Category: Enforcement and Inspection

As today’s workplace becomes more complex, regulation of that workplace increases. In this section, you’ll find the practical advice you need to understand exactly what OSHA, other federal agencies, and their state counterparts, require of you, and to comply in the ways that best satisfy both your and their needs. Look also for important court decisions, advice on how to handle enforcement actions, and news of upcoming changes in workplace health and safety law.

Free Special Report: What to Expect from an OSHA Inspection

EPA Issues Guidance for Lithium-Ion Battery Waste

On May 24, 2023, the EPA issued guidance for correctly applying hazardous waste and recycling regulations in the disposal of lithium-ion batteries. These types of batteries are used in cars, electronics, lawnmowers, e-scooters, electric bicycles, and many other devices, and usage of these types of batteries continues to increase. “The growth of the circular economy […]

EPA’s Final Rule Updates TSCA CBI Requirements

On June 1, 2023, the EPA issued a final rule to update confidential business information (CBI) requirements under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) that increases transparency, modernizes the reporting and review procedures for CBI, and aligns with the 2016 amendments to TSCA. “The final rule allows EPA to release non-confidential information more quickly, demonstrating […]

Amputation at JBS Green Bay Nets $227K OSHA Fine

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 20 it cited JBS Green Bay Inc. with four repeat, four serious, and two other-than-serious violations after a worker at a Wisconsin meat processing plant suffered crushing injuries to his right index and middle fingers while removing a shackle from a cow moving down a trolley […]

Hostess Brands Facing $298K in OSHA Fines

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced June 16 that snack food maker Hostess Brands faces $298,010 in proposed fines following a worker’s amputation injury. The 29-year-old worker suffered an amputation of a fingertip while reassembling a pump at a Hostess facility in Chicago—an injury Hostess could have prevented by shutting down and locking […]

Pizza Maker Facing $2.8 Million in OSHA Fines

An Illinois pizza manufacturer is facing $2,812,658 in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) penalties and has been placed in the agency’s severe violator enforcement program (SVEP) after a 29-year-old sanitation worker died while cleaning a conveyor. A temporary worker employed by XCEL Staffing Solutions LLC in Waukegan was using compressed air to clean a […]

EPA Takes First CWA Enforcement Action Over PFAS

The EPA has ordered chemical company Chemours to take corrective measures to address pollution from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in stormwater and effluent discharges from the Washington Works facility near Parkersburg, West Virginia. The order on consent also directs Chemours to characterize the extent of PFAS contamination from discharges. This action marks the first […]

OSHA Cites Discount Retailers Dollar General, Dollar Tree Again

On June 8, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it has again cited discount retailers Dollar General and Dollar Tree for repeat exit route and other violations. Dollar Tree Inc., operator of Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, is facing $98,219 in new OSHA penalties for a repeat violation following the agency’s inspection […]

Illinois Contractor Facing $66K in New OSHA Fines

A Fairmont City, Illinois, roofing contractor is facing $66,711 in new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fines for five repeat, four serious, and one other-than-serious violation, the agency announced June 6. Juan Zuniga Ramos, operator of JZ Exteriors and Repairs LLC, failed to provide fall protection and train workers on its use. Agency inspectors […]

Anheuser-Busch Required to Improve Safety at 11 Facilities Under EPA Settlement

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a settlement with Anheuser-Busch LLC resolving the brewing giant’s violations of the Clean Air Act’s chemical accident prevention requirements and the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act. Anheuser-Busch will pay $537,000 in penalties and implement a comprehensive safety review of all 11 of its breweries that use the refrigerant anhydrous […]