California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is investigating the death of two cousins who were killed by apparent carbon monoxide poisoning the night of May 5 while cleaning carpets at a Moorpark condominium. Jose L. Cortez, 25, and Victor M. Cortez, 20, were operating a gasoline-powered cleaner attached to a vehicle parked in …
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports an additional 61 worker deaths nationwide in 2004, adding to that year’s Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI). Almost 85 percent of the fatalities – 51 – were in California. The preliminary 2004 CFOI data did not include cases that were not confirmed or identified when the …
Changes proposed to Cal/OSHA’s permanent heat illness prevention standard are designed to satisfy the construction industry’s concerns about providing water and alternatives to shade. The heat illness proposal was part of a public hearing in April. Comments on the proposed modifications are due to the Cal/OSH Standards Board by May 30. The modifications come to …
The chairwoman of the Cal/OSH Appeals Board will address the Southern California Industrial Safety Society at noon May 25 on “Demystifying the OSH Appeals Board.” The meeting is at Stevens Steak and Seafood House, 5332 Stevens Place, Commerce. The board chair, Candice Traeger, will explain what the board does, how it is composed, the appeal …
Fed-OSHA has published a best-practices guide for the safe use of glutaraldehyde in health care facilities. The chemical is used as a cold sterilant to disinfect heat-sensitive instruments, such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes and dialysis equipment. But glutaraldehyde, commonly known as “glut,” also is known as a sensitizer, triggering asthma, respiratory irritation and skin rashes. Medical …
SB 1359, state Sen. Tom Torlakson’s companion bill to regulatory action by Cal/OSHA on excavation safety near hazardous underground installations, overwhelmingly passed the Senate 35-1 on May 11 and now is being considered in the Assembly. SB 1359 would amend Government Code §4216 to require onsite line configuration verification meetings for excavations within 10 feet …
Homeowners beware: If a worker performing a job on your property is killed or injured and his or her employer is not a licensed contractor, you could be held liable under a ruling by a California appellate court. The decision in Ramirez v. Nelson in the Second District Court of Appeal reverses a Ventura County …
LOS ANGELES – Workers in California’s food industry who work with artificial flavorings face a potentially serious lung disease known as Bronciolitis obliterans. One California worker has been diagnosed with the disease and another potential case is being investigated. Exposure to the chemical diacetyl, which is used to create “butter” flavoring for microwave popcorn, among …