Labor & Employment

OSHA Fines Grain Company $276,407 for Safety Violations After Worker Injury

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued citations and proposed $276,407 in penalties to Alliance Grain Co. in Gibson City, Illinois. The citations stem from an inspection following a serious injury to a seasonal laborer, revealing violations related to machine guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and grain bin entry safety.

OSHA Cites Florida Contractor $28,135 for Serious Violations After Fatality

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Hyvac Inc., a Florida contractor, for two serious violations after a worker fatality. The agency proposed $28,135 in penalties for exposing workers to struck-by hazards.

OSHA cites contractor after worker exposure to toxic chemicals

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited PCE Petroleum Contractors Enterprises Inc. for 12 serious violations after a worker was fatally exposed to benzene and toluene. The agency proposed $60,242 in penalties.

Labor Department: Union Pacific Railroad wrongly terminated employee

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA found Union Pacific Railroad violated the Federal Railroad Safety Act by terminating an employee after they reported a work-related injury. OSHA ordered the company to reinstate the employee and pay over $315,000 in damages.

OSHA cites Adonel Concrete $58,604 for 9 serious violations after fatal injury

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Adonel Concrete Corp. for nine serious violations following a fatal injury to an employee. The company faces $58,604 in penalties for inadequate machine guarding and other safety failures.

OSHA Interpretation on Respirator Medical Evaluations

OSHA has issued an interpretation clarifying its Respiratory Protection standard (29 CFR § 1910.134) regarding medical evaluations for respirator use. This interpretation addresses the extent of information employers must provide to healthcare professionals and the scope of the PLHCP's evaluation concerning an employee's ability to perform job tasks safely while using a respirator.

OSHA Guidance on Recordability of Lithium-Ion Battery Injuries

OSHA issued guidance clarifying that workplace injuries resulting from employees improperly carrying personal rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (e.g., in e-cigarettes) are considered work-related and must be recorded under OSHA's recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR Part 1904). The guidance addresses a specific scenario involving unprotected batteries sparking in a pocket.

OSHA Clarifies Lead Contamination on Surfaces

OSHA has issued a clarification regarding the interpretation of "as free as practicable" for lead contamination on surfaces in its lead standard for construction. This guidance addresses employer responsibilities for maintaining clean work areas and lunchroom facilities to minimize lead exposure.

OSHA Interim Enforcement Guidance on Handrail and Stair Rail Systems

OSHA has issued interim enforcement guidance regarding handrail and stair rail system requirements under 29 CFR 1910.28(b) and 1910.29(f). This guidance provides a temporary compliance path for employers until a final rule is issued, addressing a formatting error in Table D-2 of the 2016 Walking-Working Surfaces final rule.

Texas Workforce Commission Launches Streamlined State Application

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a new, streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. This initiative, announced by Governor Greg Abbott, aims to simplify the application process for job seekers and employers.