OSHA Newquist February 2025

OSHA News for Feb 2025 Hello, February was a whirlwind for OSHA. The probationary employees are gone. The Reduction in Force came out this week. This usually means management cuts. I got word that long time employee Bonnie Knisch in Fairview will retire. Gary Weil of Chicago North will retire this year also. Howie Eberts, the Cleveland AD will retire. OSHA had to write 5 things they did this week to OPM via the manager. It was easy since OSHA compliance officers have many tasks on any given week. NEW OSHA HEAD "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to President Trump for nominating me to be the next OSHA Administrator at the US Department of Labor. It is an incredible honor, and if confirmed, I am excited about the opportunity to work with Secretary Lori Chavez-Deremer and Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling to further OSHA's mission to enhance workplace safety and health," Keeling said. https://www.lpm.org/news/2025-02-12/trump-nominates-kentuckian-to-head-workplace-safety-agency?fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCkZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSPn2L_obLYBLdzZ5lD1_B9WsLVIdn5AAcoosx5Xvjwshw2M2kSYTK84IQ_aem_jp0YSxEcJdYGsieVuhOj8w Keeling has great qualifications to lead OSHA. Clients have taken most of March so teach at non profits is just 4 days. 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. 19 passed the certification tests. This Month's Powerpoint: 70E update. This is the hot topic for many industrial companies in 2025. There are several rules that most are not aware of. I included my Arc Flash Risk Assessment. Take some time to relax. No holidays in March. John OSHA News Update – January 2025 1) OSHA investigating electrocution in Chicago. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/person-electrocuted-construction-site-north-lawndale/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCEVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZ7lYJ_DeO6wxj8sm8zm6afQpfYpiPIQBD0nsy2uCIElTRev3KsS8ZIJpA_aem_-Gl4aIVwaQDQLKYu5ub2GA 2) OSHA cited Tesla in worker death. https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-cited-by-us-regulators-over-workers-death-2025-02-19/?link_source=ta_thread_link&taid=67b6a901ea3c450001f685f9&utm_campaign=trueanthem%3A+Trending+Content&utm_medium=social&utm_source=threads.net&fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCWVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQOnoXAB15SR-OBGglLJFkq63bOK9FKTYs6gQl1ozTpV2sqsiMaWljXJaA_aem_DlQTja6lBlMfF2ei_L18VA 3. OSHA removes several publications for some DEI reason. https://popular.info/p/in-botched-dei-purge-osha-trashes?fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCZ1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVkVkjtuWdkMzaauuc5rrWffFT_69ORhwMAJMZeHrcsHlV3lIUPAFM8hzg_aem_FrLusqBfTxp8JSuzDpApQQ 4. The Washington Post investigation details the extreme safety hazards at Phenix Lumber Co. in Phenix City, Alabama, which became the deadliest workplace in America over the past five years. Despite numerous OSHA violations, millions in fines, and repeated worker deaths and injuries, the company continued operations unchecked. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2025/osha-workplace-deaths-safety-sawmill/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzM5NjgyMDAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzQxMDY0Mzk5LCJpYXQiOjE3Mzk2ODIwMDAsImp0aSI6Ijg4ZGU5ODg1LWRlYjctNDY3Mi1hZjE2LWFhZGQ5OTRiM2JmNSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy9pbnRlcmFjdGl2ZS8yMDI1L29zaGEtd29ya3BsYWNlLWRlYXRocy1zYWZldHktc2F3bWlsbC8ifQ.CueeN7OrwNtClM4_nuQXqOMDkTng0xzd8FicRKla8WI&itid=gfta&fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCfNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaqvQahCWoUn_NbbbSVZk2aVVmgzkJypaprlRH4HNaVRuA3H2SPPiC_EHQ_aem_wATVYNeQ_N-sW73M9AUd1w Other News 1) Listeria kills 11 in supplemental shakes. https://www.kktv.com/2025/02/22/least-11-deaths-reported-listeria-outbreak-linked-supplemental-shakes-fda-says/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIwCShleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYFb84hh0g74JrBWNqbDwmJuMjolNLLZoPj-ErkBaFkO0T3CnQO30p86Fw_aem_a-PHPUbsDALuZbIU8CNnDw OSHA CITATIONS January 2 2025 to present None entered No News Releases in February either. Safety Training at Non-Profits (Check Sites for Starting Dates) CSC Conference Tunneling Mar 3 NIU 511 Rockford Mar 31 -Apr 3 CSC 500 Mar 10-13 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 699 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.

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

OSHA NEWS December 2024

OSHA News for December 2024 Hello, December was busy nonstop until the 22nd. I spent the last 2 weeks working on the certification test guides trying to explain the answers. I trained 3761 people, which is a 10-year high. The goal is 2000, but training was in demand. Top 5 five classes taught in 2024 1) Mental Health 2) OSHA 511 3) OSHA 510 4) OSHA 500 5) Fall Protection This Month's Powerpoint: Most Cited OSHA FY 2024 Construction OSHA is getting Glasses that record video. They are not in, and the field officers say it depends on the budget. Here are the top OSHA positions as of January 3, 2025. The new team will be bringing in their managers. Douglas Parker, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health o Emily Hargrove, Chief of Staff § Francis Meilinger, Office of Communications § Adrian Corsey, Controlled Correspondence o Natalicia Tracy, Senior Policy Advisor o Vacant, Policy Advisor o James Frederick, Deputy Assistant Secretary § Andrew Levinson, Directorate of Standards and Guidance § Lee Anne Jillings, Directorate of Technical Support and Emergency Management § John Lewis, Directorate of Administrative Programs (Acting) § Doug Kalinowski, Directorate of Cooperative and State Programs § Lee Martin, Directorate of Whistleblower Protection Programs o Scott Ketcham, Deputy Assistant Secretary (Acting) § Jeff Erskine, Boston Region (Acting) § Richard Mendelson, New York City Region § Michael Rivera, Philadelphia Region § Kurt Petermeyer, Atlanta Region § William Donovan, Chicago Region § Eric Harbin, Dallas Region § Billie Kizer, Kansas City Region § Jennifer Rous, Denver Region § James Wulff, San Francisco Region § Dorinda Hughes, Birmingham Region § Erin Gilmore, Directorate of Enforcement Programs (Acting) § Timothy Irving, Directorate of Construction I am seeing more and more premise liability cases come. I have several successful settlements with $100+ billion companies, so that may be it. All are word-of-mouth referrals from attorneys with whom I have worked. Stay warm, and soon, the month will be over. John OSHA News. 1) OSHA issued new arc flash publication https://lnkd.in/gDs5Nf44 2) Lake Zurich roofing contractor continues to ignore safety regulations, exposing workers to deadly fall hazards in 8 inspections since 2020. Fino Exterior faces $262K more in fines https://www.industryintel.com/housing-and-economy/news/osha-cites-lake-zurich-contractor-fino-exterior-for-13-safety-violations-proposes-us-262-631-in-penalties-company-cited-eight-times-since-2020-for-exposing-workers-to-fall-hazards-166804095216 3) OSHA finalized PPE fit requirements. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-national-news-release/20241211 4) Mauricio Baiense was sentenced in federal district court to 18 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release. Baiense was also ordered to pay $2,824,577 in restitution to the U.S. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/osha-news-brief/20241231 5) Zion contractor again found ignoring protections to prevent workers from suffering disabling, deadly falls from elevation; faces $266K in new fines Twice in 6 months, Corner Construction Corp. exposes employees to serious risks https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/feds-cite-zion-construction-contractor-for-exposing-workers-to-fall-hazards-propose-266k-in-penalties/ar-AA1wP0NI?apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1’ 6) Investigators with the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed employees of Sunrun Installation Services Inc. working without required fall protection while installing solar panels at two residential homes in the Chicago suburbs – one in Oak Park on June 18, 2024, and another in Skokie on Aug. 8, 2024. Falls from elevations are the leading cause of fatal and serious injuries in the construction industry. $288K 7) Bakeware company faces $182K in fines following 2 worker amputations because of unguarded machines. OSHA cites G&S Metal Products Co. Inc. for 1 willful violation, 5 serious violations. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cleveland/gs-metal-products-cleveland-fined-osha-worker-amputations-bakeware-manufacturer/95-5638b4dd-3a82-49d1-b65f-02a85a48a5dd 8) AMZN settles with OSHA on ergonomics. Amazon will incur a penalty of $145,000 — more than 90% of what was originally levied by OSHA in ergonomics-related citations. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/amazon-settles-osha-us-worker-121324487.html OTHER NEWS 1) A Naive Attorney expects the Area Director to testify in a civil trial. I got 50+ subpoenas during my time in OSHA and all were quashed. The AD is expected to testify to his education, training and experience, along with his job duties and responsibilities as an area director for OSHA. He is also expected to testify about his investigation of the June xxxx accident, including the bases for any OSHA violations and resulting citations and fines that were issued to AAAAA and any opinions developed as a result of his investigation including, but not limited to, his conclusion that AAAAA violated OSHA regulations as set forth in OSHA’s Citation and Notification of Penalty issued on XXXXX. He is also expected to testify consistent with and in furtherance of the subject matters and opinions that he discusses during his deposition, if taken. 2) 11 children were found working in the meat packing plant. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/investigators-found-11-children-working-dangerous-overnight-cleaning-s-rcna182587?fbclid=IwY2xjawHmPv5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVZJGhDFedRKzt7M-JpUvessYxML1NQ-rvNPBRhnc0mMIT3zkPaHoCdRuA_aem_2wGgn9nXfXZQFLziTQ2Ltg OSHA CITATIONS November 14, 2024 to November 22, 2024 NY 1750995.015 Perry Verrone, LLC CROTON ON HUDSON 11/22/2024 $47,013.00 WA 1755759.015 U HAUL OF WESTERN WASHINGTON SPOKANE 11/22/2024 $231,000.00 MO 1778949.015 California Exteriors LLC O FALLON 11/21/2024 $60,080.00 AR 1749626.015 Waco Mfg., Inc. LITTLE ROCK 11/20/2024 $92,860.00 MN 1777480.015 Berry Pallets Inc WASECA 11/20/2024 $56,000.00 OH 1752706.015 Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. PORTSMOUTH 11/20/2024 $95,832.00 TX 1753351.015 Lippert Components, Inc. BEEVILLE 11/20/2024 $161,323.00 AL 1749307.015 Motherson Electroplating US LLC NORTHPORT 11/18/2024 $41,484.00 OR 1752250.015 REFA Erection Inc PORTLAND 11/18/2024 $40,289.00 WA 1754657.015 AK CONTRACTING LLC LYNNWOOD 11/18/2024 $261,924.00 Safety Training at Non-Profits (Check Sites for Starting Dates) CSC 7200 Noise Jan 22 NIU 7845 Jan 29 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 3761 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