OSHA is proposing a rule to protect employees from the hazards associated with hoisting equipment when used to perform construction activities. Under this proposed rule, employers would first determine whether the ground is sufficient to support the anticipated weight of hoisting equipment and associated loads.

The employer then would be required to assess hazards within the work zone that would affect the safe operation of hoisting equipment, such as those of power lines and objects or personnel that would be within the work zone or swing radius of the hoisting equipment. Finally, the employer would be required to ensure that the equipment is in safe operating condition via required inspections and employees in the work zone are trained to recognize hazards associated with the use of the equipment and any related duties that they are assigned to perform.

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OSHA has cited FleetPride Inc. for alleged repeat, serious, and other-than-serious violations of health and safety standards following an inspection at its North Haven, CT distribution facility.

The distributor of heavy-duty truck and trailer parts faces a total of $108,000 in proposed fines following an inspection conducted under OSHA's Site Specific Targeting program, which focuses inspections on workplaces reporting higher than average injury and illness rates. The citations and fines address deficiencies involving respirators and other personal protective equipment, fall protection, electrical safety, exit access, powered industrial trucks, hazard communication, and recordkeeping.

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When you’re rushing around in the morning getting ready for work, it’s easy to just grab a cup of coffee. You’re saving calories - right? Wrong! Studies show that people who skip breakfast eat more during the rest of the day. In addition, they have a higher LDL cholesterol level (the ‘bad’ type) and are less sensitive to insulin. Both of these are risk factors for heart disease.

If you are in a hurry, what should you eat in the morning? Fruit is always a good choice as it’s easy to pack and loaded with vitamins and nutrients. Apples, banana, and peaches all require nothing more than a quick wash to be ready for you to enjoy. Another easy pick would be light English muffins (high in fiber and low in calories). The muffins have about a 100 calories and 8 grams of fiber. A bowl of high fiber cereal or a bowl of oatmeal (stay away from the pre-sweetened varieties) is also a good. By adding a low sugar yogurt, you have a complete and healthy breakfast that should stay with you until lunchtime.