The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited U.S. Minerals LLC with willfully exposing its workers to dangerously high levels of hazardous dust, and not providing adequate breathing protection and training for workers at its facility in Coffeen, Ill. The company, headquartered in Dyer, Ind., has been issued a total of 28 health and safety citations with proposed penalties of $396,000. “U.S. Minerals has severely jeopardized the health and safety of its workers by exposing them to extremely high levels of hazardous dust and other...

Confined space rescue training is required by anyone working in a small area, such as an underground tank, or in a space that is accessed by a small area, like a sewer or pipe. Workers in these situations need to learn how to work safely in these situations, how to identify dangers, and how to rescue others in an emergency. These small areas, which are often underground, pose several risks for workers. For a confined space rescue team, training is the only way to prepare for these types of situations. Equipment A rescue team needs to be familiar with special equipment designed ...

Some may say OSHA can be a pain, but look at these photos and see what we do not do anymore. Yes, there was a time this would be common place right here in America. Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook share via Reddit Share with Stumblers Tweet about it Subscribe to the comments on this post

Tripods or quad pods are inherently unstable when used in most rescue situations, unless the load is directly beneath the anchorage points, they will have a tendency to topple over. I insist that all are properly-stabilized and secured down. The natural choice of tool for this task would be ratchet straps, in their small sizes 1”/25 mm, they are invaluable. Caution should be exercised; the aim should be to eliminate undesirable movement, not to over-tighten the straps, as this would place an undesirable load on the legs. Where possible keep the straps in line with the legs...

MUNCIE – Indiana’s Star Press reports that two Liberty Township volunteer firefighters injured in a May confined space rescue attempt violated OSHA regulations. On May 26, firefighters Rick Compton and Brian Buck arrived in their personal vehicles at the scene of plumber and his assistant overcome in the bottom of a 12-foot deep hole. Both Compton and Buck entered the hole without any personal protective equipment and were rendered unconscious due to fumes from a chemical being used to clear a drain. When properly equipped firefighters from Liberty Township arrived, as well as...