Tag

Occupational Safety And Health Administration Osha

All articles tagged with #occupational safety and health administration osha

technology2 years ago

"SpaceX Safety Concerns: Elon Musk's Dislike of Bright Colors Puts Workers at Risk"

A Reuters investigation has revealed a "lax" safety culture at SpaceX, with concerns raised by current and former employees. CEO Elon Musk's dislike of bright colors has reportedly led to safety issues, as workers were discouraged from wearing safety vests and certain machines were painted black or blue instead of industrial safety yellow. The investigation also found that areas of danger were not properly cordoned off, leading to injuries. Since 2014, there have been at least 600 injuries, including nine head injuries, at SpaceX. The relaxed safety culture is attributed in part to Musk's obsession with reaching Mars.

technology2 years ago

"Rising Worker Injuries at SpaceX Amid Elon Musk's Mars Mission Push"

An investigation by Reuters has revealed that worker injuries at Elon Musk's SpaceX have been on the rise as the company rushes to meet aggressive deadlines for space missions. The report documents at least 600 injuries since 2014, including serious and disabling cases such as head injuries, broken bones, burns, and amputations. Current and former employees attribute the high injury rates to a chaotic workplace culture where safety procedures are routinely skipped and workers are under-trained and overworked. SpaceX has been cited by regulators for safety violations, but fines have been relatively small. The company's lax safety culture is said to stem from Musk's focus on the urgent mission to create a refuge in space.

business2 years ago

"Bargain Stores Dollar Tree and Family Dollar Commit to Enhancing Worker Safety"

Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, operated by Dollar Tree Inc., have reached a settlement with U.S. regulators to improve worker safety at their bargain stores across the country. The agreement requires the chains to identify and address the root causes of safety violations within two years. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued 403 violations at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores since 2017, resulting in over $13.1 million in fines. The settlement also includes a 24-hour safety hotline and anti-retaliation protections for workers. Failure to correct hazards promptly can result in hefty fines and further enforcement from OSHA. Dollar Tree Inc. operates over 16,000 stores and employs more than 193,000 people.

labor-and-workplace-safety2 years ago

"Democrats Push for Stronger Heat Safety Measures to Protect Workers"

Congressional Democrats have introduced a bill in the House and Senate that would require the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to adopt an interim heat standard for workplace safety. The proposed legislation aims to address the health risks of extreme heat faced by workers, as heat alerts cover over 100 million people nationwide. President Joe Biden has also taken actions to crack down on heat-safety violations and invest in weather forecasting and water storage. OSHA is currently developing a heat standard, but the proposed bill would expedite the process and require an interim standard to be finalized within a year of passage. Advocates hope the bill can be passed in time to take effect by next summer.

workplace-safety2 years ago

Tragic Teen Worker Fatality at Mar-Jac Poultry Plant in Mississippi

A 16-year-old boy died while working at a Mar-Jac Poultry plant in Mississippi, marking the third death at the facility since 2020. The details surrounding the incident remain unclear, and authorities are investigating the matter. It is illegal for minors to work in hazardous occupations, including meat processing, raising questions about the nature of the teen's work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division have launched investigations at the plant.

labor-rights2 years ago

"Insufficient Legal Safeguards for Workers in Extreme Heat Conditions"

Most U.S. workers have few legal protections related to extreme heat conditions, leaving them vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Only six states have regulations guaranteeing laborers access to water, rest, and shade. The federal government is in the process of drafting heat safety rules, but it is a lengthy process. Recent climate studies show that Earth is experiencing record-high temperatures, exacerbating the risks faced by workers. The consequences of heat illness can be deadly, and heat-related deaths are often undercounted. The lack of specific guidelines makes it difficult for regulators to hold employers accountable for heat injuries. State legislatures or labor departments are left to issue their own workplace heat protections, but many states have yet to implement comprehensive measures.

tragedy2 years ago

Tragic Electrocution at NASCAR Street Race Leaves Family Seeking Answers

A beloved audio specialist, Duane Tabinski, was electrocuted and killed while working at a NASCAR street race in Chicago. His family is still searching for answers as to how the accident occurred. Duane's wife remembers his last moments, where he was excited to see his creation in action. The loss has left a void in the hearts of his family, who are seeking answers to prevent similar incidents in the future.

business2 years ago

Hostess fined $298k for worker's severed fingertip.

Hostess Brands, the maker of Twinkies, is facing a fine of nearly $300,000 after a worker lost their fingertip while working at a facility in Chicago. The US Department of Labor blamed the company for the incident, accusing it of failing to provide proper safety procedures and training. The company has been accused of seven violations of federal safety standards and has the option to contest the allegations. Hostess Brands employs about 3,000 people and reported revenues of more than $345 million in the first quarter of 2023.