Enhanced worker voice protections among major initiatives

ARLINGTON, Va. — In meetings today with the United Steelworkers of America at its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health Joseph A. Main updated union members on recent actions taken by the Mine Safety and Health Administration to improve mine safety and health. The USW is the largest industrial union in North America, and it represents workers from a number of industries, including metals and mining.

ELDERON, Wis. — County Materials Corp., which manufactures precast concrete products, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 18 serious safety violations. The citations arose after a truck driver had his foot severed and femur crushed at an Elderon job site on Sept. 19, 2013. OSHA's investigation determined the incident occurred when a cable on a trolley boom crane broke, pinning the driver against a concrete riser.

MACON, Ga. — Nichiha USA Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for four repeat and three serious safety violations following a September 2013 inspection at the company's manufacturing facility on Avondale Mill Road in Macon. OSHA initiated the inspection in response to a complaint. The proposed penalties total $138,600.

JACKSON, Miss. — The GEO Group Inc., based in Boca Raton, Fla., has entered into a corporate-wide settlement agreement with the U.S.

RACINE, Wis. — Beck Aluminum Alloys Ltd., which operates Beck Aluminum Racine, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 13 serious violations, carrying proposed penalties of $77,472. OSHA initiated an inspection of the Racine aluminum plant in September 2013 after receiving a referral that a worker was sickened by exposure to hazardous chlorine gas while changing cylinders.

PEORIA, Ill. — Construction safety, combustible dust, fall protection, crane safety, organizational change management and developing a safety culture will be featured topics at the workshops and breakout sessions of this year's Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Day. The event will be held Wednesday, March 5, at the Peoria Civic Center located at 201 Jefferson St. SW.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor will host a webcast for college seniors and young workers on paying down student loans, determining a budget, managing credit and saving for retirement. "Take Charge of Your Financial Future" will be held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 28.

Date of Action: February 14, 2014

Type of Action: Judgment and Order

Name(s) of Defendant: People of Color in Crisis 403(B) Retirement Plan

MILWAUKEE — E.R. Wagner Manufacturing Co. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 14 safety violations, carrying proposed penalties of $106,000. OSHA initiated an inspection of the Milwaukee plant in August 2013 under the Site-Specific Targeting Program, which focuses on facilities with a higher than average illness and injury rate.

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. — Domestic Casting Co. LLC has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 26 alleged safety violations found at its Shippensburg foundry. The company faces $163,240 in proposed penalties for seven repeat, 16 serious, and three other-than-serious safety violations. OSHA initiated an inspection in August 2012 in response to a complaint.

WASHINGTON — More communication tower workers were killed in 2013 than in the previous two years combined, and four more tower-related deaths have already occurred in 2014. Every one of those deaths was preventable. This disturbing trend appears to be continuing, and actions must be taken to prevent more deaths. That is the message Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels is delivering to the National Association of Tower Erectors. Excerpts of remarks from Dr.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today issued the following statement about Rep. John Dingell's retirement after 58 years in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"John Dingell is, plain and simple, a legend. His service to Michigan and the nation — in terms of both longevity and statesmanship — is unmatched, and his leadership will be sorely missed.

PALISADES PARK, N.J. — Super King Sauna NJ LLC has agreed to correct all hazards found through a July 2013 investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration after a 68-year-old employee died while working in a Bulhanjeungmok, a Korean-style sauna known for extremely high temperatures. The fatality occurred at the company's Palisades Park spa and fitness facility. Employed at the facility for 10 years, the worker was responsible for setting up and maintaining the sauna.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $275,517 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at Blount International Inc., an outdoor equipment manufacturer located in Milwaukie and Portland, Ore.

"Today's grant will provide these former Blount International workers with re-employment services that are vital to ensuring that they re-enter the Oregon workforce as quickly as possible," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $646,534 National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms that affected 40 counties in Illinois between April 16 and May 5, 2013. These funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,222,904 National Emergency Grant to provide training and other services for approximately 175 workers affected by layoffs at Mersen USA, a manufacturer located in Newburyport, Mass., and Philips Lightolier, a lighting company located in Wilmington, Mass.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez today issued the following statement about Rep. John Dingell's retirement after 58 years in the U.S. House of Representatives:

"John Dingell is, plain and simple, a legend. His service to Michigan and the nation — in terms of both longevity and statesmanship — is unmatched, and his leadership will be sorely missed.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $646,534 National Emergency Grant incremental award to assist with the continuing cleanup and recovery efforts in the wake of severe storms that affected 40 counties in Illinois between April 16 and May 5, 2013. These funds are being awarded to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will provide for the continuation of temporary employment for eligible individuals to assist with the cleanup of affected areas.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $1,222,904 National Emergency Grant to provide training and other services for approximately 175 workers affected by layoffs at Mersen USA, a manufacturer located in Newburyport, Mass., and Philips Lightolier, a lighting company located in Wilmington, Mass.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a $275,517 National Emergency Grant to assist approximately 90 workers affected by layoffs at Blount International Inc., an outdoor equipment manufacturer located in Milwaukie and Portland, Ore.

"Today's grant will provide these former Blount International workers with re-employment services that are vital to ensuring that they re-enter the Oregon workforce as quickly as possible," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Eric M. Seleznow.