Blog Archives

New Golden Gate Greats

Five employers have recently qualified for Cal/OSHA Consultation’s Golden Gate Partnership Program, which recognizes employers with effective Injury and Illness Prevention Programs. They include: AMPAM Parks Mechanical is a residential plumbing subcontractor based in Carson. The Golden Gate Award is for a Los Angeles worksite. The employer has a high experience modification rating (EMR) of … Read More »

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Citations in Workplace Fatalities

Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has cited three employers in early 2024 workplace fatalities. Mega Logistic, a Walnut-based employer, was issued citations for three alleged serious violations and more than $37,000 in proposed penalties. The accompanying chart shows the alleged violations and proposed penalties. It is unknown if the company has appealed. On … Read More »

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Construction Safety Gets R.E.A.L.

Underground and heavy/civil/highway construction is one of the most hazardous sectors of an already hazardous industry. United Contractors, a statewide trade association representing union-signatory construction companies doing this work, recognizes 17 individuals and companies dedicated to “maintaining and advancing safe working environments.” The Recognizing Excellence, Awareness and Leadership in Safety (R.E.A.L.) awards pay tribute to … Read More »

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Workplace Fatality Update – Sept 6, 2024

In Farmington, a Roche Brothers, Inc., employee was harvesting almonds when he was caught between the harvesting machine and its tire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Roche Brothers, based in Escalon, has an EMR of 183. Its workers’ comp coverage is through Zenith Insurance. In Bermuda Dunes, near Palm Springs, the co-owner of … Read More »

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On-Brand and Refining Safety

Valero Refining’s two California operations have considerable experience with the Cal/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Both are working toward recertification. Now one of their contractors, BrandSafway, has achieved Star status at Valero’s Wilmington refinery. Christine James, vice president and general manager of the refinery, calls BrandSafway “a natural fit” for VPP. The company is best … Read More »

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Settlements in Big Fatality Cases

Cal/OSHA and employers have recently settled several major fatality cases, including some that were delayed while local district attorneys decided whether to prosecute. Here are the results: Bay Construction Company: This Oakland contractor will pay $78,215 (55%) of a proposed $141,075 following the April 2018 death of a 47-year-old employee. The employee was at an … Read More »

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Looking for Another Exit (Sign)

A petition to the Cal/OSHA Standards Board seeks to optionally add an internationally recognized pictogram to the Cal/OSHA requirement for exit signs in the workplace. The request might also require approval by other agencies. Carsten M. Jonas petitioned the Board for revisions to General Industry Safety Orders §3216. That safety order requires that employers post … Read More »

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BOI’s Sudden Transformation

Cal/OSHA’s beleaguered Bureau of Investigation has gone from having only two investigators in Southern California and none in the north in 2023 to having a new chief investigator and eight new investigators, all since July of this year. Moreover, the Division has reimagined how the bureau should operate, moving investigators from central hubs such as … Read More »

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