Get the latest safety news, including safety violations, here. Learn why an employer was sued by the U.S. Department of Labor and read about companies fined for jeopardizing worker safety.
Employer Sued After Employee Files OSHA Complaint
A West Springfield, Mass. employer was sued by the U.S. Department of Labor after allegedly firing a worker for filing a safety complaint.
The employee informed OSHA about safety and health hazards in the basement of the workplace, identifying those hazards as asbestos, mold and rodents. After questioning the employee about the complaint, the employer fired the worker. The fired worker then filed a whistleblower complaint with OSHA.
The Department of Labor lawsuit seeks payment of more than $20,000 in lost employee wages, as well as interest. The lawsuit also seeks payment of compensatory and/or punitive damages and the posting of a nondiscrimination notice.
For more information about the OSHA Whistleblower Protection Program, click here.
AFL-CIO Report Summarizes Incidence of Workplace Injury and Disease
A new AFL-CIO report reveals that more than 4,600 workers were killed in 2012 in the U.S. as a result of workplace injuries. Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect noted a death toll of 4,628. The highest fatality rates were in North Dakota, Wyoming, Alaska, West Virginia and Montana. The lowest were in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Washington. For more report data, click here.
Contractor, Manufacturer Cited for Safety Violations
OSHA cited a Stamford, Conn.-based contractor after a site inspection revealed many workplace safety hazards. The contractor faces $140,000 in fines for two willful violations related to fall hazards. In addition, 12 serious violations, totaling $56,000 in fines, were the result of many hazards. Those included failing to provide workers with proper training, respiratory protection and protective clothing. Among other hazards included inadequate fall and fire protection. Read more about the violations here.
A Salisbury, Mass.-based manufacturer faces proposed fines of $93,200 because of two repeat and seven serious OSHA violations. An OSHA inspection revealed that the company did not provide proper worker training on lockout/tagout procedures. Other noted hazards were a defective power cord, unguarded machinery and obstructed exit access. Learn more about the violations here.