Blog Archives

Another Willful Citation to ExxonMobil Torrance – Temporary Clamp Left in Place for Four Years

Following the huge citations issued to ExxonMobil’s Torrance refinery last year revolving around a massive explosion that came close to killing several workers, Cal/OSHA has issued more citations to the refinery, including another willful-serious violation. Cal/OSHA alleges that the refinery failed to repair a leak discovered in 2011. Instead it left a temporary clamp on … Read More »

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Inland Empire Energy Center’s Safety Permit Process Earns a Star

MENIFEE – The Inland Empire Energy Center features two state-of-the-art natural-gas fed generators that supply energy throughout Southern California, up to 800 million watts. The equipment used at the 10-year-old plant is the biggest in the business. The hazards live up to the scale. Fortunately, the plant has scaled its safety system to meet those … Read More »

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Grinding Down PEL for Wood Dust

Cal/OSHA is formally proposing to reduce the permissible exposure limit for wood dust by a factor of five. It does so with the advice and consent of an advisory committee that made its recommendation way back in 2010. The proposal also includes dust from western red cedar, a particularly harmful form of wood dust, and … Read More »

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Sweet Safety Music on War Memorial & Performing Arts Center Retrofit

Pankow Construction was presented with many safety many challenges during its renovation of a monument to America’s war heroes last year. Pankow’s work on San Francisco’s historic War Memorial & Performing Arts Center included strengthening against earthquakes, an upgraded infrastructure, and a fresh look. Along the way, Pankow helped local contractors take part in the … Read More »

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Two Killed in Equipment Mishaps

Two California workers suffered workplace fatalities in the waning days of February, both in equipment-related incidents. Cal/OSHA is investigating them both. On February 22, a long-haul trucker employed by Syar Industries drove his vehicle through a dirt berm in Hopland, Sonoma County. The driver was ejected from the truck and struck a tree, killing him. … Read More »

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New Petition on Adult Films; Seeking New Vote Next Month

Cal-OSHA Reporter has learned that a representative of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation approached the Standards Board about a potential re-vote on the failed February vote on proposal formal safety rules for the adult film industry. The proposal would have created a new standard, General Industry Safety Orders §5193.1. In behind-the-scenes maneuvering involving the small special interest … Read More »

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Final OK on ‘Adequate Design’ Rule

California’s Office of Administrative Law has given final regulatory approval to a Title 8 revision aimed at clarifying the term “adequate design” of machinery and equipment. The change is effective April 1, 2016. The lack of clarity could create confusion for employers on how to comply and created confusion for Cal/OSHA after an employer was … Read More »

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Two Workers Killed in Falls; Another Run over by Steamroller

Cal/OSHA is investigating two workplace fatalities in recent day from falls. In a third case, a worker was struck and killed by heavy equipment. The falls were in both the north and south parts of the state. On February 19, an employee of B.J. Properties was killed in Los Alamitos. The worker was performing roofing … Read More »

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