:: rawblogXport ::

:: Monday, January 19, 2004 ::

"It's not our intention to create an unsafe workplace" By Jordan Barab, Confined Space
No one ever 'intends' to kill one of their employees. When you've got a lot of employees and they're working with a bunch of dangerous chemicals and doing a lot of hazardous work, it's hard to keep track of it all.

Thats one of the reasons that there are laws and standards and enforcement mechanisms that force employers to pay attention to the health and safety of their employees -- basic things like educating employees about the chemicals they are working with and minimizing their exposure.

Most work sites fail safety tests By Becky Pallack, ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Of the 8,000 homes built here last year, just 110 construction sites were inspected for safety compliance. Sixty-five percent had safety violations, such as shaky scaffolding, unsafe tools or insufficient training. Local enforcement inspectors focus on fall hazards, unsafe excavation pits and respiratory health, said Mark Norton, assistant OSHA director for Arizona. ( See accompanying story.)

Because the inspectors can't be everywhere, OSHA has changed its focus from enforcement to education in an effort to prevent accidents. Ideally, a better-trained work force will eliminate the need for frequent inspections, Norton said.

posted 6:54 AM :: reference link :: 0 comments ::

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