According to a press release by the U.S. Department of Labor, a free mobile application has been released to prevent heat-related illnesses enabling workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites.The app uses the information acknowledged from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and considers with the workers mobile position to determine whether the worker is at risk or not of evolving heat related harms and sicknesses and shows OSHA signs based on that.

“According to the danger level of the heat index, the app offers its users with information about protections they need to take like drinking fluids, taking rest breaks and altering work operations. Workers also can review the signs and indications of heat stroke, heat fatigue and other heat-related sicknesses, and learn about first aid steps to take in case of any emergency. Information for administrators is also available through the app on how to increasingly build up the load for new workers as well as how to train workers on heat illness signs and symptoms. Moreover, workers can communicate with OSHA directly through the app”.

The mobile app can easily be downloaded from http://go.usa.gov/KFE. Though, currently is applicable for only Android phones, another version for both iPhone and Blackberry touch pad phones are currently in progress and will be released soon according to the press release.

Information for employers about using the heat index to analyze and report risks posed to workers also is accessible through OSHA’s new Web-based tool “Using the Heat Index: Employer Guidance,” at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/index.html. OSHA’s other instructive and teaching tools for preventing heat illnesses are available in both English and Spanish languages accessible at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.

You are going to love how the Dept. of Labor is approving mobile apps in order to support outside working employees! This is another example how mobile apps and technology is making easy everyday people lives. If you have to work outdoors or know someone who does, please download the app for yourself and others and also convey the message to others!

Information listed in this blog post was derived from a press release received by The Office of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Labor. I have downloaded the application on my Android device, but make no claims or guarantees about the application or its use.

US Labor Department’s OSHA establishes safety and health partnership with
Weis Builders for Illinois State University Cardinal Court project in Normal

NORMAL, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program have established a partnership with Weis Builders Inc. to promote effective safety and health programs during the construction of the Illinois State University Cardinal Court apartment project in Normal. Weis Builders is the lead contractor for the public-private student housing project.

“This partnership reflects the recognition of the importance of construction workers’ safety and health,” said Tom Bielema, OSHA’s area director in Peoria. “We want to ensure all construction companies are prepared to effectively control the workplace hazards their employees may encounter. Partnerships such as this one help develop effective safety and health programs, and improve open and continuous communication among OSHA, employers and workers.”

Weis Builders, which is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn., will implement a site-specific safety and health program. The company will mentor subcontractors who have not yet developed their own safety and health program and, if necessary, refer them to the Illinois Onsite Safety and Health Consultation Program for assistance.

The company will also require the use of wet cutting techniques and/or dust collection systems in addition to the mandatory use of approved respirators where the potential for airborne silica exposure exists. Personal air monitoring will be conducted to assess employee exposures levels.

The voluntary partnership agreement is focused on identifying and controlling safety hazards, improving safety and health programs, promoting a cooperative relationship between labor and management, and encouraging employee participation in achieving a safe and healthful workplace. It aims to meet these goals through increased training, implementation of best work practices, and compliance with applicable OSHA standards and regulations.

Through the Strategic Partnership Program, OSHA partners with employers, workers, professional and trade associations, labor organizations and other interested stakeholders to establish specific goals, strategies and performance measures to improve worker safety and health. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/partnerships/index.html.

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 http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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US Department of Labor’s OSHA releases mobile app
to help protect workers from heat-related illnesses

SANDY, Utah – As part of continuing educational efforts by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration about the dangers of extreme heat, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced a free application for mobile devices that will enable workers and supervisors to monitor the heat index at their work sites in order to prevent heat-related illnesses.

“Summer heat presents a serious issue that affects some of the most vulnerable workers in our country, and education is crucial to keeping them safe,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “Heat-related illnesses are preventable. This new app is just one way the Labor Department is getting that message out.”

The app, available in English and Spanish, combines heat index data from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the user’s location to determine necessary protective measures. Based on the risk level of the heat index, the app provides users with information about precautions they make take such as drinking fluids, taking rest breaks and adjusting work operations. Users also can review the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses, and learn about first aid steps to take in an emergency. Information for supervisors is also available through the app on how to gradually build up the workload for new workers as well as how to train employees on heat illness signs and symptoms. Additionally, users can contact OSHA directly through the app.

The app is designed for devices using an Android platform, and versions for BlackBerry and iPhone users will be released shortly. To download it, visit http://go.usa.gov/KFE.

More than 30 workers died from heat stroke in 2010. Thousands become ill from heat exhaustion and other heat illnesses every year. Some of the highest illness rates occur among construction workers, farmworkers, roofers, landscapers, baggage handlers and other air transportation workers.

Effective heat illness prevention requires simple planning. Employers are responsible for protecting workers by providing plenty of water, scheduling rest breaks in the shade or air-conditioned spaces, planning heavy work early in the day, preparing for medical emergencies, training workers about heat and other job hazards, taking steps to help workers – especially those who are new to working outdoors or who have been away from work for a period of time – acclimatize to the heat, and gradually increasing workloads or allowing more frequent breaks during the first week of an outdoor project.

Information for employers about using the heat index to calculate and address risks posed to workers also is available through OSHA’s new Web-based tool “Using the Heat Index: Employer Guidance,” which is accessible at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/heat_index/index.html. OSHA’s other educational and training tools about heat illnesses prevention, available in English and Spanish, can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html.

“OSHA’s prevention message is clear: Water. Rest. Shade. These are three little words that make a big difference for outdoor workers during the hot summer months,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels.

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 http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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La OSHA del Departamento de Trabajo de EE.UU. interviene para retirar
al personal de una zanja peligrosa en Auburn, Alabama;
cita a la compañía de Arizona por poner en peligro a los trabajadores

AUBURN, Alabama – La Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional del Departamento de Trabajo de EE.UU. ha citado a la compañía NPL Construction Co. por dos violaciones de seguridad al exponer a los trabajadores a peligros en las excavaciones al conectar una línea subterránea de gas en South College Street, en Auburn. Las sanciones propuestas suman un total de $73,000 con una consiguiente inspección en el mes de abril.

NPL Construction es una compañía destinada a la construcción de tuberías que emplea aproximadamente 2,000 trabajadores en todo los EE.UU., con sedes corporativas en Phoenix, Arizona. La compañía cuenta con una oficina local en Moody, Alabama.

Cuando los inspectores de la OSHA se dirigían a realizar una inspección en las proximidades de Auburn, pasaron por una excavación abierta donde los trabajadores no estaban protegidos contra los derrumbes. Los funcionarios de la OSHA se detuvieron y comenzaron una inspección en el sitio de trabajo de NPL Construction, solicitando que se quitaran a los trabajadores de la zanja. Una de las paredes de la excavación se derrumbó más tarde.

Se citó una violación reiterada con $66,000 en multas por no proporcionar un sistema de protección para los empleados que trabajan en excavaciones a más de 5 pies de profundidad. Una violación reiterada se produce cuando un empleador ya ha sido citado por la misma violación o por una violación similar de una norma, reglamento, regla u orden en cualquier otra instalación en los estados federales de aplicación en los últimos cinco años. La compañía fue citada en Connecticut en el 2010 y en Kansas en el 2008 por la misma violación.

Se citó una violación grave con una multa de $7,000 por no garantizar el uso de los equipos a 2 pies del borde de la excavación. Una violación grave se produce cuando existe una probabilidad considerable de muerte o daño físico grave a causa de un peligro acerca del cual el empleador sabía o debería haber sabido.

“No considerar la seguridad de los trabajadores al dejarlos sin protección ante peligros de derrumbes potenciales es inaceptable y no será tolerado”, dijo Kurt Petermeyer, director del área de la OSHA en Mobile. “Las acciones de los funcionarios de cumplimiento de la OSHA probablemente hayan salvado la vida de estos trabajadores.”

Las normas de la OSHA exigen que todas las excavaciones de 5 pies o más estén protegidas contra los desmoronamientos. Se encuentra disponible más información detallada sobre los peligros en zanjas y excavaciones en el sitio web de la OSHA en http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html.

La compañía tiene 15 días hábiles desde la recepción de las citaciones y de las sanciones propuestas para cumplir, solicitar una reunión con el director de área de la OSHA o impugnar los resultados ante la Comisión Independiente de Revisión de Salud y Seguridad Ocupacional. El sitio fue inspeccionado por la Oficina de Área de Mobile de la OSHA, 1141 Montlimar Drive, Suite 1006, Mobile, Alabama 36609, teléfono 251-441-6131. Para denunciar sobre incidentes, muertes o situaciones laborales que suponen un peligro inminente para los trabajadores, llame a la línea gratuita de la agencia al 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Conforme a la Ley de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional de 1970, los empleadores son los responsables de proporcionar lugares de trabajo seguros y saludables para sus empleados. El papel de la OSHA es el de asegurar estas condiciones para los hombres y mujeres que trabajan en Estados Unidos mediante la creación y aplicación de normas y mediante la provisión de formación, educación y asistencia. Para obtener mayor información, visite http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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US Labor Department’s OSHA orders Metro North Commuter Railroad
to promote and pay more than $141,000 to worker who reported injury
Largest amount of punitive damages ordered by OSHA under Federal Railroad Safety Act

BOSTON – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has found that the Metro North Commuter Railroad Co. discriminated against an employee by classifying his on-the-job injury as not being work-related and denying him a promotion.

OSHA has ordered the railroad, which provides commuter rail service in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, to take corrective action by promoting the worker and paying him $125,000 in punitive damages, $5,000 in compensatory damages and $11,651 in legal and medical expenses. The railroad also must pay him the difference between his current rate of pay and that of the new position, plus interest, and correct its records to show his injury as work-related. Additionally, Metro North must post a notice to employees at all 120 of its stations of their protections under the Federal Railroad Safety Act as well as provide all employees with an FRSA fact sheet and information on reporting work-related injuries and illnesses.

“Metro North’s policies and actions knowingly violate the employee protection provisions of the Federal Railroad Safety Act and may deter employees from reporting on-the-job injuries for fear of financial or career consequences,” said Marthe Kent, OSHA’s New England regional administrator in Boston. “The railroad’s blatant disregard for its employees’ rights and its refusal to cooperate with our investigation warrant these significant punitive damages, which are the highest ordered to date by OSHA in a FRSA-related discrimination investigation.”

The worker filed a complaint with OSHA in October 2008 after Metro North classified his July 2008 injury as not work-related even though it occurred on the job, which forced him to pay out of pocket for injury-related medical expenses. Metro North notified the worker in November 2008 that he was not selected for a promotion for which he had previously applied. That decision was based in part on the worker’s injury record, which should not have been considered in evaluating the promotion request. OSHA’s investigation determined that both the injury misclassification and the promotion denial constituted discrimination against the worker.

Metro North and the complainant each have 30 days from receipt of the findings to file an appeal with the Labor Department’s Office of Administrative Law Judges. Under the FRSA, employees of a railroad carrier and its contractors and subcontractors are protected against retaliation for reporting on-the-job injuries, reporting certain safety and security violations, and cooperating with investigations by OSHA and other regulatory agencies.

OSHA enforces the whistleblower provisions of the FRSA and 20 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health care reform nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad, maritime and securities laws. Under these laws, enacted by Congress, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or provide protected information to the employer or to the government. Employees who believe that they have been retaliated against for engaging in protected conduct may file a complaint with the secretary of labor for an investigation by OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program. Detailed employee rights information is available online at http://www.whistleblowers.gov.

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 http://www.osha.gov

Editor’s note: The Labor Department does not release names of employees involved in whistleblower complaints.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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Imperial and ExxonMobil Pursuing Additional Routes for Kearl Modules, Reducing Size
Companies to continue to seek permits for original modules and routes

Irving, TX, August 9, 2011 - Imperial Oil and ExxonMobil are pursuing routes for the safe shipment of smaller equipment modules for the Kearl project. The companies are reducing the size and weight of the shipments and will seek permits for an additional route that will use four-lane divided highways and not require road closures or highway upgrading.

“Smaller loads will have reduced dimensions and weight. These shipments can be moved safely and we are working with state authorities to confirm that our transportation plans meet or exceed environmental and safety requirements,” said Chris Allard, Kearl senior project manager.
  
The reduction in module size and additional routes are being made necessary by lengthy permitting delays for the original modules size shipments via US 12 through Idaho and Montana.
  
“We have met or exceeded the requirements typically imposed on other oversize load shippers that have used the US 12 route,” said Allard. “We will continue to pursue the permits for those full-sized modules through Idaho and Montana, which is more efficient and cost effective. However, we will also move forward with alternative routes to maintain project schedules.”
  
For shipments from the Port of Lewiston, ID, in addition to the Highway 12 route, the companies are using an additional route north on US 95 in Idaho, then east along I-90 through Idaho and Montana, and north on I-15 to the Canadian border. Imperial began using this route in mid-July.

The companies are also pursuing a plan to ship additional loads from the Port of Pasco, WA, by truck on US 395 in Washington and along I-90 through Washington, Idaho and Montana, then north on I-15 to the Canadian border.
  
Imperial has submitted detailed transportation plans to regulatory authorities in the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana that minimize public inconvenience, assure safe transport and comply with all transportation and environmental regulations. Movements will be supported by appropriate traffic control and maintenance/support crews.

For More Information Contact
Pius Rolheiser
Imperial Oil Media Relations
403-237-2710
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ExxonMobil Media Relations
972-444-1107
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US Labor Department’s OSHA intervenes to remove workers from hazardous
trench in Auburn, Ala.; cites Arizona company for endangering workers

AUBURN, Ala. – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited NPL Construction Co. for two safety violations for exposing workers to excavation hazards while connecting an underground natural gas line on South College Street in Auburn. Proposed penalties total $73,000 following an April inspection.

NPL Construction is a pipeline construction company employing approximately 2,000 workers throughout the U.S., with corporate offices in Phoenix, Ariz. The company has a local office in Moody, Ala.

As OSHA inspectors were traveling to an inspection near Auburn they passed an open excavation where workers were not being protected from cave-ins. The OSHA officials stopped and opened an inspection at the NPL Construction site, and requested that the workers be removed from the trench. One of the walls of the excavation later collapsed.

A repeat violation with $66,000 in penalties was cited for failing to provide a protective system for employees working in an excavation more than 5 feet deep. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited in Connecticut in 2010 and Kansas in 2008 for the same violation.

A serious violation with a $7,000 penalty was cited for failing to ensure equipment is kept 2 feet from the edge of the excavation. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

“Disregarding workers’ safety by leaving them unprotected from potential cave-in hazards is unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Kurt Petermeyer, OSHA’s area director in Mobile. “The actions of the OSHA compliance officers likely saved the lives of these workers.”

OSHA standards mandate that all excavations 5 feet or deeper be protected against collapse. Detailed information on trenching and excavation hazards is available on OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/trenchingexcavation/index.html.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by OSHA’s Mobile Area Office, 1141 Montlimar Drive, Suite 1006, Mobile, Ala. 36609; telephone 251-441-6131. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency’s toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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 http://www.osha.gov.

###

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

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Parnon Announces Oklahoma Crude Oil Pipeline Construction Project

Tulsa, OK, August 10, 2011 - Parnon Gathering, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Parnon Holdings, Inc., announced the construction of its crude oil pipeline in Central Oklahoma. The project includes laying approximately 109 miles of new 8 inch pipeline from Cherokee, Oklahoma to Cushing, Oklahoma and is designed to move 18,000 barrels per day of crude oil with an option to up rate to 35,000 barrels per day. The pipeline, to be named “Great Salt Plains Pipeline,” will transport production from Central and Western Oklahoma and interconnect with Parnon’s crude oil tanks located at Cushing.

With right-of-way negotiations well advanced and pipe order confirmed, the line is scheduled to commission in March 2012.  In response to interest from producers with acreage in Western Oklahoma, plans are being prepared to extend the Great Salt Plains Pipeline (Phase II) further west to serve the Granite Wash and other new tight sands plays.  As sufficient interest and commitment to this extension is confirmed, the second phase of the project will run concurrently with Phase 1 and could commission as soon as midyear 2012.  

Parnon Gathering, Inc., headquartered in Tulsa, OK, is a crude oil logistics company operating both owned pipelines and trucks and providing transportation and marketing for North America’s oil and gas industry.  Parnon Gathering looks to establish long–lasting relationships with producers and refiners and works to maintain and build upon these relationships by providing exceptional customer service.

For More Information Contact
Parnon Gathering, Inc.
+1-918-935-3640
www.parnonholdings.com
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