OSHA NEWS January 2025

OSHA News for Jan 2025 Hello, January was a month of legal and certification training. I spent a lovely cold week with the AGC teaching ASP and SMS prep classes. I had two depositions, one was premise liability where falling stock hit a customer, and the other was 8 lawyer deposition, where a worker was crippled when falling out of an aerial lift without a harness. Many directives are coming for the new team. Most won’t affect OSHA. OSHA and other agencies to return to the office full time. • Scott Ketcham will serve as deputy assistant secretary for OSHA, the US Department of Labor • Erin Gilmore succeeds Ketcham as director of the Directorate of Enforcement Programs, taking on the role in an acting capacity. Most recently, she had served as the directorate’s deputy director. Effective Jan. 15, 2025, the serious penalty max will be $16,550 per violation (up from $16,131 in 2024). Repeat and Willful get similar adjustments ($165,514 up from $161,323). In 2022, 44 workers died in confined spaces, marking a 41% increase from a decade earlier. Not much current data. I only found 9 deaths in 2024. This Month's Powerpoint: Machine Guarding. I had sent this out 10 years ago. 14 people passed the Certification exams. Historic $5.7M Settlement for Union Bricklayer After Ladder Fall A 45-year-old union journeyman bricklayer suffered a devastating fall while installing anchor bolts on a 14-foot masonry wall at O’Hare Airport on December 31, 2018. Initially assisted by a spotter in the morning, he was later instructed to work alone without fall protection or ladder stability equipment. The ladder slipped, causing him to fall 10 feet and sustain severe injuries, including a torn labrum, two surgeries, a total hip replacement, and future revisions due to his young age. Despite the defendants attempting to deflect blame, the worker’s injuries and projected future wage losses of $800,000 to $1.6 million solidified the case. The settlement included $3.9 million from the general contractor and a historic $1.8 million from the safety subcontractor—the largest safety subcontractor settlement in history. This case, in which I served as the expert witness, is making waves throughout the safety community. Don’t forget to post the OSHA 300A and send in the injury data to OSHA if required. John OSHA News Update – January 2025 Here’s the latest OSHA news and updates for January 2025. Stay informed about new developments, enforcement actions, and workplace safety initiatives. 1. New Guidance on Confined Spaces OSHA released an updated Confined Space Entry Guide aimed at helping employers and workers identify and control hazards associated with confined spaces. The guide emphasizes the importance of atmospheric testing, proper ventilation, and emergency rescue planning. Read More: OSHA.gov - Confined Spaces 2. Roofing Contractor Fined $298K for Fall Hazards OSHA cited Midwest Roofing Systems after investigators observed employees working at heights without fall protection in Kansas City. The contractor has faced repeated violations over the last five years. Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in construction. Read More: OSHA Enforcement Updates 3. New Recordkeeping Rule Finalized OSHA announced its final rule requiring electronic submission of injury and illness records from high-hazard industries. This rule aims to increase transparency and improve workplace safety analytics. Compliance Deadline: July 1, 2025. Read More: OSHA Rulemaking 4. Repeat Offender Fined $275K for Safety Violations OSHA issued $275,000 in fines to South Coast Scaffold Co. for failing to provide fall protection and misusing scaffolding. This marks the company’s third citation in two years for exposing workers to serious risks. Read More: Industry News 5. Meatpacking Facility Cited for $210K in Violations Following a worker injury from an unguarded machine, OSHA cited AgriPack Solutions for 3 willful violations and 4 serious violations related to inadequate machine guarding and improper lockout/tagout procedures. Machine guarding violations remain a key focus for OSHA enforcement. Read More: Safety Violations 6. Record-High Ergonomics Settlement with Major Retailer BigBox Stores Inc. agreed to pay $175,000 in penalties after OSHA found widespread ergonomic hazards at its distribution centers. The company also committed to implementing an ergonomics improvement plan across all U.S. facilities. Read More: Ergonomics News 7. Increased Focus on Heat Stress With record-breaking heatwaves in 2024, OSHA renewed its efforts to enforce the proposed Heat Illness Prevention Standard. Employers in agriculture and construction are urged to implement heat mitigation measures, including shaded rest areas and hydration protocols. Read More: Heat Stress Prevention 8. $120K Penalty for Unsafe Chemical Handling ChemPro Inc. was cited for improper storage and handling of hazardous chemicals, endangering employees at its Ohio plant. OSHA emphasized the importance of training workers on HazCom standards and emergency response protocols. Read More: Chemical Safety Takeaway: January’s updates highlight OSHA’s ongoing enforcement of fall protection, machine safety, and recordkeeping compliance. The agency’s renewed focus on ergonomics and heat stress standards reinforces the importance of proactive safety measures in all industries. For more information, visit OSHA.gov. Stay safe! OTHER NEWS – February Newsletter Here’s a roundup of significant safety, labor, and health-related stories making headlines: 1. Another Tragic Wood Chipping Accident A devastating incident occurred as a tree trimmer was pulled into a wood chipper headfirst, resulting in a tragic loss of life. This horrifying accident underscores the importance of safety protocols and proper training in high-risk professions like tree trimming. Read More: First Alert 4 Report 2. Large Tuberculosis (TB) Outbreak in Kansas Health officials in northeast Kansas are responding to an unprecedented outbreak of tuberculosis. The rapid spread of this disease highlights the importance of public health initiatives and workplace awareness, particularly in densely populated areas. Read More: KAKE News 3. Worker Rescued After Fall at Obama Library Construction Site A worker fell down a shaft at the Obama Presidential Center construction site in Chicago. Emergency responders successfully rescued the individual, emphasizing the ongoing need for fall protection measures and site-specific safety plans. Read More: WGN News 4. Perdue and JBS Fined for Child Labor Violations Perdue Farms and JBS have agreed to an $8 million settlement after investigations revealed child labor violations at their facilities. This serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for enforcement of labor laws to protect vulnerable workers. Read More: New York Times 5. Illinois Recommends Tornado Shelters for Warehouses Following a deadly 2021 storm, a task force in Illinois has recommended that tornado shelters be mandated in large warehouses. The proposal aims to improve safety measures for workers during severe weather events. Read More: Shaw Local 6. Trench Collapses: A Deadly Trend An investigation has revealed that trench collapses have killed hundreds of workers in the U.S. over the last decade. These incidents highlight the critical need for compliance with OSHA trench safety standards and proper site inspections. Read More: Texas Standard Takeaway: These stories remind us of the ongoing need for workplace safety awareness, proper training, and regulatory enforcement to prevent unnecessary tragedies. Whether it's ensuring safety protocols for high-risk jobs or addressing systemic issues like child labor, vigilance is key to protecting lives and livelihoods. OSHA CITATIONS November 22 2024 to January 2 2025 NJ 1788198.015 Township of Riverside Sewerage Authority RIVERSIDE 11/27/2024 $42,000.00 NM 1752212.015 MountainView Regional Medical Center LAS CRUCES 11/27/2024 $80,355.00 TX 1751351.015 Yantis Company SCHERTZ 11/27/2024 $47,241.00 WA 1766919.015 REVE EXTERIORS LLC SPOKANE 11/27/2024 $83,600.00 ME 1786051.015 Shaws Supermarkets Inc. WELLS 11/29/2024 $53,924.00 NJ 1752053.015 The Home Depot, Inc. VAUXHALL 11/29/2024 $47,384.00 OH 1781116.015 ABC Technologies WMG USA, Inc. BELLEVUE 11/29/2024 $64,524.00 OH 1758196.015 ABC Technologies WMG USA, Inc. BELLEVUE 11/29/2024 $80,655.00 IL 1782356.015 Fino Exterior Inc. SHOREWOOD 12/02/2024 $89,229.00 IL 1771022.015 Ragsdale, Inc. WINNETKA 12/02/2024 $40,331.00 IL 1754560.015 Fino Exterior Inc. ORLAND PARK 12/02/2024 $91,265.00 IL 1769325.015 Fino Exterior Inc. PALOS HEIGHTS 12/02/2024 $82,137.00 IL 1769992.015 Miguel A. Esquina Reyes dba Corner Construction GLENCOE 12/02/2024 $266,175.00 MI 1767027.015 Shannon Precision Fastener LLC AUBURN HILLS 12/02/2024 $41,000.00 MT 1776955.015 API Contracting, LLC BILLINGS 12/02/2024 $93,103.00 NY 1756444.015 Amscan Inc NEWBURGH 12/02/2024 $120,983.00 NY 1764551.015 Troy Boiler Works, Inc. GERMANTOWN 12/02/2024 $90,336.00 WA 1754287.015 TWO RIVERS TERMINAL LLC PASCO 12/02/2024 $394,200.00 AL 1762875.015 Dean Sausage Company, Incorporated ATTALLA 12/03/2024 $103,245.00 CA 1755935.015 All FAB Precision Sheetmetal, Inc. SAN JOSE 12/03/2024 $43,500.00 CA 1754584.015 US Foods Chef Store SAN LORENZO 12/03/2024 $70,650.00 CA 1770010.015 United Parcel Service, Inc. OAKLAND 12/03/2024 $58,560.00 FL 1758891.015 NCM of Collier County CAPE CORAL 12/03/2024 $45,167.00 FL 1759264.015 Deangelis Diamond Construction, LLC CAPE CORAL 12/03/2024 $43,554.00 FL 1753873.015 Rainey Construction Company, LLC OCALA 12/03/2024 $48,393.00 MN 1759471.015 Build On A Rock LLC MINNEAPOLIS 12/03/2024 $50,250.00 NJ 1760065.015 RRC Home Improvement, Inc. LODI 12/03/2024 $174,412.00 NJ 1759634.015 RRC Home Improvement Inc. LODI 12/03/2024 $78,080.00 NJ 1752637.015 RRC Home Improvement Inc. DOVER 12/03/2024 $76,053.00 OK 1755616.015 Krapff-Reynolds Construction Co. ANADARKO 12/03/2024 $45,168.00 AL 1775922.015 Hyundai Transys Georgia Seating System, LLC MONTGOMERY 12/04/2024 $63,382.00 IL 1756767.015 Sunrun Installation Services Inc. OAK PARK 12/12/2024 $126,764.00 IL 1767720.015 Sunrun Installation Services Inc. SKOKIE 12/12/2024 $161,323.00 MS 1781157.015 Augusta Fiberglass Coatings, Inc. VANCLEAVE 12/12/2024 $84,792.00 NV 1760075.015 Turano Nevada Baking, LLC HENDERSON 12/12/2024 $41,484.00 PA 1771590.015 Dairy Farmers of America Inc MIDDLEBURY CENTER 12/12/2024 $55,997.00 RI 1772811.015 Blount Fine Foods Corp. WARREN 12/12/2024 $57,614.00 TX 1784152.015 Comet Signs LLC SAN ANTONIO 12/12/2024 $45,166.00 VA 1756439.015 Virginia Transformer Corp. TROUTVILLE 12/12/2024 $158,740.00 AK 1758260.015 Alaska DOT&PF FAIRBANKS 12/13/2024 $119,834.00 IA 1779992.015 Purina Mills SIOUX CITY 12/13/2024 $41,310.00 IL 1788147.015 J&F Construction LLC EAST PEORIA 12/13/2024 $65,680.00 OH 1774180.015 ProAmpac PG Parent LLC and Subsidiaries CINCINNATI 12/13/2024 $66,834.00 OH 1763456.015 Split Decision Enterprises, Inc. MORAINE 12/13/2024 $58,072.00 PA 1755877.015 Carson Concrete Corporation PHILADELPHIA 12/13/2024 $53,926.00 TX 1769309.015 Inteplast Group Corporation LOLITA 12/13/2024 $177,454.00 TX 1755399.015 Ralph Cordova Company ROYSE CITY 12/13/2024 $53,240.00 WI 1783506.015 Cruz Roofing LLC OSHKOSH 12/13/2024 $53,237.00 WI 1787836.015 WIL-Surge Electric, Inc MILWAUKEE 12/13/2024 $67,752.00 FL 1756705.015 D.S. EAKINS CONST. CORP. PALM BEACH GARDENS 12/16/2024 $45,168.00 ME 1758462.015 Patriot Paving Group, LLC BROWNVILLE 12/16/2024 $161,325.00 NJ 1772436.015 Classic Cafe MORRISTOWN 12/16/2024 $56,000.00 NM 1768674.015 Socorro, City of, Wastewater/Water Department SOCORRO 12/16/2024 $53,517.00 NV 1755559.015 Mountain View Care Center BOULDER CITY 12/16/2024 $83,628.00 OR 1771498.015 JK Paint & Contracting LLC WEST LINN 12/16/2024 $42,363.00 WA 1770606.015 PULTE HOMES OF WASHINGTON INC WASHOUGAL 12/16/2024 $92,200.00 AL 1756460.015 Dexter Fortson Associates, Inc. COALING 12/17/2024 $84,789.00 IL 1773635.015 C&N Construction Inc. TINLEY PARK 12/17/2024 $44,367.00 KY 1756951.015 MOUNTAIN ENTERPRISES INC RISNER 12/17/2024 $66,500.00 NC 1770473.015 Rigid Constructors, LLC LELAND 12/17/2024 $50,703.00 NY 1764651.015 TUC Management WHITE PLAINS 12/17/2024 $48,393.00 OH 1775813.015 Sun Chemical Corporation/ Sun Chemical Performance Pigments AMELIA 12/17/2024 $48,393.00 OH 1784592.015 Tarrier Foods Corporation COLUMBUS 12/17/2024 $58,072.00 PA 1781777.015 PNK Group USA LAKE HARMONY 12/17/2024 $53,393.00 WI 1765367.015 Morski Brands, Inc. PORTAGE 12/17/2024 $62,222.00 NJ 1791576.015 Borough of Point Pleasant Beach DPW POINT PLEASANT BEACH 12/18/2024 $65,700.00 NY 1768303.015 48Forty Solutions, LLC GLENVILLE 12/18/2024 $50,703.00 PA 1761026.015 Blend-Pro, Inc. ALLENTOWN 12/18/2024 $59,687.00 MN 1766879.015 Mike Hansen Construction LLC dba Mike Hansen Roofing LE CENTER 12/19/2024 $51,750.00 NV 1780269.015 STELLAR SNACKS, LLC CARSON CITY 12/19/2024 $56,002.00 OH 1778620.015 Robertson Heating Supply Co., Inc ALLIANCE 12/19/2024 $48,393.00 AR 1770139.015 SIMMONS FOODS, INC. VAN BUREN 12/20/2024 $88,721.00 CA 1760189.015 Remo Incorporated VALENCIA 12/20/2024 $42,000.00 MO 1760193.015 Global Earthworks + Underground LLC KANSAS CITY 12/20/2024 $129,054.00 MO 1776337.015 Sika Corporation GRANDVIEW 12/20/2024 $41,480.00 OH 1778906.015 PAC Worldwide Corporation MIDDLETOWN 12/20/2024 $46,553.00 CA 1758269.015 SAFEWAY INC. TRACY 12/23/2024 $182,100.00 NC 1761741.015 Abatemaster Services, LLC ASHEVILLE 12/23/2024 $45,808.00 NJ 1758228.015 QuVa Pharma, Inc BLOOMSBURY 12/23/2024 $163,625.00 OH 1766277.015 Closed Loop Plastic Recycling FOSTORIA 12/23/2024 $64,528.00 TX 1765346.015 Bandera Utility Contractors, LLC FORT WORTH 12/23/2024 $107,228.00 WA 1781639.015 ARCHDIOCESAN HOUSING AUTHORITY SEATTLE 12/24/2024 $89,100.00 IL 1770690.015 Thybar Corporation ADDISON 12/26/2024 $82,966.00 CA 1779747.015 Georgia-Pacific Corrugated LLC MADERA 12/27/2024 $41,425.00 CA 1759951.015 American Rigging & Relocation Systems Inc SAN JOSE 12/27/2024 $54,000.00 FL 1779106.015 G & G Roofing Construction Inc. MELBOURNE 12/27/2024 $62,104.00 FL 1759413.015 By BDJ Group LLC DANIA BEACH 12/27/2024 $48,450.00 IL 1770334.015 Select Roofing & Gutters, Inc. LINCOLNSHIRE 12/27/2024 $49,684.00 KY 1787910.015 HART COUNTY HARDWOODS LLC ROWLETTS 12/30/2024 $65,600.00 PA 1768659.015 Cougle's Recycling, Inc. AUBURN 12/30/2024 $47,708.00 NJ 1682382.015 Newark Fire Department NEWARK 12/31/2024 $105,000.00 VA 1772196.015 InnoSource, Inc. DANVILLE 01/02/2025 $101,505.00 WA 1775717.015 A 1 ROOFING INC OLYMPIA 01/02/2025 $77,700.00 Safety Training at Non-Profits (Check Sites for Starting Dates) CSC 510 Feb 3-6 NIU 511 online Feb 10-13 NIU 7845 Recordkeeping online Feb 14 NIU 7205 Health Hazards online Feb 17 NIU Naperville 7300 confined space Feb 18 CSC 3115 Fall Protection Feb 24-26 NIU is Northern Illinois University OSHA Education Center http://www.nsec.niu.edu CSC is the Construction Safety Council in Hillside. Www.Buildsafe.org TRMA is Three Rivers Manufacturers Association www.trma.org I usually teach only 10-hour and the 500 series. I have taught 382 people this year. I teach evenings, weekends, and early mornings too. I teach in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, and Indiana. The PowerPoint is posted free at usmwf.org. https://www.usmwf.org/powerpoints-and-safety-information.html I use your feedback to make changes to make corrections. -- John Newquist 815-354-6853