Norsk Hydro, a multinational manufacturer headquartered in Norway and one of the world’s largest aluminum producers, reported last week that it was hit by a ransomware that affected its production and IT systems. The LockerGoga ransomware infected multiple systems across the organization and impacted operations across multiple areas. As this is a relatively new incident, …
Tag: Safety Orientation
Construction company owner faces jail time for allegedly lying to OSHA
What makes OSHA go directly after company owners and executives? Lying to the agency is definitely one reason. We’ve noted it before: The difference between facing civil OSHA penalties and criminal charges against company owners or executives is often an accusation of lying about the events surrounding employee injuries or death. That’s the situation once …
Can You Keep Guns Out of Your Workplace?
One of the hottest controversies polarizing the public debate in recent years is gun control, and the topic of guns in the workplace and public businesses continues to be a front-burner issue. The most prevalent of these are the “parking lot” laws that allow employees to keep guns in their vehicles parked at the plant …
Under-reporting injuries still big challenge for OSHA
An annual review pinpoints one of OSHA’s biggest challenges as its strives to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. A law passed in 2000 requires the Office of Inspector General to identify the most serious management and performance challenges facing the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA’s parent agency. The OIG report says OSHA and its …
Robot Safety: It’s Not Science Fiction, It’s the Law
Some journalists and commentators can’t seem to write about industrial robots without making the inevitable references to science fiction writer Isaac Asimov and the “Terminator” movies. The truth is that robots have been around for many decades—and so have the laws and regulations addressing their safety issues. It was 1987 when the Occupational Safety and …
Contractor Cited for Willful Violations of Nail Gun Regulations
Cal/OSHA announced Oct. 30 that it has cited Circle M Contractors, Inc. for willful violations of nail gun safety regulations after a carpenter was seriously injured in April 2018 at a residential construction site. The agency’s release said its investigation showed Circle M did not train employees on the proper use of pressure-powered nailing tools. …
VPPPA 2018: Addressing Cultural Barriers in a Hispanic Workforce
The rate of fatalities among the Hispanic population in the construction industry role 7% from 2005 to 2017. This trend is expected to continue if companies don’t identify and address the barriers to working with a non-English speaking demographic, Dr. Ahmed Al-Bayati, Western Carolina University assistant professor told Safety+ Symposium attendees. “The job is to …
Employers Use Health Benefits to Recruit Workers
Employers are using every tool at their disposal to attract and retain employees and among them are what used to be called “fringe” benefits, especially those relating to health and wellness, according to the annual benefits survey released by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). “With unemployment at an 18-year low, employers view benefits …
OSHA Aims to Stop Increase in Worker Fatalities
OSHA aims to stop a recent increase in workplace fatalities in Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Recently, the agency has seen an increase in fatalities associated with falls, struck-by objects and vehicles, machine hazards, grain bin engulfment, and burns. OSHA launched its Safe + Sound Campaign in 2017 to encourage employers to develop and implement a …