October 13, 2015
Oct. 8, 2015
Most recently, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the Forest Service yesterday for rampant and repeated workplace safety violations at two different ranger districts in eastern Oregon’s Malheur National Forest, a 1.7 million acre woodland in the Blue Mountains.
In its latest inspection, OSHA examined facilities in the Prairie City and Blue Mountain ranger districts during four visits in April 2015. The agency found numerous fall, electrical, compressed gas storage and other safety issues. Although federal agencies cannot assess fines against government organizations, the Forest Service’s violations would have resulted in approximately $352,000 in penalties for a private sector employer.
Specific violations include the following:
- Circuit breakers missing blanks or breakers.
- Electrical junction boxes and outlets without covers.
- Failure to require employees to wear eye protection when working with caustic chemicals.
- Ladder flaws that could lead to fall hazards.
- Woodworking machines without devices to prevent restarting after power failures.
- Unacceptable guardrails that could cause dangerous falls.
- Unguarded terminals for welding leads.
- Failure to inspect fire extinguishers monthly.
- Seasonal housing with insufficient secondary fire exits.
- Inadequate employee hazard identification training.
OSHA inspectors have found violations in almost 90 percent of previous Forest Service inspections of Oregon national forests since September 2010, many of which were recurring or similar violations.
“Like the private sector, these dedicated federal workers deserve a safe and healthy workplace,” said Ken Atha, OSHA regional administrator in Seattle. “The Forest Service must ensure its workplace and housing are free from safety hazards.”
An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 grasslands in 44 states and Puerto Rico.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency’s office in Portland at (503) 231-2017.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.
Related Training DVDs:
Electrical Safety Training Video
Reminds employees about electrical hazards they may face in their jobs, and provides the information they need to work safely. View Product
Eye Safety Training DVD
It reminds employees that eye injuries can easily happen to them and shows them how to prevent these injuries. View Product
Ladder Safety Training DVD
Many employees take ladders for granted, and don”t take the appropriate precautions when using ladders. View Product