After the crisis, the rise of worker discrimination is breathtaking
It’s bad enough that the global financial crisis has put millions of people out of work and trashed the future of the ranks of workers everywhere. But, let’s take a moment to consider an undercurrent of the economic crisis, fanned by fear, stupidity and the relentless drive to cut government (oh, that comes under stupidity so please excuse the redundancy): the rise in all forms of discrimination.
http://www.inthesetimes.com/working/entry/7313/after_the_crisis_the_rise_of_worker_discrimination_is_breathtaking/
New federal regulations for tipped employees
The U.S. Labor Dept. issued new regulations for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) that affect businesses that have tipped employees. These regulations became effective on May 5. Here are some compliance pointers.
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/tips/archives/2011/05/new_federal_regulations_for_tipped_employees.html
Hair care experts push for safer products
California salon workers and women’s advocates said they will tell a U.S. congressional committee a hair-straightening product presents a health hazard. The hair experts are scheduled Wednesday to brief the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus on their objections to the “Brazilian Blowout” and other hair treatments that contain formaldehyde, a carcinogen, the New York Daily News reported.
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2011/05/17/Hair-care-experts-push-for-safer-products/UPI-12871305652822/
Safer workplaces for youth this summer
Every year, around 800 young people in Massachusetts end up having to go to the emergency room because they’re injured on the job. And it’s estimated that another 2400 young workers each year are hurt at work but don’t seek medical treatment.
http://media-newswire.com/release_1149762.html
Bob DuPont: Our buildings aren’t safe by accident
Dear Editor: When you go to bed each night, arrive at work each day or walk through the grocery store on the weekend, do you worry about the floor under your feet or the roof over your head? Probably not — and that’s good. A hundred years ago, in May 1911, the Legislature created the Wisconsin Industrial Commission to oversee workplace safety. Safe buildings have been an expectation in Wisconsin ever since.
http://host.madison.com/news/opinion/mailbag/article_850b6480-3e69-530f-9835-e43929f7fad9.html
Having supportive co-workers may help you live longer
Having supportive co-workers may help you live longer than counterparts without, while support from the boss appears to make no difference, said researchers from Israel in a study published in the May issue of the journal Health Psychology.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/225646.php
Republic steel faces possible $563,000 fine
Safety at the Republic Engineered Products steel plant is being questioned. The company is facing a proposed $563,000 fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration over repeated violations at its Lorain plant. In addition to the fine, Republic has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violators Enforcement Program, subjecting it to increased scrutiny. Dr. David Michaels, an OSHA assistant secretary of labor, said in a news release Monday that Republic has a long record of safety violations that have included injuries and fatalities.
http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2011/05/17/republic-steel-faces-possible-563000-fine/
Cal/OSHA fines contractor over $235,000 for willful safety violations leading to flash fire
Cal/OSHA issued ten citations totaling $235,865 to construction contractor TL Pavlich for deliberate and willful workplace safety violations which led to a flash fire severely burning a welder on a public works project in Montebello last December. In addition to being reviewed for a potential criminal referral to the Los Angeles District Attorney, the case is being referred to the Contractors State Licensing Board for licensing review and to the California Labor Commissioner for possible public works debarment.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/calosha-fines-contractor-over-235000-for-willful-safety-violations-leading-to-flash-fire-122037579.html
OSHA cites Cargill Meat Solutions for workplace safety and health violations
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Cargill Meat Solutions of Dodge City with two repeat and 23 serious violations for exposing workers to numerous occupational hazards. Proposed fines total $176,400 following a combined safety and health inspection at the facility.
http://www.cattlenetwork.com/cattle-news/OSHA-cites-Cargill-Meat-Solutions-for-workplace-safety-and-health-violations-121662774.html?ref=774
$139,260 in fines issued to contractor for scaffolding, fall hazards
OSHA has cited Total Remodeling Services LLC for 16 alleged violations of workplace safety standards following OSHA’s inspection of a residential roofing site in Bridgeport, Conn. The Shelton contractor faces a total of $139,260 in proposed fines, chiefly for fall, scaffolding, and ladder hazards.
http://ohsonline.com/articles/2011/05/15/139000-in-fines-issued-to-contractor-for-scaffolding-fall-hazards.aspx?admgarea=news
