OSHA Bill Passes to Limit Dangerous Dust in Workplace

http://www.rotor.com/Default.aspx?tabid=510&newsid905=58620

Legislation that would give workers new protections from combustible dust explosions like the one that killed 13 people in a Georgia factory earlier this year passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday, April 30.

Democrats said the bill is needed because the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not moved fast enough to keep workplaces free of the levels of dust that can become fuel for fires and explosions. The bill now goes to the Senate.

House Republicans suggested Democrats are rushing through legislation without knowing all the facts, since OSHA has not finished its investigation at the Imperial Sugar Company refinery outside Savannah, Georgia that killed 13 people and has been blamed on dust that ignited.

HAI encourages all members to make the time today to inspect workplaces in their organization to ensure every possible precaution has been taken to protect workers. Safety first!

Posted on Thursday, May 01, 2008 (Archive on Monday, January 01, 0001)