Occupational Safety & Health Reporter: Current Reports Index-Summary

SAFETY AND HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM (SHARP)

– Alternative criteria use for participation, pilot project for employers described in compliance directive, 61
– Haw., state official says participation up in 2007, 27

SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMS

– Alliances

See ALLIANCE PROGRAM, OSHA

– Economic value to drive corporate decisions, help U.S. economy, Foulke tells conference, 465
– Essential elements of workplace programs and policies for improving well-being, NIOSH seeks comments on draft document, 108
– Job safety outlook, 2008, SplRpt (1/10/08)
– Partnerships with OSHA

See OSHA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS (OSPs)

– Spanish language soap operas, NIOSH and others introduce story line on construction safety, 278
– Voluntary protection program

See VOLUNTARY PROTECTION PROGRAM

SAFETY, HEALTH AND RETURN TO EMPLOYMENT (SHARE) INITIATIVE

– FACOSH April meeting, In Brief, 259

SALARIES

See WAGES AND SALARIES

SAWS

– Table saws, video club shop fined for alleged violations at Ill. facility, 496

SCAFFOLDS

– Alliance agreement, In Brief, 186
– Bridge painting, guarding citations barred due to pending citations from previous inspection (6th Cir.), 693
– Contractor faces fine for violations at Ontario townhouse project, 854
– Framing company faces fine for alleged violations at Tex. sites, 545
– Hazard assessment for fall protection not provided, Canadian construction firm fined, In Brief, 89
– Masonry companies

– – Herrera's Constr. faces fines for alleged violations, 145
– – Metroplex Masonry faces fines for alleged violations, 106

– Mast climbing platform scaffolds, new standard needed, training lacking, ACCSH told, 732
– New York labor law

– – Sidewalk bridge wall gave way, Ecuadorian worker granted summary judgment (S.D.N.Y.), 820
– – Slip and fall on icy roof, law not applicable (N.Y. App. Div.), 31

– Roofing, Mass. contractor faces fines for alleged violations, 447

SCHOOLS

See EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

SCIENCE POLICY

– OSHA media and public information policies, scientists' group gives agency failing grade, 833; DOL defends policies, 853

SECURITY GUARDS

See also LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
– Bloodborne pathogens, failure to provide medical follow-up serious violation (2d Cir.), 838
– Emergencies involving hazardous substance releases, OSHA handbook, 46
– Shooting spree at DaimlerChrysler, jurisdictional issue reverses dismissal of claims (6th Cir.), 302

SETTLEMENTS

– Alarm violations alleged at Wis. oil refinery, firm agrees to pay fines, 165
– Asbestos

– – Release agreement bars claims arising from exposure occurring prior to signing (Tenn. Ct. App.), 229
– – W.R. Grace proposes agreement to settle all current and future litigation claims (Bankr. D. Del.), 285

– CSX Transp. pays fines for 141 violations after settlement conference, 28
– Entering OSHA agreement does not breach stock purchase agreement (D. Me.), 838
– Fall injuries end career of ironworker, project contractor agrees to pay $2.5M (Ill. Cir. Ct.), 79
– Highway construction flagger's leg severed by concrete cutting machine, judge approves $12.1M settlement (Ill. Cir. Ct.), 165
– OSHRC, high rate at ALJ level reason for low decision numbers, Thompson says, 354
– Process safety violations, Citgo Petroleum agrees to pay fines and takes corrective actions, 107
– Whistleblowers, UPS pays former mechanic after OSHA finds merit in complaints, 239

See SAFETY, HEALTH AND RETURN TO EMPLOYMENT (SHARE) INITIATIVE

SHARP

See SAFETY AND HEALTH ACHIEVEMENT RECOGNITION PROGRAM (SHARP)

SHIPS AND SHIPPING

– Asbestos, Spanish nationals allege exposure on U.S. naval warships, forum appropriate (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.), 454
– Ferox exposure as cause of bladder cancer, captain's suit dismissed due to insufficient causative link (E.D. La.), 550
– Focused inspections, OSHA directive expands coverage to include building and repair industry, 143; directive withdrawn from web site, 167; directive withdrawn, 273
– Norwegian Cruise Line pleads guilty, pays $14M for fatal boiler explosion (S.D. Fla.), 423

SHIPYARDS

– Asbestos exposure product liability claim, applicability of maritime law or Va. law (U.S., rev sought), 15
– Confined spaces and dangerous atmospheres, paperwork requirements, In Brief, 147
– Ergonomics guidelines, OSHA releases, 197
– Fall from ladder fatal, no negligence proven in barge renovation accident (E.D.N.Y.), 778
– General working conditions, OSHA proposes rule revisions, 5; OSHA announces public hearings, 534
– Information collection requirements, OSHA seeks comments, In Brief, 628
– Regulatory status chart, BNA Graphic, 365
– Targeted inspection uncovers 43 alleged serious violations at Conn. site, 836

SHORING

See TRENCHING AND SHORING

SICK BUILDING SYNDROME

– Ozone outdoor levels linked to office worker ailments, studies find, 86

SILICA (7631-86-9)

– Crystalline silica

– – Alliance renewal, In Brief, 646
– – National emphasis program, compliance directive to reduce exposure, 82
– – Piano plate grinding, OSHA proposes fine for worker overexposure, 626
– – Regulatory agenda

– – – MSHA publishes semiannual list, 353
– – – OSHA publishes semiannual list, 353

– – Regulatory status chart, BNA Graphic, 365
– – Respirators, NIOSH recommends minimum airborne exposure limit, 641

SILICOSIS

– Mortality rate decreased over 40 years, targeted programs still needed, NIOSH says, 583

SITE-SPECIFIC TARGETING PROGRAM

See generally INSPECTIONS AND INVESTIGATIONS

SKIN ABSORPTION

See DERMAL ABSORPTION

SKIN CONDITIONS

– Portland cement, OSHA issues guidance to protect workers, 164

SKYLIGHTS

– Fall fatal, Ill. roofing firm faces fines for alleged willful violations, 276
– Manufacturer claims OSHA fall protection compliance, standard interpretation letter, 59

SLINGS

– Information collection requirements, OSHA seeks comments, In Brief, 517

SMALL BUSINESSES

– Compliance assistance, partnership programs yield cost-effective worker safety solutions, panel says, 769
– Houston-OSHA alliance to enhance safety for small construction contractors, 731
– Mich. draft ergonomics rule, businesses call for new proposal process, 688
– Top 10 rules for review and reform, Advocacy Office publishes 2008 list, 185
– Web site, OSHA upgrades, In Brief, 129

SMOKING

– Asbestos exposure contributing factor in lung cancer, death benefits for utility worker improperly denied (N.D.), 340
– Construction, demolition, and abatement projects, mayor issues report strengthening New York City prohibitions, 584
– Public health, smoke-free policies fulfill goal, study finds, 533
– State laws regulating private workplaces increased significantly since 2004, increasing protection of nonsmokers, CDC finds, 420

SODIUM DICHROMATE (7789-12-0)

– Iraqi water treatment plant repairs, Army reviews allegations of exposure, 819

SOIL CONTAMINATION

– Coal tar removal, environmental remediation company faces fines, 201

SOLID WASTE

– Recycling, small business Advocacy Office publishes top 10 rules for review and reform, 185
– Teamsters report highlights safety issues for trash collectors, 240

SOUTH CAROLINA

– Chlorine release, DOJ files suit against Norfolk S. Ry. (D.S.C.), 360
– Hispanic fatality rate highest in country, study finds, 466
– Sofa store fire fatalities due to code violations, poor firefighter training, report finds, 401
– Staffing benchmarks, regulatory status chart, BNA Graphic, 365

SPAIN

– Asbestos, nationals allege exposure on U.S. naval warships, forum appropriate (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.), 454
– Social Security obligations reduction, government rewards employers' extra workplace safety efforts, 186

SPECIAL REPORTS

– 2008 job safety outlook, S–5 et seq.

SPORTS INDUSTRY

– Workers' compensation, certified athletic trainer protected from malpractice claim filed by pro basketball player (Ga. Ct. App.), 243

STAA

See SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE ACT (STAA)

STAIRS AND STAIRWAYS

– Dairy's knowledge of loose stairs does not constitute intentional wrong under exception to workers' compensation exclusivity (N.J. Super. Ct. App. Div.), 500

STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

– Health care workers screening needed to reduce transmission of MRSA, 295
– Methicillin resistant strain, nurse's lawsuit over concealment at county jail dismissed (E.D. Mich.), 170

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

– Job safety outlook, 2008, SplRpt (1/10/08)

STATE PLANS

See also specific states
– Grants, OSHA publishes FY2009 instructional directive, 356
– Multiemployer citation policies open to challenge after Summit Contractors decision, Am. Bar Ass'n committee meeting, 210

STATISTICS

– Enforcement, consultation, and cooperative program data, job safety outlook, 2008, SplRpt (1/10/08)
– Fatalities

– – Alberta number increases in 2007 while injury rate decreases, 318
– – Classification system revision, comments sought, 165
– – Construction industry causes in 2006 similar to those in 2005, study finds, 564
– – Cranes

– – – AFL-CIO research group says average 22 per year, 493
– – – BLS issues 2006 data, 621

– – Firefighter deaths, Fire Admin. provisional report for 2007, 27; deaths rose, heart attacks leading cause, report finds, 643
– – Fishing, West Coast operations more dangerous than in Alaska, CDC reports, 335
– – Hispanic rate high due to job, training, and communication risks, study finds, 466
– – Job safety outlook, 2008, SplRpt (1/10/08)
– – Oil and gas extraction, incidents related to increases in drilling activity, CDC reports, 335
– – OSHA reports fewer injuries in first half FY2008 than last year, 447
– – Silicosis deaths decreased over 40 years, targeted programs still needed, NIOSH says, 583
– – 2006

– – – AFL-CIO report cites increase in deaths among Hispanics, 334
– – – BLS final tally increases to 5,840 workplace deaths, 313

– – 2007, BLS data show decline despite increase in fatal falls, 660
– – Va. reports decrease in 2007, 836

– Injuries and illnesses

– – Accuracy of data, BLS outlines improvement effort, 702
– – Alberta rate declines in 2007 while number of fatalities increases, 318
– – Cal., 2007 cases decline slightly from 2006, state reports, 849
– – Canada, study finds immigrant rate double that of native-born workers, 709
– – Classification system revision, comments sought, 165
– – Construction Chart Book, 4th edition discussed at conference, 153; online availability, In Brief, 280
– – Costs, witness at House subcommittee hearing says large portion paid by society, 141
– – Firefighter injuries in 2004, Fire Admin. report, 183
– – Job safety outlook, 2008, SplRpt (1/10/08)
– – Manitoba lost-time injury rate drops 25 percent below 2000 level, Allan says, 318
– – OSHA reports fewer injuries in first half FY2008 than last year, 447
– – Survey finds 28 percent of adults claim workplace injury, 513
– – 2007 cases decline from 2006, BLS reports, 849
– – Underreporting, Murray (D-Wash), Kennedy (D-Mass) seek GAO investigation, 314; witnesses tell House panel official measurement misses many incidents, 512

– Pipeline safety, missing, inadequate training cited for 2006 Canadian accident increase, 548

STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS

– Cumulative injury, cause of action date accrual rule under FELA (U.S., rev sought), 228
– Latent injury, time limit begins when symptoms appear and physician advises not to use workplace chemicals, not official diagnosis (Tex. App. Ct.), 475
– Toxic torts, date of last exposure rule to determine when cause of action accrues overruled (Ala.), 90

STATUTES OF REPOSE

– Asbestos exposure during boiler installation in Okla., Cal. court to review choice of law case (Cal.), 476

STEEL ERECTION

– Fall protection willful violation on high school gym project, OSHRC decision affirmed (3d Cir.), 65
– Information collection requirements, OSHA seeks comments, In Brief, 339
– Paperwork requirements extension, In Brief, 147

STEEL INDUSTRY

See IRON AND STEEL INDUSTRY

STRESS

– Emotional distress

See EMOTIONAL DISTRESS

– European Union, report on psychosocial risks in workplace, 109
– Heart disease, British research identifies links, 87
– Heat stress

See HEAT STRESS

– Hospitals, NIOSH report says reorganization, worker stress management best reduction methods, 640
– Minority workers, NIOSH seeks comments on proposed study, 108
– Overtime work associated with anxiety, depression, study finds, 516
– Work, Stress, and Health 2008 Conference

– – Heart disease

– – – Artery calcification and high job stress, study presented, 200
– – – Most stressful job in worker's career linked to risk, study presented, 200

– – Reduction through work organization improvement, 201

SUBCONTRACTORS

See generally CONTRACTS AND CONTRACTORS

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

– Miners, rulemaking

– – MSHA announces hearing on proposed rulemaking, 773; industry, labor representatives criticize proposal, 816; miners cite privacy, retaliation concerns at hearing, 852
– – Regulatory agenda, MSHA publishes semiannual list, 353
– – Regulatory status chart, BNA Graphic, 365

– N.M. governor issues order following alcohol-related worker death, 353
– Non-CDL vehicle drivers, safety council advocates second-level tests to rule out false positive results, 830
– Transportation workers, DOT test rule requires observation of urination for workers previously testing positive, 623
– Truck drivers

– – Delivery service driver fired for positive test cannot sue under Okla. law for alleged procedural requirement violations (10th Cir.), 535
– – Job-hopping rampant to avoid drug detection, GAO reports, 622
– – Test results, Oberstar (D-Minn), Mica (R-Fla) plan bill to create national database, 420

SULFUR DIOXIDE (7446-09-5)

– ExxonMobil partially responsible for release injuring worker, verdict reinstatement (La.), 424

SUPREME COURT, U.S.

– Asbestos exposure

– – FELA or LBIA do not preempt state filing requirements (rev sought), 342; justices seek Solicitor General's views on review, 518
– – Product liability claim of shipyard worker, applicability of maritime law or Va. law (rev sought), 15

– Causation standard must be same for railroad and employee negligence in Mo. FELA cases, damages award upheld (Mo.), 244
– Cumulative injury, cause of action date accrual rule under FELA (rev sought), 228
– Landfill explosion, suit alleging worker death due to stifling of free speech dismissed (rev sought), 692; (rev den), 813
– Plea agreement re BP Prods. N. Am. 2005 refinery explosion and fire, district court ordered to stop action (application for stay), 535
– Preemption, mine operators did not exercise sufficient control over independent contractor's employee under Tex. law (rev sought), 798

SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE ACT (STAA)

– Whistleblower protections, UPS settles after OSHA finds merit in former mechanic's complaints, 239

SURVEILLANCE

See MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE

SURVEYS

– Fishermen, NIOSH seeks information on flotation device use, preference, 405
– Health care workers, NIOSH seeks comments on proposal, 276
– Hours-of-service rules impact on trucker fatigue, In Brief, 242
– Injuries, 28 percent of adults claim workplace injury, 513
– Nanomaterials handling, findings on workplace safety measures, 258
– Nurses cite workplace safety, needlesticks as major concerns, 530
– REACH system, awareness low in many companies, 223