takes Action Against Roofing Contractor in New York for Fall Protection Violations

In New York, the US Department of Labor has taken action against roofing contractor ALJ Home Improvement Inc. by obtaining a consent injunction.

This injunction requires the contractor, as well as its owner, to provide employees with fall protection equipment and ensure its proper use at all worksites.

ALJ Home Improvement Inc. has faced multiple citations for fall-related violations since 2019.

To address these issues, the injunction includes enhanced provisions for correcting and preventing fall hazards.

This includes requirements such as notifying the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) about future jobsites, providing safety training to supervisors and employees, and retaining a qualified safety consultant.

Failure to comply with these provisions may result in a contempt motion in federal court.

Falls are a significant concern in the construction industry and are the leading cause of death among construction workers.

However, reducing these incidents can be challenging due to noncompliant employers.

The inspections that led to this action were conducted by OSHA's Tarrytown office, and the settlement was negotiated by the regional solicitor's office in New York.

For more information about OSHA, fall protection in construction, and safeguarding roofing workers, additional resources can be found.

Federal Investigations Uncover Serious Safety Violations at Accurate Manufacturing Inc. Following Worker's Tragic Death

Recently, there have been three federal investigations following the tragic death of a worker at a manufacturing facility in Tulsa.

The investigations were focused on workplace safety and health hazards at Accurate Manufacturing Inc.

It was found that the company had exposed its employees to various struck-by hazards and a total of 36 violations were identified.

Out of these, 25 were deemed serious safety violations.

During the initial investigation conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it was determined that the employee died during the pressure testing of a heat exchanger.

Accurate Manufacturing Inc. was found to be in violation of the general duty clause, which requires employers to ensure the safety of their employees.

Further inspections revealed additional serious safety violations relating to several hazards.

These included obstructions in exit routes, unsafe use of chemicals, lack of machine guards, and improper maintenance of electrical equipment.

In addition to the safety violations, a separate health investigation unveiled 10 violations.

These included failures to implement hearing conservation and audiometric testing programs, failure to meet requirements for a paint spray booth, and inadequate provision of comprehensive respiratory protection.

As a consequence of these violations, OSHA has proposed a total of $275,890 in penalties for Accurate Manufacturing Inc.

The company has a 15-day window to comply with the proposed penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

This unfortunate incident highlights the importance of prioritizing workplace safety and adhering to OSHA regulations.

Accurate Manufacturing Inc. must take prompt action to rectify the identified violations and ensure the safety and well-being of its employees.

By addressing these issues, the company can work towards creating a safer working environment and preventing such tragic incidents in the future.

Florida Contractors Fined $174k for Exposing Workers to Fall Hazards

Today, I bring you an important news update regarding a roofing contractor in Florida.

Two contractors, A1A Roofing Contractor LLC and Paul Bange Roofing Inc., were recently cited for exposing their workers to fall hazards at a worksite in April 2023.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has highlighted the construction industry as a high-risk sector, with nearly one in five workplace deaths in 2021 occurring within it.

Falls, slips, and trips account for one-third of these tragic incidents, making fall protection a critical concern in the construction field.

In this case, A1A Roofing Contractor LLC has been cited for two willful violations, one repeat violation, and three serious violations.

These citations were issued due to the observed lack of fall protection for workers on pitched roofs reaching heights up to 32 feet.

In response, proposed penalties totaling $163,044 have been imposed on the company.

But that’s not all, Paul Bange Roofing Inc. was issued a serious citation, with proposed penalties amounting to $10,938.

It is essential for employers to prioritize the safety and well-being of their workers by adhering to OSHA regulations and providing proper fall protection measures.

These citations serve as a reminder of the importance of implementing effective safety practices to prevent accidents and ensure a secure work environment.

Both companies have a crucial decision to make within the next 15 days.

They can either comply with the citations, request an informal conference to discuss the findings, or contest the penalties imposed by challenging the citations issued against them.

I encourage all employers and workers to take these incidents as an opportunity to review their own safety protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA regulations.

By prioritizing fall protection and implementing appropriate safety measures, we can work towards reducing workplace accidents and protecting the lives of our fellow workers.

Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility, and together, we can create safer working environments for all.

About your Author

Hey Everyone,

It's me, Dale, wrapping up our first newsletter. I've been working in safety for a long time and know a lot about OSHA. I've learned from all kinds of jobs, from manufacturing in factories, to hands-on building at construction sites, and even working in healthcare environments.

All this experience means I know lots of ways to keep you safe at work and how to make sense of OSHA's rules. I'm always learning new things about safety, and I use what I learn to make our newsletter helpful and easy to understand.

I'm excited to share this journey with you. This isn't just regulations and white-papers to read – it's a conversation. I'm here to help answer your questions and make sure you get the info you need to make your job safer.

Let's work together to understand OSHA's rules and make our workplaces safer for everyone. I can't wait to hear from you and see how we can make things better together.

Take care and stay safe,

Dale