TREASURE ISLAND, CA – A number of corrections have been made to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s Policy & Procedures Manual. Only a few were major and a new P&P, C-171, has been added for the High Hazard Employer program. The changes were effective on July 1, 1995. The P&P Manual provides the …
TREASURE ISLAND, CA – If the high hazard employer stonewalls, it will wind up on the Primary Inspection List. With a positive response, the CSU will notify the participating HHEP office that the employer is to receive consultative assistance. Pertinent information such as employer’s national inspection and citation history will be attached to the memorandum …
SAN DIEGO – John MacLeod, the Cal-OSH Standards Board’s new executive officer, attended the brief July 20 meeting and hearing. All members except James Smith were present. FLAGGERS’ GARMENTS: Two speakers came forward during the public meeting portion of the agenda. In connection with proposed petition decision No. 362 concerning the color of flaggers’ garments, …
LOS ANGELES – MTA tunnel contractor Shea-Kiewit-Kenny, whose workers were recently imperiled by the infamous Hollywood sinkhole (NEWS p. 00-6231), has been subject to numerous Cal-OSHA inspections and citations. On July 13, SKK was fired by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The story made the front page of the Los Angeles Times. The decision to terminate …
LOS ANGELES – Insurance coverage for an employer accused of committing a toxic tort, especially claims involving allegations of continuous or progressive injuries—such as from a leaking underground tank or a severely polluted site—took a step forward on July 3, when the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of insureds in Montrose Chemical Corp. …
LOS ANGELES – Fine tuning of the Policy & Procedures Manual, Cal-OSHA’s advice for compliance officers, continues. Of particular interest is new Attachment C for P&P C-3. It provides guidance on the issuance of special orders covering ergonomic hazards. Special orders are issued sparingly, after careful review, to correct a hazard for which there is …
SACRAMENTO – The special committee of Cal-OSH Standards Board members has met twice in closed sessions to work on the language of an ergonomics regulation. Presumably, the three board members are considering what the scope and application of the standard should be; what the content or program elements should be; and what types of injuries …
SACRAMENTO – BAH, HUMBUG: At the other extreme were Diana Rich of Freedom Communications and Charles Bader of Californians for Compensation Reform. “The problem with ergonomics from an employer’s perspective is not just with the standard. It’s not just with the equipment. It’s not just with the medical providers. It’s not just with the workers’ …