OSHA Insider

Essential Updates

April 2024 Edition

Welcome to Our Safety Update Newsletter

Hello Safety Advocates,

In this edition, we delve into a trio of distinct and instructive safety incidents that underscore the diverse challenges and risks present in various work environments. Each story not only highlights specific safety failures but also serves as a critical learning point for industries and individuals alike, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures and compliance.

Forklift Incident Causes Significant Damage to Newly Sold Highland Park Home: 

We start with a bizarre accident in Highland Park, Los Angeles, where a forklift tipped over and severely damaged a house on the very day it was sold. This incident highlights the unexpected dangers of operating heavy machinery near residential areas and the importance of proper equipment handling and safety precautions.

Severe Silica Exposure Violations at Chicago Countertop Manufacturer: 

Next, we report on a serious health violation in Chicago, where employees of a countertop manufacturing company were exposed to dangerously high levels of silica dust, leading to severe health consequences, including the need for lung transplants for two workers. This case spotlights the critical need for effective safety programs and compliance with occupational health regulations.

Adidas America Incurs Heavy Penalties for Unresolved Fall Hazards: 

Lastly, we discuss how Adidas America faced substantial penalties for failing to correct previously cited fall hazards at its New York warehouse. This ongoing issue emphasizes the need for companies to follow through on safety commitments and ensure a safe working environment to prevent potentially fatal accidents.

Through these narratives, we aim to remind our readers of the vital role that adherence to safety protocols plays in preventing injuries and ensuring a safe workplace. Let these stories serve as a call to action for all to reinforce safety measures in every operational aspect.

Stay informed and proactive,

Dale

Forklift Incident Causes Significant Damage to Newly Sold Highland Park Home

In an unusual turn of events, a forklift accident caused substantial damage to a home in Highland Park, Los Angeles, on the very day the property was reportedly sold. The incident, which occurred on Holland Avenue, involved a telescopic forklift that tipped over and crashed onto the house, leading to significant structural damage.

Details of the Incident

Los Angeles fire crews were promptly called to the scene on Monday, where they found the roof of the residence caved in under the weight of the heavy machinery. Fortunately, according to a neighbor, no one was inside the home at the time of the accident, and there were no injuries reported. However, the sudden collapse of the forklift and its impact on the house left the community in shock.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

The exact cause of the forklift toppling over is currently unclear, raising concerns about the operational and safety protocols in place at the time of the incident. Such accidents highlight the critical importance of adhering to strict safety standards and regulations, especially when operating heavy machinery near residential areas.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with the use of heavy equipment and the necessity for rigorous safety measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future. It also underscores the need for thorough training and adherence to safety guidelines to protect both property and human life.

As we await further details from the investigation, this event is a call to action for all involved in similar operations to review and reinforce their safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of both operators and bystanders.

Severe Silica Exposure Violations at Chicago Countertop Manufacturer

In a disturbing case from Chicago, a Granite Company faces over $1 million in penalties due to severe violations related to silica dust exposure. This alarming situation came to light after federal safety inspectors learned that a young employee of the countertop manufacturing company required a double lung transplant due to accelerated silicosis, a dire consequence of unsafe working conditions.

Details of the Case and Investigation Findings

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) initiated an inspection after becoming aware of the critical health issues affecting the employees, including a 31-year-old man and his 59-year-old father, both in urgent need of lung transplants due to silicosis. Additionally, a third worker, aged 47, has been treated for unresolved work-related lung disease for over three years.

During the inspection in February 2024, OSHA found that workers were exposed to silica levels up to six times greater than permissible limits. The environment was described as a "haze of dust," with employees improperly using required respirators and the company lacking adequate controls to reduce silica exposure.

Egregious Disregard for Worker Safety

The investigation revealed a stark neglect of safety and health obligations by the company's owner, Brad Karp, who failed to implement necessary measures to protect workers from silica exposure. This neglect persisted despite previous warnings and the refusal of two workers' compensation insurance carriers to insure the company due to these safety failings.

OSHA cited the company for a combination of eight egregious willful, four willful, and 20 serious safety and health violations, reflecting the severity and willfulness of the breaches in workplace safety standards.

Critical Implications and Calls to Action

This case highlights the devastating impact of neglecting worker safety in environments where hazardous substances like silica are present. It serves as a critical reminder of the importance of adhering to safety regulations, conducting proper medical surveillance, and ensuring all workers are adequately trained and equipped to handle hazardous materials.

The health implications of silicosis are severe, reducing life expectancy significantly and making recovery from conditions like lung transplants highly uncertain. This tragic scenario underscores the urgent need for companies to prioritize the health and safety of their workforce above all.

As part of our commitment to workplace safety, we urge all employers, especially those in industries dealing with hazardous materials, to review and enhance their safety protocols to prevent such dire health outcomes. It is imperative to ensure that all workers, regardless of language proficiency or job role, are fully informed and protected against potential hazards.

Adidas America Incurs Heavy Penalties for Unresolved Fall Hazards

In a significant development highlighting ongoing workplace safety issues, Adidas America Inc. faces nearly $400,000 in penalties for failing to address previously cited fall hazards at its Chester, New York, warehouse. This hefty fine comes despite the company having already paid $17,403 in penalties following an initial inspection that identified critical safety lapses.

Persistent Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a follow-up inspection in January 2024 after Adidas failed to provide proof of installing necessary safety measures, such as guardrails and proper ladder extensions to access a mezzanine in the warehouse. The initial OSHA citation, issued in March 2022 after a 2021 inspection, highlighted the absence of guardrails and an unsafe ladder, putting employees at risk of falls of up to 10 feet.

Despite the initial findings and penalties, inspectors discovered that Adidas had not made the required corrections, continuing to expose workers to significant fall hazards.

OSHA's Response and Adidas's Accountability

Rita Young, OSHA Area Director in Albany, emphasized the importance of employers not only agreeing to correct identified hazards but also following through with tangible actions and documentation. She noted that Adidas America Inc.'s failure to address the hazards resulted in additional penalties and underscored the company's continued negligence in ensuring worker safety.

Safety Resources and Industry Standards

OSHA provides numerous resources, including its Warehousing page and Stop Falls website, which offer guidance on preventing injuries from common warehouse hazards and fall protection measures. These resources are crucial for companies like Adidas to implement and maintain safe work environments, particularly when handling operations that involve elevated workspaces.

Global Presence and Responsibilities

As a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest sportswear manufacturers, Adidas America Inc. has a heightened responsibility to uphold stringent safety standards across all operations. This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial need for global companies to prioritize worker safety, not only as a legal obligation but as a fundamental aspect of corporate responsibility.

Looking Forward

Adidas America Inc. has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations and penalties to respond. They may choose to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This situation highlights the importance of continual oversight and strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.

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About the Author

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