OSHA's new plan to require large companies to publicly report their work place accidents
New York, NY (PRWEB) November 07, 2013
According to this November 7, 2013 ABC News report, titled "AP Source: OSHA Plan to Make Safety Reports Public", the U.S. Labor Department is set to make an announcement today about a new requirement for companies to report their workplace injuries. The rule would reportedly apply only to companies with over 250 employees, and would require them to publicly and electronically file their "workplace injury and illness reports". The current rules require employers to post summaries of injury and illness reports in a common area where they can be seen by employees. The Labor Department's OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) division will announce the plan, which OSHA maintains will, "...help the government, workers, researchers and the public more effectively prevent workplace accidents and illnesses."Block O'Toole & Murphy, LLP is a New York personal injury law firm that specializes in representing those seriously injured in construction and other workplace accidents. Firm Partner David L. Scher believes this proposal is a positive one for worker safety. Said Mr. Scher, "Shining a light on employers who repeatedly fail to protect their workers is a good thing. It will tend to deter such unsafe practices, and allow the public to gain a better understanding of how and why workplace injuries occur."
Canton looks for help with hydro power project
CANTON — A private company may be recruited to turn two dams on the Farmington River into hydroelectric power generators, a project town officials have been working on for years but have made little progress.The town's energy committee is drafting a request for proposals from hydropower companies. Matt Stone, the committee's chairman, said the plan is to present the request for proposal to the board of selectmen later this month and, if approved, issue it some time this winter. Stone said the hope is to have responses back by March.One of the dams that would be used is in Collinsville and another one further downstream in Avon. The former Collins Company used the dams to power its factory in Collinsville but neither have been used for hydropower in decades. A dam in Burlington may also be part of the project. A feasibility study done a couple of years ago said the project showed promise.But more extensive evaluations of the dams and their potential is needed and then there is the cost of construction. The town unsuccessfully sought a $500,000 state grant earlier this year to do further studies and engineering work and Stone said officials now realize the town cannot do the project on its own.
Voters make voices heard on transportation funding
Voters across the nation again confirmed the high value they place on transportation infrastructure improvements by approving 91 percent of Nov. 5 ballot measures to increase or extend funding for highways, bridges and transit and electing two transportation advocates for governor.
There were 21 ballot initiatives at the state and local level, the largest number in a decade for a year that did not include congressional races or a presidential election. The total value of the approved measures was nearly $240 million. On average, the successful ballot measures were approved with 67 percent of the vote. Transportation investment advocates also won gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia.The approval rate for transportation funding measures is even greater than in previous years — voters approved 68 percent of similar measures in 2012, 55 per cent in 2011, 61 percent in 2010, 78 percent in 2008, 77 percent in 2007, 77 percent in 2006, 83 percent in 2005 and 76 percent in 2004. Of the 21 measures, one was statewide and 20 were local. Four of the five bond initiatives were approved by voters. Twelve ballot measures were for increasing, extending or renewing a sales tax for transportation purposes, and other measures addressed property taxes, a card room tax, and a transaction and use tax. In Maine’s statewide initiative, 72 percent of voters supported a $100 million transportation bond. It will finance $76 million for highway improvements, $27 million for bridges, $24 million for ports and rail, and $5 million for local governments.