Worker Wilber Dimas, 30, died Sunday, more than two weeks after the June 26 explosion at Coryell Memorial Hospital in Gatesville, Texas

(Photo: Rod Aydelotte / AP)
3rd worker dies weeks after hospital explosion in Texas
Associated Press Published 8:55 p.m. ET July 16, 2018



Gatesville, Texas – 

A third worker has died after being injured in an explosion last month at a hospital in Central Texas.

Officials say 30-year-old Wilber Dimas died Sunday, more than two weeks after the June 26 explosion at Coryell Memorial Hospital in Gatesville. Dimas was working at a construction site at the hospital when the blast occurred.

More than a dozen workers were hurt. Most had blast or burn injuries.

The two other people to die were 44-year-old Michael Bruggman and 36-year-old Filiberto Morales.

Gatesville police said on July 1 that the cause of the explosion hadn’t been determined. However, an initial investigation indicated a construction-related accident resulted in a natural gas explosion.


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Worker Wilber Dimas, 30, died Sunday, more than two weeks after the June 26 explosion at Coryell Memorial Hospital in Gatesville, Texas

This is our story, one that is similar to the twelve others that are experiencing injured victims.

On June 26, 2018 my little brother was working inside a hospital building with 13 other individuals. During the hours of 2:30 pm something went wrong making the building explode. The facts are under investigation at this time and details are unknown. My mother received a called around 3:00pm from Wilber.

“Mom I’m not well and headed to the hospital.” Said Wilber.

Those were his last spoken words to my mother. Now he is in intensive care speechless with 70% of his body burn.

He is under going a surgery now, but this is the beginning of many months of rehabilitation and healing.

Our hearts are drowning in pain, but we know that all is possible with God and Crist. Our faith will not break for we stand together with LOVE.

Let’s come together, kiss your love one, hug them, and truly love them with all your heart. 

Cal/OSHA Produces Fact Sheet, Poster for Preventing Work-Related Injuries to Housekeeping Workers

Cal/OSHA Produces Fact Sheet, Poster for Preventing Work-Related Injuries to Housekeeping Workers

Oakland—Cal/OSHA has produced a fact sheet and poster to help employers in the hotel and lodging industry comply with a new regulation to prevent work-related injuries suffered by housekeeping workers. The Hotel Housekeeping Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention regulation went into effect July 1 and requires employers to complete an initial worksite evaluation by October 1 to identify and address housekeeping worker hazards. 

The Safety and Health Fact Sheet provides an overview of the workplace health and safety requirements that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders common among housekeepers. Employers are also encouraged to post the Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries in Housekeepers poster in a place accessible to all housekeeping workers. The poster includes information on the causes of musculoskeletal injuries, the employer’s responsibility to have an effective program to control the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, and employees’ rights.    

“We created these guidance materials to help workers know their rights and employers their responsibilities to comply with this standard,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum. “In addition, Cal/OSHA Consultation Services are available to assist employers and employees who have questions or need more information.”

The employer’s housekeeping safety program must include the following:

·         Procedures to identify and evaluate housekeeping hazards through worksite evaluations

·         Procedures to investigate musculoskeletal injuries to housekeepers

·         Methods to correct identified hazards

·         Employee and supervisor training on safe work practices and on the process for early reporting of injuries to the employer

·         Procedures to involve employees and their union representative in worksite evaluations, injury investigations, and evaluation of corrective measures

A musculoskeletal injury is caused by a single traumatic event, such as slip, trip or fall, or by repeated exposure over weeks, months or years to repetitive motion, force, vibration or awkward positions caused by daily tasks such as lifting heavy furniture and equipment, pulling linens and pushing carts.

In 2012, hotel worker representatives presented a petition to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board requesting a new standard to control the hazards faced by hotel housekeepers. Cal/OSHA convened public advisory meetings over a three-year period to gather information, and determined that existing regulations did not adequately address the hazards faced by housekeepers. Dozens of workers spoke at the meetings, sharing their experiences and discussing how their injuries impacted their lives at work and at home.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, or Cal/OSHA, is the division within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) that helps protect California’s workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace.

Hotel and lodging industry employers are encouraged to contact Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch for free on-site or telephone consultations. Consultation Services assist employers in developing and maintaining workplace safety and health programs pursuant to Cal/OSHA’s regulations. Employers and employees can call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). Complaints can also be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. 

OSHA has cited Dupont Yard Inc. after an employee suffered a partial hand amputation and other injuries while working on unguarded machinery in Homerville, Georgia.

July 16, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Southeast Georgia Manufacturer
After Employee Amputation

HOMERVILLE, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Dupont Yard Inc. after an employee suffered a partial hand amputation and other injuries while working on unguarded machinery in Homerville, Georgia. The wooden post manufacturer faces $109,548 in proposed penalties.

OSHA cited the company for allowing employees to operate unguarded machinery and failing to have an emergency stop switch on a conveyor, exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards.

“Employers that fail to incorporate safety in their work operations are placing employees at risk for serious injuries,” said OSHA Savannah Area Office Director Margo Westmoreland. “This employer’s disregard for safety is leaving employees vulnerable to preventable hazards.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

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.


Dupont Yard, Inc. has engaged in the forest products industry in Southeast Georgia since 1982. Dupont Yard's manufacturing activities include the following:

• Manufactures posts used primarily in agricultural projects and in highway DOT application.
• Operates a mulch production facility and bagging plant, using 100% virgin pine timber and cypress wood to manufacture its mulch.
• Operates a pine saw mill and planer mill.  The lumber is kiln dried and graded in accordance with the Timber Product Inspection Bureau, Inc.’s exacting requirements.
• Produces wood chips as a fuel mix derived from the by-product of its post and lumber operation.

Dupont Yard recently installed a new state-of-the-art dry kiln heated by a green sawdust burner utilizing only renewable biomass fuel.

The Company insures that all of the wood fiber is manufactured into a valuable product. The smaller diameter trees and the tops of trees can be used for posts. The larger diameter trees and lower part of the tree are used for lumber production. The extreme top of the tree is used in its mulch and fuel chip production. The by-product from post and lumber production are sold as fuel chips and sawdust. The Company produces heat for its lumber drying kiln from sawdust produced in its lumber operations.

In 2013, Steve W. Conner purchased Hubert Moore Lumber Company in Alapaha, GA. The Lumber Company now operates as Dupont Pine Products, LLC. Dupont Pine Products has the capability to produce specialty timbers, decking, and corral boards in lengths up to 24 feet. For inquiries, contact Steve W. Conner at 912-218-4563.

Posts

Dupont Yard, Inc. is one of the largest producers of pine posts in the Southeastern United States. The Company can produce in quantity and arrange to inventory posts for customers on its property while the posts air dry. Custom sizes can be produced upon a customer’s request.

The Company also has the capability of kiln drying posts for customers.

OSHA has cited Belhaven Shipyard and Marina Inc. - doing business as TowBoatUS River Forest - after Capt. James W. Cleary Jr., 45, drowned when a towboat capsized while operating in a winter storm

July 13, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites North Carolina Shipyard
After Towboat Worker Drowned in Storm

BELHAVEN, NC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Belhaven Shipyard and Marina Inc. - doing business as TowBoatUS River Forest - after an employee drowned when a towboat capsized while operating in a winter storm. The company faces $11,640 in proposed penalties.

OSHA investigators determined that the company allowed employees to attempt a tow during a winter storm state of emergency. The towboat overturned and sank when weather and water conditions deteriorated. OSHA has cited the company for failing to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards by allowing employees to attempt the tow during a declared state of emergency; not ensuring employees wore personal flotation devices; and exposing employees to drowning hazards by providing a floatation device not designed for use in freezing temperatures.

“This tragedy never should have happened,” said OSHA Raleigh Area Office Director Kim Morton. “It could have been prevented if the employer had made worker safety a priority and heeded warnings of the state of emergency from an approaching storm.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

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 https://www.osha.gov.


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North Carolina TowBoatUS captain dies in capsize
By Workboat Staff on January 19, 2018
 
 

A Coast Guard 45' Response Boat Medium. Coast Guard photo.


The body of a TowBoatUS captain was recovered Friday after his 21’ vessel capsized during a night towing job near the mouth of North Carolina’s Pungo River, Coast.

Capt. James W. Cleary Jr., 45, of Belhaven, N.C., was on the mission when watchstanders at the Hobucken Coast Guard station received a call at approximately 1:20 a.m.Thursday reporting the boat had capsized while towing a 47’ recreational boat. Cleary was reported to be wearing coveralls, rubber boots and a lifejacket.

A 45’ Response Boat-Medium crew launched from Hobucken, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from the Elizabeth City, N.C., air station. The Coast Guard crews searched along with North Carolina wildlife and Beaufort County officers. As many as 10 vessels joined as the search resumed at daybreak Friday.

The one man aboard the recreational boat being towed was taken to shore by a North Carolina Wildlife crew to be evaluated by emergency medical services. Cleary’s body was recovered around 4 p.m. Friday in the Pungo River.

Life Legacy

                                                         

Captain James Wilson Cleary Jr., "J.W.", age 45, a resident of Belhaven passed away Friday January 19, 2018. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Tuesday January 23, 2018 at West Belhaven Church of Christ and will be officiated by James Scheffler. Burial will follow in Belhaven Community Cemetery.

J.W. was born in Beaufort County on June 26, 1972 to James and Connie W. Cleary who survive. On July 30, 1994 he married Malanie Voliva who survives. He was a 1991 graduate of Northside High School, was employed as a boat mechanic with Radcliffe Marine and served as Assistant Chief with the Belhaven Fire Department. James was a member of West Belhaven Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Malanie V. Cleary, two daughters, Jessica Cleary, Sarah Cleary, one son, James “Wilson” Cleary III, his parents, a brother, Jason Cleary and Ashley, a sister, Connie Cleary Davis and Charles, one grandson, C.J. Nixon and several nieces and nephews.

 

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division issued nine citations and $198,828 in penalties to the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply for exposing workers to trenching and excavation hazards

Hawaii Cites Water Utility for Exposing Workers to Trenching Hazards

The Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division issued nine citations and $198,828 in penalties to the City and County of Honolulu Board of Water Supply for exposing workers to trenching and excavation hazards. Inspectors concluded that the employer failed to provide a safe means of exit, properly install a shoring system, and control the accumulation of water in a trench where three workers were installing a water main. The utility was cited for these violations in 2014 and 2017.

California OSHA issued 11 citations and $97,430 in penalties to Pixior, LLC, after a worker was struck by a forklift.

California Fines Distribution Center Following Worker Injury

California OSHA issued 11 citations and $97,430 in penalties to Pixior, LLC, after a worker was struck by a forklift. Inspectors determined that the company failed to perform an assessment of the workplace to determine if hazards were present, ensure that forklift operators were trained and evaluated, and prevent forklift operators from carrying loads that obstruct their view.

Company Profile

Sector: Industrials

Industry: Transportation & Logistics

Sub-Industry: Logistics Services

Pixior, LLC operates as a logistic company. The Company provides product warehousing, inventory management, kitting, assembly, labeling, and custom reporting services. Pixior serves customers in the State of California.

OSHA has cited Cleary Pallet Sales Inc., a Genoa, Illinois-based pallet manufacturer, after 10 employees required emergency medical treatment for carbon monoxide exposure.

July 5, 2018

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Illinois Pallet Manufacturer After Employees
Are Sickened from Unsafe Carbon Monoxide Levels

GENOA, IL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Cleary Pallet Sales Inc., a Genoa, Illinois-based pallet manufacturer, after 10 employees required emergency medical treatment for carbon monoxide exposure. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $216,253.

OSHA investigators inspected the facility in January 2018, and found that employees were exposed to carbon monoxide levels nearly 10 times the permissible exposure limit. OSHA has cited Cleary Pallet Sales Inc. for failing to address high carbon monoxide level warnings; allowing employees to operate defective forklifts; failing to ensure adequate machine guarding; and failing to train workers on hazardous communications and forklift safety. A subsequent inspection conducted one month later found further machine safety violations at the facility.

"Employers are required to regularly conduct workplace hazard assessments to determine appropriate measures to protect workers’ safety and health," said OSHA Aurora Area Office Director Jake Scott. "This employer risked the health of several workers, and disregarded basic safety standards."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.

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 https://www.osha.gov/.