President Barack Obama proposed cutting the Labor Department’s budget 5.4 percent to $12.8 billion, cutting some job creation programs deemed redundant and adding support for mine safety and worker protection efforts.
The new federal food safety law has gotten plenty of attention for provisions that aim to protect the public from foodborne illnesses. But a little-noticed section of the law that is supposed to protect workers at food companies who blow the whistle on their employers may — if it is effectively enforced — also prove to be significant for consumers.
The implementation of basic safety and health protections for flight attendants is being threatened by a discriminatory move in the U.S. Senate that would block safety and health provisions for aircraft cabins and in turn jeopardize the safety of the traveling public. A newly introduced amendment by Senator Rand Paul (KY) would eliminate Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) coverage for flight attendants and other aircrew workers from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill being debated in the Senate.
When the West Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1987, the goal was to give state employees “a safe and healthful work environment free from recognized and avoidable hazards.” There is only one problem: West Virginia OSHA only exists on paper; it has never been funded by any governor or the West Virginia Legislature.
For the first time, the federal government will release state-level, incident-specific data regarding workplace deaths. The data, requested by Wyoming’s occupational epidemiologist, Tim Ryan, will help explain why Wyoming is one of the deadliest states in which to work.
In an unusual scenario that raises questions of conflict of interest, a company that conducts research on behalf of the pesticide industry has paid a U.S. government agency to help prove some controversial chemicals are safe.
It is anticipated that an Orlando Judge will be asked to sign a “Protective Order” for an upcoming SeaWorld vs. OSHA hearing, effectively sealing off the details of this high profile case forever. SeaWorld is contesting OSHA citations issued in August, including a finding for the “Willful” act of knowingly placing its employees at risk, following an investigation into the tragic death of killer whale trainer Dawn Brancheau.
Allegheny County Council appears poised to weigh in this week on a long-standing dispute between owners of a steel-fabricating plant in Rankin and a labor and community coalition that claims the company mistreats its workers. Council is scheduled to consider a resolution Tuesday night that states that W&K Steel operates a “sweatshop” and recommend that the county do no future business with the firm.
First Vinnie in September, then Len in October. In November, Larry. Beginning of January, Dave. Two weeks ago, Joe almost joined them. There is a common tie that binds most of them — Len, Larry, Dave and Joe all fought one of North America’s worst-ever industrial fires. Plastimet.
The Bridgeport Fire Department has been charged with five serious state safety violations in the July 24 blaze that killed two firefighters. The Connecticut Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health found the department did not perform tests on the firefighters’ breathing gas tanks, failed to conduct medical evaluations and ensure air masks fit properly, did not ensure firefighters wore breathing equipment inside the burning building and failed to follow “mayday” rescue procedures.
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