NTSB: New regulations needed to curb bus accidents
At the request of a pair of New York lawmakers, Sen. Charles Schumer (D) and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D), the National Transportation Safety Board studied the safety records of curbside bus services that shuttle people between cities like Washington, New York and Philadelphia. Because the services typically do not have the costs associated with terminals, they are usually cheaper than other bus companies like Greyhound. The NSTB said that makes them harder to regulate, too.
http://thehill.com/blogs/transportation-report/public-transit/191013-ntsb-new-regulations-needed-to-curb-bus-accidents
Pilot error found in crash that killed Russian hockey players
Russian air safety officials said Wednesday that a September plane crash that killed an elite hockey team was caused by an extraordinarily basic human error: One of the pilots accidentally pressed the brake pedals during takeoff, so that the aircraft was unable to gain altitude.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/03/world/europe/pilot-error-found-in-crash-that-killed-russian-hockey-players.html?smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto
Migrant workers’ forum highlights need for change
At Hoy we are engaged in a year-long project looking at Latino workers and communities in the Midwest and the degree to which enforcement agencies are, or are not, protecting them. Thus far, we can say that at the federal level it’s not a pretty story.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-kelly-lowenstein/migrant-workers-forum-hig_b_1071533.html
Fight between state, builder intensifies
A Salisbury, Md., business owner’s spat with the state Occupational Safety and Health agency has escalated after he refused inspectors access to his job site and they returned this week with a warrant.
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111102/NEWS01/111102001/Fight-between-state-builder-intensifies?odyssey=nav|head
Somerville Commuter Rail facility cited with ‘serious’ workplace safety hazards
Saying workers were exposed to potential electric shocks, chemical burns, amputation and bloodborne pathogens, to name a few things, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA, has cited the Commuter Rail maintenance facility in Somerville, Mass., with 22 alleged “serious” violations of workplace safety.
http://somerville.patch.com/articles/somerville-commuter-rail-facility-cited-with-serious-workplace-safety-hazards
iPhone app improves workplace safety
SafetyCulture, the leading source of safety documentation, today announced their iJSA app – a revolutionary way for workers in all industries to perform a Risk Assessment, commonly referred to as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA). iJSA is available on all iOS devices, and allows workers to perform Risk Assessments with ease and a level of detail that has never been seen in the safety industry.
http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/474722#ixzz1cZwqOg7t
Congratulations to occupational health & safety honorees!
One of my favorite parts of the American Public Health Association annual meeting is the Occupational Health & Safety Section’s awards lunch. It’s always inspiring to hear about and from the award recipients, who bring dedication, creativity, and much-needed stubbornness to the cause of ensuring safe and healthy workplaces.
http://scienceblogs.com/thepumphandle/2011/11/congratulations_to_occupationa.php
