occupational health and safety News

Workplace Deaths Double in West Virginia

Fatal on-the-job incidents in West Virginia more than doubled in 2010 compared to the previous year. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics said 95 workers were killed in workplace incidents, up from 41 in 2009. It’s the highest total since …

Safety Group Says Conn. Blast Shows Need for ‘Gas Blow’ Rule

A national safety group is urging states and regulators to adopt new standards that would ban a pipe-cleaning practice blamed for a 2010 Connecticut power plant explosion that killed six workers. The National Fire Protection Association’s new standard, published a …

Workplace Fatalities Decline in Virginia

The number of workplace fatalities in Virginia last year fell to the lowest level since the state began reporting such data in 1992. The number of fatalities fell to 104 from 119 in 2009. The state Department of Labor and …

Florida’s SeaWorld Fights OSHA Findings in Trainer’s Death

SeaWorld Orlando is fighting $75,000 in penalties from a federal job safety agency following last year’s death of a trainer who was grabbed by a killer whale and dragged under water. A hearing was held for yesterday before an administrative …

North Carolina Defends Workplace Safety Record as Inspections Drop

Twenty years after the worst industrial accident in North Carolina history, there are signs that progress in worker safety made after the deaths of 25 people in a chicken plant fire is beginning to wane. The Charlotte Observer reported Sunday …

Mining Rule on Coal Dust Becomes Permanent

Federal regulators are making permanent an emergency rule implemented last year requiring underground mines to do more to control explosive coal dust. The Mine Safety and Health Administration announced the final rule this past Monday. The rule was issued last …

Alabama Lumber Company Faces $2 Million in OSHA Fines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is issuing 13 citations and $1,939,000 in fines to a Phenix City, Alabama lumber yard for 24 safety violations, including exposing employees to amputation and fall hazards. OSHA said it inspected the worksite after …

Black Lung Disease Rising Again Among U.S. Miners

Black lung disease, long a killer of coal miners, is on the rise again after retreating in the 30 years since Congress passed tougher mine safety laws, health and safety experts said Friday. The renewed appearance of the disease emerged …