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Showing posts with label Occupational Health Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Occupational Health Safety. Show all posts
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Public Comment Sought on Draft Document for Workplace Tobacco Policies
NIOSH is seeking public comment on a draft Current Intelligence Bulletin,Promoting Health and Preventing Disease and Injury through Workplace Tobacco Policies. The public comment period is open for 30 days, closing on September 15. Occupational safety and health practitioners, healthcare professionals, and the general public are encouraged to review the document and provide comments. https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-19384.
Saturday, August 2, 2014
Beyond Crisis: Focusing On A Culture Of Workplace Safety Can Deliver Bottom Line Results
While the number of workplace accident rates is on the decline in the U.S., a number of high-profile and serious accidents in recent years has led to new safety processes. To create a healthier and safer workplace, UL, a global safety science leader, believes that organizations must establish a culture in which employees actively identify indicators of unsafe conditions, both through formal and informal processes before a crisis hits. In doing so, organizations can learn from safety-related failures, or events that point to the potential for major negative outcomes, and implement necessary changes. "The evolution of safety in the U.S. has a long and storied past with memorable tragic and catastrophic events. Each one provides a unique perspective for how we can prevent future events, if we take the time to learn from them," said Todd Hohn, UL's global workplace health and safety director. "However, we also believe learning happens through ongoing, day-to-day employee engagement in safety, not just when a crisis occurs." UL recently hosted a workplace health and safety roundtable in which a number of participants representing a cross-section of senior business executives, insurance and risk management professionals, occupational medicine physicians, university faculty members, research and other subject matter experts came together to discuss pressing issues in creating a workplace health and safety culture today. Some of the... |
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Thursday, July 17, 2014
National Prevention Council Annual Status Reports
Every year, the Council submits a report describing national progress in meeting specific prevention, health promotion, and public health goals defined in the National Prevention Strategy to the President and the relevant committees of Congress.National Prevention Council’s 2014 Annual Status ReportThe National Prevention Council’s 2014 Annual Status Report illustrates how Council departments are working across the federal government to incorporate health in diverse sectors like housing, transportation, and education to advance the Strategy and influence the health of individuals, families, and communities. In addition, the report highlights how partners across the country are advancing the National Prevention Strategy in organizations ranging from health care systems to workforce agencies and national foundations to local non-profits.Read the National Prevention Council 2014 Annual Status Report (PDF - 4.8 MB) The above file is currently undergoing remediation for compliance with Section 508. The remediation will be complete by July 31, 2014. In the interim, should you need accessibility assistance with the file, please contact the Office of the Surgeon General at Surgeon.General@hhs.gov. Previous Annual Status ReportsRead the National Prevention Council 2012 Annual Status Report (PDF - 490 KB)Read the National Prevention Council 2011 Annual... |
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Sunday, April 27, 2014
Presidential Proclamation -- Workers Memorial Day, 2014
WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY, 2014
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
America is built on the promise of opportunity. We believe that everyone should have a chance to succeed, that what matters is the strength of our work ethic, the scope of our dreams, and our willingness to take responsibility for ourselves and each other. Yet each year, workplace illness and injury threaten that promise for millions of Americans, and even more tragically, thousands die on the job. This is unacceptable. On Workers Memorial Day, we honor those we have lost, and in their memory, affirm everyone's right to a safe workplace.
With grit and determination, the American labor force has propelled our Nation through times of hardship and war, and it laid the foundation for tremendous economic growth. Workers risked life and limb to turn the gears of the Industrial Revolution, raise our first skyscrapers, and lay railroad track that connected our country from coast to coast. The injured, as well as families of the dead, received little or no compensation.
It was only after decades of organizing, unionizing, and public pressure that workers won many of the rights we take for granted today. Finally, with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Federal Government required employers to provide basic safety equipment. Just 1 year prior, the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act of 1969 established comprehensive safety and health standards for coal mines, increased Federal enforcement powers, and provided compensation to miners with black lung.
My Administration remains dedicated to building on this progress. We are improving standards to protect workers from black lung and reduce their exposure to dangerous substances. We are helping employers provide safe workplaces and holding those who risk workers' lives and health accountable. And we are empowering workers with information so they can stay safe on the job.
We must never accept that injury, illness, or death is the cost of doing business. Workers are the backbone of our economy, and no one's prosperity should come at the expense of their safety. Today, let us celebrate our workers by upholding their basic right to clock out and return home at the end of each shift.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 28, 2014, as Workers Memorial Day. I call upon all Americans to participate in ceremonies and activities in memory of those killed or injured due to unsafe working conditions.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-eighth.
BARACK OBAMA
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Milestone for Workers' Compensation
Today, marks a significant milestone for this blog. It has had over 250,000 page views. When I launched it about 4 years ago, I wasn't really sure how much interest readers would have in the developments and trends of a system that was almost a century old.
Community involvement has been very instrumental in making the effort successful. I am very grateful to our readers and the large number of outstanding guest bloggers who have contributed to reaching this milestone.
Our current analytics reflects that there is a strong interest in the health and safety of workers, and the benefit system know as workers' compensation. It exists every single jurisdiction in the nation, and around the globe. The spectrum of story interest is as widely diverse as the multitude of programs in existence.
It is very encouraging to know that the expanding readership base has a growing concern about worker's health and safety. Hopefully, as workers' compensation programs continue to mature and develop, there will also remain a strong desire to create a healthier work environment. Hopefully this blog can continue to provide a forum for creative ideas.
Community involvement has been very instrumental in making the effort successful. I am very grateful to our readers and the large number of outstanding guest bloggers who have contributed to reaching this milestone.
Our current analytics reflects that there is a strong interest in the health and safety of workers, and the benefit system know as workers' compensation. It exists every single jurisdiction in the nation, and around the globe. The spectrum of story interest is as widely diverse as the multitude of programs in existence.
It is very encouraging to know that the expanding readership base has a growing concern about worker's health and safety. Hopefully, as workers' compensation programs continue to mature and develop, there will also remain a strong desire to create a healthier work environment. Hopefully this blog can continue to provide a forum for creative ideas.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Compensabilty of Death By Overwork
Late in the 1970s, serious social concern over health problems due to long working hours has arisen in Japan. This report briefly summarizes the Japanese circumstances about long working hours and what the Government has achieved so far. The national statistics show that more than 6 million people worked for 60 h or more per week during years 2000 and 2004.
Approximately three hundred cases of brain and heart diseases were recognized as labour accidents resulting from overwork (Karoshi) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) between 2002 and 2005. Consequently, the MHLW has been working to establish a more appropriate compensation system for Karoshi, as well as preventive measures for overwork related health problems.
Approximately three hundred cases of brain and heart diseases were recognized as labour accidents resulting from overwork (Karoshi) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) between 2002 and 2005. Consequently, the MHLW has been working to establish a more appropriate compensation system for Karoshi, as well as preventive measures for overwork related health problems.
In 2001, the MHLW set the standards for clearly recognizing Karoshi in association with the amount of overtime working hours. These standards were based on the results of a literature review and medical examinations indicating a relationship between overwork and brain and heart diseases. In 2002, the MHLW launched the program for the prevention of health impairment due to overwork, and in 2005 the health guidance through an interview by a doctor for overworked workers has been enacted as law.
Long working hours are controversial issues because of conflicts between health, safety, work-life balance, and productivity. It is obvious that we need to continue research regarding the impact on worker health and the management of long working hours.
Health Problems due to Long Working Hours in Japan: Working Hours, Workers’ Compensation (Karoshi), and Preventive Measures Industrial Health 2006, 44, 537–540
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered work related accident and injuries.Related articles
- Worker at No. 1 nuke plant died from overwork (japantimes.co.jp)
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- Job Stress Doubles Depression Risk (abcnews.go.com)
- Changing the Fundamental Rules of Workers Compensation (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
Friday, February 17, 2012
NIOSH Acts To Prevent Lifting Injuries For Home Healthcare Workers
The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) has published educational information to prevent musculoskeletal injuries at work. Injuries caused by ergonomic factors have been a major issue of the Federal government for decades and have been the basis for repetitive trauma motion claims for workers' compensation benefits. While the Clinton-Democratic administration had advocated strongly for ergonomic regulations, the Bush-Republican administration took action to reject the reporting of ergonomic injuries to OSHA.
A work-related musculoskeletal disorder is an injury of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, bones, or blood vessels in the arms, legs, head, neck, or back that is caused or aggravated by work tasks such as lifting, pushing, and pulling. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling, numbness, and tingling.
Lifting and moving clients create a high risk for back injury and other musculoskeletal disorders for home healthcare workers.
Click here to read: How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (PDF - 802 KB)
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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Wednesday, February 15, 2012
NIOSH Alerts Home Healthcare Workers About Latex Allergies
NIOSH (The National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety) has published a booklet to educate Home Healthcare Workers about preventing latex allergies. Latex products are made from natural rubber, and sensitivity can develop after repeated exposure. Limiting exposure to latex can help prevent allergic reactions for both home healthcare workers and their clients.
Once Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) sensitivity occurs, allergic individuals continue to experience symptoms, which have included life-threatening reactions, not only on exposure to NRL in the workplace but also upon receiving or accompanying a family member receiving healthcare services at inpatient as well as office-based settings.
In September of 1997, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final rule requiring cautionary statements in the labeling of all medical devices that contain natural rubber likely to come in contact with humans. The rule provides that such products must contain the following cautionary statement in bold print: "Caution: This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions." Additionally, the FDA issued a final ruling that the labeling of medical devices that contain natural rubber, likely to come in contact with humans, shall not contain the term "hypoallergenic".
Over the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of workers' compensation claims filed against employers on behalf of individuals who have suffered latex allergic reactions. Scientists and government officials estimate that about 950,000 U.S. health care workers have developed an allergic sensitivity to latex.
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
- Nebraska Supreme Court finds nurse totally disabled due to latex glove exposure
- Defense Denied Medical Expert When Latex-Free Environment Not Guaranteed
- The Proof of Causation Continues As A Key Element in Latex Litigation Claims
- Nothing to Sneeze at: Growing Latex Allergies Lead to Use of Safer Products in Medical Field
- Latex Allergy Verdict $1 Million Upheld by Wisconsin Appellate Court
- Social Security Disability Benefits Awarded to Nurse Who Became Sensitized to Latex
- New Jersey Latex Victim Awarded Continued Medical Treatment
Monday, February 13, 2012
NIOSH To Review Underreporting of Occupartional Injuries and Illnesses by Workers
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has proposed a project to review the Underreporting of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses by Workers.
"In 2008, the Congressional Committee on Education and Labor released the report, “Hidden Tragedy: Underreporting of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” indicating “that work-related injuries and illnesses in the United States are chronically and even grossly underreported.” Based in part on the report's results, Congress allocated funds for NIOSH to conduct a follow-up study using NIOSH's occupational supplement to the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS-Work) to estimate underreporting among individuals who seek care at an emergency department (ED) for an occupational illness, injury, or exposure.
"Objectives for this project are to (1) assess the reporting behavior of workers that are injured, ill, or exposed to a harmful substance at work; (2) characterize the chronic aspects of work-related injuries or illnesses; and (3) estimate the prevalence of work-related chronic injuries and illnesses among United States workers treated in EDs. Particular attention will be paid to self-employed workers, workers with work-related illnesses, and workers with chronic health problems.
"Data collection for the telephone interview survey will be done via a questionnaire containing questions about the respondent's injury, illness, or exposure that sent them to the ED; the characteristics of the job they were working when they were injured, became ill, or were exposed; their experiences reporting their injury, illness, or exposure to the ED and their employer (if applicable); the presence of an underlying chronic condition that was associated with their ED visit; and the nature of any other work-related chronic conditions they have experienced. The questionnaire was designed to take 30 minutes to complete and includes a brief series of questions to screen out individuals who were not seen in the ED for a work-related injury, illness, or exposure; who are younger than age 20 or older than age 64; who do not speak English or Spanish; or who were working as volunteers or day laborers when the injury, illness, or exposure occurred or was made worse.
77 FR 6803 2/9/2012
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Monday, January 9, 2012
Hostess Fined $105,000
OSHA's inspection found an absence of guardrails to prevent workers from falling into and through hoppers; a locked emergency exit door and an exit route blocked by product racks; unguarded moving machine parts on a conveyor belt, band saw blade, drill press and other equipment; undocumented procedures to prevent the unintended activation of machinery during maintenance; and individuals working on live electrical equipment who were not familiar with the protective equipment needed for such work. These serious violations resulted in citations carrying $42,200 in fines. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
The recurring violations involve failing to guard chains and sprockets on a cake alignment conveyor and a packaging machine feeder, and provide personal protective equipment to safeguard employees against electrical shocks, arc flashes and arc blasts while working with live electrical parts. The citations carry $62,500 in fines. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. OSHA cited International Brands in 2010 for similar hazards at plants in Columbus, Ga., and Schiller Park, Ill.
The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/InterstateBrands_315672352_1222_11.pdf.*
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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- US Department of Labor continues to cite beauty salons and manufacturers for formaldehyde exposure from hair smoothing produc (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
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Tuesday, December 6, 2011
US Labor Department's MSHA cites corporate culture as root cause of Upper Big Branch Mine disaster
Solicitor of Labor M. Patricia Smith |
Massey issued 369 citations and orders with $10.8 million in civil penalties
ARLINGTON, Va. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration today announced that it has imposed a fine of $10,825,368, the largest in agency history, following its investigation into the April 2010 explosion at the Upper Big Branch-South Mine, which was operated by Performance Coal Co., a subsidiary of Massey Energy Co. The investigation followed an explosion that killed 29 miners and injured two of the worst U.S. coal mining disaster in 40 years. A report concludes that Massey's corporate culture was the root cause of the tragedy. MSHA has issued Massey and PCC 369 citations and orders, including for an unprecedented 21 flagrant violations, which carry the most serious civil penalties available under the law.
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, Solicitor of Labor M. Patricia Smith, MSHA Assistant Secretary Joseph A. Main and MSHA Administrator for Coal Kevin Stricklin met with families today to share the agency's findings.
"The tragic explosion at Upper Big Branch left dozens of families without husbands, fathers, brothers and sons," said Secretary Solis. "I made a pledge to the families of those we lost, and the entire mining community, to conduct the most complete and thorough investigation possible in order to find the cause of this disaster. The results of the investigation lead to the conclusion that PCC/Massey promoted and enforced a workplace culture that valued production over safety, and broke the law as they endangered the lives of their miners. By issuing the largest fine in MSHA's history, I hope to send a strong message that the safety of miners must come first."
The agency's presentation of findings follows a non-prosecution agreement reached today among the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, the U.S. Department of Justice, Alpha Natural Resources Inc. and Alpha Appalachia Holdings Inc., formerly known as Massey Energy Co. The agreement — which includes nearly $210 million for remedial safety measures at all Alpha mines, a trust fund for improvements in mine safety and health, payment of outstanding civil penalties for all former Massey mines and restitution payments for the victims' families — resolves criminal liability for Alpha but does not provide protection against criminal prosecution of any individuals.
"This agreement can go a long way toward changing a safety culture that was clearly broken at Massey's mines," said Secretary Solis. "Although this agreement is significant, it in no way absolves any individuals responsible for this terrible tragedy of their criminal liability. We will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that the responsible parties will be brought to justice."
MSHA concluded that the 29 miners died in a massive coal dust explosion that started as a methane ignition. While the investigation found the physical conditions that led to the coal dust explosion were the result of a series of basic safety violations at UBB, which PCC and Massey disregarded, the report cites unlawful policies and practices implemented by PCC and Massey as the root cause of the explosion: including the intimidation of miners, advance notice of inspections, and two sets of books with hazards recorded in UBB's internal production and maintenance book but not in the official examination book. The investigation found that the operator promoted and enforced a workplace culture that valued production over safety, including practices calculated to allow it to conduct mining operations in violation of the law.
"Every time Massey sent miners into the UBB Mine, Massey put those miners' lives at risk. Massey management created a culture of fear and intimidation in their miners to hide their reckless practices. Today's report brings to light the tragic consequences of a corporate culture that values production over people," said Main. "The secretary and I are committed to improving the health and safety of America's miners. To honor the memory of the lives lost at UBB, we will use the lessons learned from this terrible tragedy to fulfill that commitment."
MSHA issued PCC and Massey 12 citations and orders deemed contributory to the cause of the accident, and nine of those violations were assessed as flagrant, which carry the highest possible penalties. Violations include illegally providing advance notice to miners of MSHA inspections; failing to properly conduct required examinations; allowing hazardous levels of loose coal, coal dust and float coal dust to accumulate; failing to adequately apply rock dust to the mine; failing to adequately train miners; and failing to comply with approved ventilation plans and approved roof control plans. MSHA also issued 357 citations and orders to PCC and Massey that did not contribute directly to the explosion, including 11 assessed as flagrant. Additionally, MSHA issued two contributory and two non-contributory violations to David Stanley Consulting LLC — a contractor that supplied examiners and other miners to work at UBB — for its examiner's failure to properly conduct examinations. These violations carry penalties of $142,684.
MSHA conducted its investigation under the authority of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, which requires that authorized representatives of the secretary of labor carry out investigations in mines for the purpose of obtaining, utilizing and disseminating information relating to the causes of the accidents.
MSHA conducted the underground investigation in coordination with the West Virginia Office of Miners' Health Safety and Training, the Governor's Independent Investigative Panel and Massey Energy. The United Mine Workers of America participated in the investigation in its capacity as a representative of miners designated pursuant to the Mine Act, as did Moreland & Moreland l.c.
The accident investigation report, along with supplementary documents, is available on the agency's UBB single source page at http://www.msha.gov/PerformanceCoal/PerformanceCoal.asp.
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Friday, December 2, 2011
Winners - Safe Workplaces for Everyone photo contest
Aaron Sussell, Cincinatti Ohio
1st Place Winner of the Public Contest
"This is a great captured moment that tells the story of workplace safety. These men are perfectly covered up in hats to protect themselves from the sun. They are using proper tools and protecting themselves with gloves and foot coverings."
-- Kathleen Klech, Photography Director, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine and Photo Contest Judge
In celebration of its 40th anniversary, OSHA held the Picture It!: Safe Workplaces for Everyone photo contest. The contest challenged anyone with a passion for photography to capture an image of workplace safety and health and share it with OSHA. In response, OSHA received more than 300 submissions portraying a wide range of industries and activities.
At the same time, OSHA held a second contest challenging OSHA staff to submit their images of workplace safety and health.
More than 50 submissions were received for this internal contest.
Winners were selected by an expert panel of judges that included Earl Dotter, photojournalist; Carl Fillichio, the Department of Labor’s Senior Advisor for Communications and Public Affairs; Kathleen Klech, photography director for Condé Nast Traveler magazine; and Shawn Moore, the chief photographer for the Department of Labor. OSHA extends its thanks to these judges for their generosity and their critical expertise.
Roberto Carlos Vergara, Charlotte, North Carolina
2nd Place Winner of the Public Contest
Roberto Rodriguez, Mesquite, Texas
3rd Place Winner of the Public Contest
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.Related articles
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Changing the Fundamental Rules of Workers Compensation
The elimination of the principle of "no fault" from the workers' compensation system is the conclusion of study commission by Britain's Department of Work and Pensions. The report, to be released this week, is significant because the US system was modeled after the program adopted in Europe.
Read the article, "Workers 'should not be able to sue for accidents if it's their fault' (dailymail.co.uk)
Read the article, "Workers 'should not be able to sue for accidents if it's their fault' (dailymail.co.uk)
"Employees would lose the right to sue when they are are injured at work because of their own mistakes, under new health and safety reforms."
"In a review published next week there are calls for a 'rebalancing' of safety laws and a dramatic reduction in the number of rules in the workplace......" read more
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"In a review published next week there are calls for a 'rebalancing' of safety laws and a dramatic reduction in the number of rules in the workplace......" read more
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For over 3 decades the Law Offices of Jon L. Gelman 1.973.696.7900 jon@gelmans.com have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.
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Thursday, November 3, 2011
OSHA: Corporate Fraud Contributed To Nation's Economic Problems
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will publish interim final rules in the Nov. 3 Federal Register that revise the regulations governing whistleblower complaints filed under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The act protects employees of publicly traded companies and their subsidiaries, and of certain other employers, from retaliation for reporting mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, violations of SEC rules or regulations, or violations of any provision of federal law relating to fraud against shareholders. OSHA is requesting public comment on the interim final rule.
"Fraudulent practices by publicly held corporations have contributed to the economic difficulties currently facing our nation," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "The best way to prevent this from happening in the future is to ensure that workers feel free to blow the whistle on corrupt corporate practices without fear of retaliation, and OSHA is committed to protecting the rights of those workers to speak out."
The whistleblower protection provisions of SOX were amended by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 to clarify that subsidiaries of publicly traded companies are covered employers under the statute, and to add nationally recognized statistical rating organizations as covered employers. The 2010 amendments to SOX also extended the statute of limitations for filing a complaint from 90 to 180 days, among other changes. The new interim final rules implement these changes and aim to improve OSHA's procedures for handling complaints under SOX.
Among the changes to improve the complaint filing process, the revised rules will allow SOX complainants to file complaints orally and in any language, and enhance the sharing of information between parties throughout the investigation.
"The ability of workers to speak out and exercise their legal rights without fear of retaliation is crucial to many of the legal protections and safeguards that all Americans value," said Dr. Michaels. "In a continuing effort to improve the Whistleblower Protection Program and make the filing process easier, the rules have been updated to reflect the changes required by the statute."
The interim final rule can be viewed at http://s.dol.gov/JN. Comments, which must be received by Jan. 3, 2012, may be submitted electronically via the federal e-rulemaking portal at http://www.regulations.gov, or by mail or fax. Faxed submissions, including attachments, must not exceed 10 pages and should be sent to the OSHA Docket Office at 202-693-1648. Comments submitted by mail should be addressed to the OSHA Docket Office, Docket No. OSHA-2011-0126, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-2625, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210.
OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and 20 other statutes protecting employees who report reasonably perceived violations of various workplace, commercial motor vehicle, airline, nuclear, pipeline, environmental, railroad, public transportation, maritime, consumer product, health care reform, corporate securities, food safety and consumer financial reform regulations. Additional information is available at http://www.whistleblowers.gov.
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Friday, October 21, 2011
Deadly Delay: The Chemical Industry's Game Play
The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) is in desperate need of reform. Its weaknesses have allowed chemical companies to exploit the act by thwarting the EPA's attempts to finalize health assessments and delaying regulation of chemicals -- sometimes for decades. The chemical industry's roadblocks often follow predictable patterns:
- Attack early drafts of health assessments
- Force new reviews
- Hold workshops populated with industry-funded panelists
- Introduce new industry-funded studies when assessments are close to final
- Force more reviews
- Enlist elected officials to assist with political interference
- Attack new assessment drafts
This report details how the U.S. legal system and TSCA itself have helped the chemical industry to be effective in its efforts to delay regulations. Congress needs to reform TSCA to make it a more effective regulatory tool. The chemical industry should not be able to endlessly postpone regulatory decisions while profiting from unregulated chemical sales until all scientific controversies and uncertainties, large and small, have been eliminated. With good public policy, the EPA should be empowered to make the best decisions it can on a timely basis using existing information, and apply new science to update its evaluations as it becomes available.
Full Report: The Chemical Industry Delay Game : How the Chemical Industry Ducks Regulation of the Most Toxic Substances. By Jennifer Sass. October 2011Related articles
- Report - The Delay Game: How the Chemical Industry Ducks Regulation of the Most Toxic Substances (bespacific.com)
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- OSHA Cites Manufacturers and Distributors of Formaldehyde Hair Products (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- NIOS to Propose New Criteria for Diacetyl Exposure (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
- The Culture of Workers Compensation Needs to Change (workers-compensation.blogspot.com)
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