2014 TO BE RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR FDNY EMERGENCY RESPONSE

2014 to be record-breaking year for FDNY emergency response

Firefighters respond to a tugboat fire earlier this year in Tottenville. Officials said 2014 is expected to be a record-breaking year for FDNY emergency response. 

CITY HALL -- Firefighters and EMS personnel will have responded to a record number of emergency calls in 2014 and are expected to exceed more than 1.6 million by the end of the year.  

 

"Responding to more calls for help than ever before is a challenge for our firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, but they once again rose to the challenge this year to help New Yorkers in need," Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro sand in a statement. 

The previous high was in 2012 when the FDNY responded to 1.575 million emergencies. 

Fire responses are up 9 percent, largely due to an increase in reported gas emergencies, and medical service calls increased 3 percent. 

The number of fire and fire deaths remained at historic lows, officials said. 

"This serves as testament to the skill and commitment of the men and women of the FDNY to help their fellow New Yorkers when they need it most," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a statement. 

By the numbers:

Gas emergencies increased 68 percent this year, from 26,024 in 2013 to 43,692 through Dec. 14 this year. Officials attributed this to a policy change following a fatal gas explosion in East Harlem. New Yorkers are now urged to call 911 to report suspected gas leaks.

The number of fire-related deaths increased by one since last year, to 68 through Dec. 14. In the last five years, fewer New Yorkers have died in fires than any comparable period since the city started to keep accurate records in 1916.

Serious fires -- including one-alarm and above -- are up by about 2 percent, from 2,333 in 2013 to 2,380 through Dec. 14.

The number of EMS incidents increased by 3 percent in 2014, from 1,249,530 last year to 1,289,854 responses. Life-threatening responses (such as cardiac arrest, unconsciousness and choking) rose by 6 percent. 

OSHA CITES BASIC GRAIN PRODUCTS AFTER 2 WORKERS INJURED AT COLDWATER, OHIO, RICE-CAKE PLANT

OSHA cites Basic Grain Products after 2 workers injured at Coldwater, Ohio, rice-cake plant

Dec. 18, 2014

COLDWATER, Ohio – In response to a complaint of an electrical shock injury, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found that a 20-year employee was injured while he performed service work on an electrical panel at a Coldwater rice-cake manufacturer. Following the investigation, OSHA has cited Basic Grain Products Inc. for two repeated and five serious safety violations.

The employee missed two days of work due to the electrical shock injury which occurred Aug. 18, 2014. OSHA also learned that another employee missed 20 workdays and was on restricted duty for an additional 22 days after part of his ring finger was amputated on June 19, 2014, as he adjusted a machine used to make rice cakes.

"Basic Grain Products must ensure that its workers are not exposed to dangerous machinery and are never expected to conduct maintenance without shutting down electrical and energy sources," said Kim Nelson, OSHA's area director in Toledo. "Those actions can prevent severe injuries like those suffered by these workers."

OSHA's investigation determined that the employee who suffered the amputation injury while servicing the rice-cake machine was exposed to the operating parts of the machinery because it had not been properly powered down before maintenance.

The investigation also found Basic Grain Products failed to implement electrical safety-related work practices, which included no use of personal protective equipment; untrained workers; and inadequate clearance in front of electrical panels. These violations resulted in five serious safety citations. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

OSHA also cited the company for exposing workers to unguarded rice-cake machines that had been improperly powered down to prevent them from starting up during maintenance. These violations exposed workers to amputation* and laceration hazards. Similar violations were found at the company in 2013. OSHA issues repeated citations when a company has been cited previously for the same or a similar violation at any facility within federal enforcement states in the past five years. 

Based in Coldwater with about 130 employees, Basic Grain Products is one of the largest private-label manufacturers and suppliers of rice cakes and other healthy snacks to supermarkets nationwide. The company faces proposed penalties of $58,410.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Toledo Area Office at 419-259-7542. 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

OSHA INVESTIGATION FINDS WORKERS EXPOSED TO LEAD, COPPER FUMES AT REPUBLIC METALS IN CLEVELAND, OHIO

Dec. 18, 2014

OSHA investigation finds workers exposed to lead, copper fumes at Republic Metals in Cleveland, Ohio

CLEVELAND – A complaint that alleged unsafe work conditions at Republic Metals Inc. resulted in U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors uncovering dangerous levels of lead and copper fumes. The investigation found that the company failed to implement engineering controls and maintain areas free of lead dust and accumulation. The Aug. 4, 2014, inspection of the Cleveland facility resulted in 19 serious safety and health citations, with proposed penalties of $42,800.

Lead exposure can cause long-term damage to the central nervous, urinary, blood and reproductive systems.

"Lead is a leading cause of workplace illness and a common health hazard. Lead particles can travel from work sites on clothing and materials, which endangers workers' and families' lives," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Republic Metals failed to protect employees from known dangers in its manufacturing process, and this must stop."

OSHA found workers were exposed to copper fumes and lead in excess of levels allowed over an eight-hour period. The agency identified the company's failure to implement engineering controls that would have limited exposure and to train employees about exposure hazards. Republic Metals also did not monitor worker overexposure and failed to post warning signs in overexposure areas, and it did not provide properly fitted respirators or train workers in respiratory protection use. 

Other violations involved lack of personal protective equipment, hygiene and housekeeping practices. Additionally, Republic Metals did not monitor employee exposure to excess noise properly and failed to train workers on potential exposure to methylene chloride. The inspectors also noted electrical hazards, lack of machine guarding and struck-by hazards from machinery.

A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Republic Metals has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. 

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Cleveland office at 216-447-4194. 

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

OSHA CITES DOLLAR TREE STORES FOR EXPOSING WORKERS TO SERIOUS HAZARDS FOR SECOND TIME IN DELAWARE. INSPECTORS WITNESS NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE, WORKER STRUCK BY FALLING BOXES, ISSUE $103K FINE

OSHA cites Dollar Tree Stores for exposing workers to serious hazards for second time in Delaware.  Inspectors witness New Castle, Delaware, worker struck by falling boxes, issue $103K fine

NEW CASTLE, Del. – North American discount chain Dollar Tree Stores Inc. has been cited for the second time in Delaware since late 2013 by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration after inspectors saw an employee struck by falling boxes during a visit to its New Castle store in June 2014. For willfully and repeatedly exposing workers to serious hazards there, OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $103,000.

The incident is the latest on a long list of violations for which Dollar Tree Stores, headquartered in Chesapeake, Virginia, has been cited. As of October 2014, OSHA has issued more than $800,000 in fines to Dollar Tree Stores for the same or similar violations. In October 2013, three employees were injured at a Wilmington store by falling boxes.

"The continued complaints and subsequent OSHA inspections demonstrate Dollar Tree's disregard for worker safety. The company has not addressed hazards we see repeatedly nationwide. Dollar Tree continues to make sizable profits at the expense of exposing workers to serious injuries," said Erin G. Patterson, OSHA's area director in Wilmington.

Since 2009, OSHA has received complaints from its employees in 26 states and has cited the company for 234 safety violations. These violations include willful violations found during 2014 inspections in Delaware, Massachusetts and Montana. Dollar Tree employs approximately 87,400 full-time and part-time workers at more than 5,200 discount stores across the U.S. and Canada. 

During the recent Delaware inspection, OSHA inspectors saw overhead boxes fall on an employee and cited Dollar Tree for one willful violation for improperly stored boxes. The violation carries a $70,000 penalty. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.

In addition, one repeated violation, with a penalty of $33,000, was cited for failure to keep the work area around electrical panels clear. A repeated violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

View the citations at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/DollarTreeStoreInc2220_983776.pdf* 

Dollar Tree has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Wilmington Area Office, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321- OSHA (6742) or the agency's Wilmington Area Office at 302-573-6518.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

NEW YORK DEPT. OF HEALTH RECOMMENDATION TO PROHIBIT HYDRAULIC FRACKING UNTIL MORE AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH IS DONE

New York Dept. Of Health Recommendation To Prohibit HYDRAULIC Fracking UNTIL MORE AUTHORITATIVE RESEARCH IS DONE

Posted: 18 Dec 2014 08:58 AM PSTThe New York Department of Health has completed its public health review of high-volume hydraulic fracturing and Acting DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker recommended Wednesday that high-volume hydraulic fracturing should not move forward in New York State.

Dr. Zucker announced his findings and recommendations at a Cabinet Meeting in Albany.

"I have considered all of the data and find significant questions and risks to public health which as of yet are unanswered," said Dr. Zucker. "I think it would be reckless to proceed in New York until more authoritative research is done. I asked myself, 'would I let my family live in a community with fracking?' The answer is no. I therefore cannot recommend anyone else's family to live in such a community either."

In 2012, Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens asked the DOH Commissioner to conduct a review of the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement for High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing. Dr. Zucker's report fulfills that request.

As a result of Dr. Zucker's report, Commissioner Martens stated at the Cabinet Meeting today that he will issue a legally binding findings statement that will prohibit HVHF in New York State at this time.

"For the past six years, DEC has examined the significant environmental impacts that could result from high-volume hydraulic fracturing," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "DEC's own review identified dozens of potential significant adverse impacts of HVHF. Further, with the exclusion of sensitive natural, cultural and historic resources and the increasing number of towns that have enacted bans and moratoria, the risks substantially outweigh any potential economic benefits of HVHF. Considering the research, public comments, relevant studies, Dr. Zucker's report and the enormous record DEC has amassed on this issue, I have directed my staff to complete the final SGEIS. Once that is complete, I will prohibit high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State at this time."

DEC will incorporate the findings of the public health review into the Final SGEIS, which will be released with a response to public comments early next year. A minimum of 10 days later, Commissioner Martens will issue the findings statement prohibiting HVHF. This action will conclude the State Environmental Quality Review Act process for HVHF.

DOH's review found significant uncertainties about: the adverse health outcomes that may be associated with HVHF; the likelihood of occurrence of adverse health outcomes; and the adequacy of mitigation measures to protect public health.

DOH's report concludes that it will be years until science and research provide sufficient information to determine the level of risk HVHF poses to public health and whether those risks can be adequately mitigated.

Given the red flags raised by current studies, absent conclusive studies that disprove health concerns, the report states the activity should not proceed in New York State.

In conducting its public health review, DOH reviewed and evaluated scientific literature, sought input from outside public health experts, engaged in field visits and discussions with health and environmental authorities in nearly all states where HVHF activity is taking place, and communicated with local, state, federal, international, academic, environmental and public health stakeholders.

A full copy of the DOH’s review is available online.
 
Reaction

API New York State Petroleum Council Executive Director Karen Moreau said Gov. Cuomo acted irresponsibly by issuing a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing, putting the state's economy on a reckless path and ignoring the needs of New York families, economic opportunity, job creation, revenue to the government, and America's need for energy security.
 
"Today's action by Gov. Cuomo shows that New York families, teachers, roads and good-paying jobs have lost out to political gamesmanship. This is the wrong direction for New York.


"Robust regulations exist at the federal and state levels nationwide for natural gas development and environmental protection. A politically motivated and equally misinformed ban on a proven technology used for over 60 years – throughout the country to great success – is short-sighted and reckless, particularly when New York depends on safely produced natural gas just over the border in Pennsylvania.

"New York is sitting on a major opportunity to help fuel America's future. Just next door in Pennsylvania, more than $630 million has been distributed to communities since 2012 – including more than $224 million in just 2014. These once economically challenged areas are now thriving. The Commonwealth has also benefited from over $2.1 billion in state and local taxes generated by the shale energy industry. Revenue from natural gas production supports road and bridge improvements, water and sewer projects, local housing initiatives, environmental programs and rehabilitation of greenways. We are resolved to continue to fight for these benefits in New York.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the landowners and our labor allies, who are focused on creating jobs. This is a missed opportunity to share in the American energy renaissance, and for New York's future prosperity."

In response to the recommendation, Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper said, “Gov. Cuomo has made the right decision for the right reasons—he required technical analysis and comprehensive inquiry from his Administration’s qualified experts; he gave his agencies the arm’s length they needed from the push and pull of politics; and he allowed science to inform the policy decisions that we needed. We applaud and thank Gov. Cuomo and New York for applying caution and clear-headed reason in reaching this historic decision.

“This will surely lead the way for other states, especially Pennsylvania, where a new Governor will be taking the helm and making policy decisions regarding the ravaging impacts of fracking and in the Delaware River Watershed, where a tentative drilling moratorium is in place.”

In an email to supporters Thursday, Clean Water Action said, “Gov.(-elect) Wolf cheers fracking, our resistance to Wolf must be strong” (on the fracking ban issue). They also criticized Gov.-elect Wolf for not naming a “single statewide environmental organization” to his Environmental Transition Team.

The email went on to say, “Gov.-Elect Tom Wolf's Press Secretary stated yesterday in response to Cuomo's move, “Gov.-elect Wolf opposes a ban, and he will work hard to make sure the process is safe.” “But if he wants to make Fracking "safe" why is there not a single statewide environmental organization represented on his Environmental Transition Team?”

“Gov. Wolf's desire to make Fracking "Safe" is not as strong as he would say.

“Here are a few initial steps we are taking:


“1. On January 20th when Gov. Wolf will be Inaugurated, Clean Water Action will be helping lead the Pennsylvanians for Fracking Rally at the State Capitol. We must take the battle against unlimited Fracking to Gov. Wolf. Clean Water Action will be putting organizing time and resources into this effort.

“2. Clean Water Action will push Gov. Wolf to draw a BIG LINE around our State Forests and Public Lands. Wolf must reinstate the Moratorium on leasing in our State Lands.

“3. Clean Water Action will force Gov. Wolf to actually enforce DEP regulations. Under Corbett, Pennsylvania's enforcement of environmental regulations concerning Fracking has been a joke. Clean Water Action is demanding accountability from the PA Department of Environmental Protection.

“Gov. Wolf promises to be a vast improvement over Governor Tom Corbett. While that is probably true, that is not enough! From someone who promises as much as Tom Wolf, we will expect so much more.”