MSHA head accused of illegal undermining of mine safety rules; Farm Bill provision could create a huge safety loophole for chemical facilities; hourly workers face hard choices in hurricane evacuations; and labor unions see big bump in millennial membership.
As the Mine Safety & Health Administration furloughs employees, three mineworkers were killed on the job in three days; OSHA issues fines in West Fertilizer explosion case; and another Bangladesh factory fire kills nine workers.
The federal, State and local authorities investigating the West Fertilizer plant disaster each have different responsibilities and expertise. The ATF is acting like its task is the only one that matters.
Environmental Health
“It was up to the locals,” insists State officials about explosion risk at West Fertilizer
The first public hearing to examine the circumstances that led to the catastrophic April 17 explosion at West Fertilizer was held. Texas State lawmakers heard testimony from eight State agencies.
CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has a special role in the West Fertilizer plant explosion. Its Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program will be investigating the factors that led to the deaths of the 10 volunteer fire fighters.