SAN FRANCISCO – Bahn Tong, 50, died on November 6, 1992, when his head was crushed by a T-shirt printing machine that was activated while he was trying to repair it. The accident was investigated by Cal-OSHA and the Bureau of Investigations, which referred the case to the San Francisco District Attorney. The DA’s office …
SAN FRANCISCO – The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on April 12 agreed to increase District Attorney Gil Garcetti’s budget by $3.8 million, ending his threat to disband divisions that prosecute major fraud, environmental crimes, insurance fraud and worker safety violations, at least through the 1994-95 fiscal year. According to the Los Angeles Times, …
SAN FRANCISCO – The EPA not only has a bigger budget than OSHA, it can impose more severe penalties. The regional USEPA office announced on April 19 that Robert Murphy, owner of the Sundance West Apartments in Reno, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for violating federal asbestos laws and making false statements …
SAN FRANCISCO – SB 832 (Hayden) related to video display terminals has been withdrawn by the author. SB 1464 (Marks) would require Cal-OSHA, if it has cited an employer for a violation deemed serious and to pose such a substantial risk to the safety and health of employees that the employer’s appeal should not stop …
LOS ANGELES – On the heels of the April 5 Stafcor decision (Employee Staffing Services v. Aubry, USCA 9th, 4-5-95), the Department of Industrial Relations says it will continue to enforce vigorously requirements that employers hold valid workers’ compensation coverage. Director Lloyd Aubry cautioned employers to look into the validity of employee benefit plans offered …
LOS ANGELES – Californians for Compensation Reform has named Chuck Bader, former business owner and state assemblyman from Pomona, as executive director. Bader replaces interim director Joe Markey. As part of its charter, CCR is co-sponsoring half-day employer workshops at four locations in the state. The Employers Group and The Workers’ Compensation Claims Control Company …
LOS ANGELES – Assistant Secretary of Labor Joseph Dear announced on March 18 that Richard L. Hayes had been named a deputy assistant secretary at OSHA. In the position, Hayes will direct OSHA’s technical support directorate, administration and special management programs and the office of statistics. (See also NEWS p. 00-5878.) Hayes came to OSHA …
LOS ANGELES – The Standards Board recently received a petition from ASH (Action on Smoking or Health) seeking to have the General Industry Safety Orders amended with regard to smoking in all workplaces. The board must issue a decision within six months of date of submission, which was March 28. Any interested person may contact …