Originally published Tuesday, April 28, 2009 at 4:27 PM
Comments (0)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Source: New gov't rules aimed at safety of workers
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said Tuesday that the government would soon propose new safety rules to protect workers from industrial dust that can cause explosions and a popcorn flavoring chemical linked to lung disease.
Associated Press Writer
Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said Tuesday that the government would soon propose new safety rules to protect workers from industrial dust that can cause explosions and a popcorn flavoring chemical linked to lung disease.
The announcement is part of her efforts to boost safety enforcement at the department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Solis made her remarks at a groundbreaking ceremony dedicating a national memorial in Silver Spring, Md., to workers who have died on the job.
"As we dedicate the building of this monument to fallen workers, we must also rededicate ourselves to defending and enforcing every man and womans rights to a safe and healthful working environment," Solis said.
One proposal would seek to limit worker exposure to diacetyl, a flavoring agent in microwave popcorn that is blamed for sickening hundreds of popcorn plant workers. Solis said she will convene a special panel next month that would allow small businesses to suggest how any new rules could minimize the economic burden on their operations.
Solis also said OSHA plans to propose new standards on combustible dust particles that can cause explosions at some work sites. Investigators blamed sugar dust at a Georgia refinery for a massive explosion last year that killed 14 people.
Labor Department officials declined to provide further details on the new rules, which are expected to be proposed later this year.
On a broader level, Solis said OSHA is creating a new program called the Severe Violators Inspection Program to crack down on "negligent companies" that don't take worker safety seriously. Details of the new program have not been announced.
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
E-mail article
Print view
Share
![]()
Senate Democrats split on health bill's fate
UPDATE - 12:46 AM
Gaps for consumers in Democrat health care bills
Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
Mammogram guidelines spark debate over health bill
Historic health care bill nears key Senate vote

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Real Salt Lake is handed the 2009 MLS Cup trophy at Qwest Field, November 22, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- Tugboat sinks at Seattle waterfront pier
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Italian prosecutors request life sentence for UW student
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
- Senate vote clears hurdle
239 - Vikings easily beat the Seahawks
133 - Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
124 - Palin excitement builds in Tri-Cities
123 - Tight Senate vote launches health care over hurdle
122 - Cutting through breast-cancer confusion
90 - Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle
79 - Game thread
70 - New York terror trials will restore faith in rule of law
62 - Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
53
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- 'The Road' takes Viggo Mortensen to Mount St. Helens and Astoria, Ore.
- Child-support error costs nearly $21,000
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- Banff: powder, peaks & purity
- Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors





