'They were not thinking of him as a human being'

By Jim Morris and Chip Mitchell

A chemical discharge in a Chicago-area factory kills a worker — and exposes the dangers faced by temp workers across the U.S.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… r Public Integrity. The 11-page OSHA memo, dated May 10, 2012, argues that safety breakdowns in the plant warrant criminal prosecution — a rarity in worke …"

"… unrecorded, new research shows. Raani’s “lack of concern for employee safety was tangible” and injuries in its factory were “abundant,” Thom …"

"… the memo to David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. Raani managers failed to put Centeno under a safety shower af …"

"… upational safety and health. Raani managers failed to put Centeno under a safety shower after he was burned and did not call 911 even though his skin was p …"

Even after workplace deaths, companies avoid OSHA penalties

By Chris Hamby

Following jobsite fatalities, OSHA vows crackdowns -- but sometimes collects nothing, a Center investigation found.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… bella, donning a dress, lipstick and ‘60s-era Easter hat to preach about safety.That frigid January morning, Grobsmith went to one of the stands that comp …"

"… ne enforcement.“The penalties matter,” said Peg Seminario, director of safety and health at the AFL-CIO. Not collecting, she said, “basically means th …"

"… r reducing penalties — accepting, in some cases, company pledges to make safety improvements.Even when a penalty becomes final, the agency may not be able …"

"… erican workers, would work for lower wages and who were not trained on the safety and health hazards associated with roofing work,” an OSHA inspector wrot …"

Labor secretary leaves legacy of worker protections and unfinished business

By Chris Hamby

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis leaves behind a department advocates say increased enforcement but left worker safety rules unfinished.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… a department advocates say has adopted a renewed focus on enforcing worker safety laws but been unable to push through a number of long-sought regulations.T …"

"… ularly vulnerable populations, and bringing stronger enforcement of worker safety laws. During her tenure, the Occupational safety and Health Administration …"

"… h Administration expanded initiatives to crack down on repeat violators of safety and health laws – sometimes drawing the ire of the business community.Ye …"

"… has been in the regulatory department,” said Peg Seminario, director of safety and health for the AFL-CIO. This inability to finalize new rules, she said …"

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House bill targets deadly dust explosions

By Chris Hamby

House Democrats are pushing a bill requiring safety steps to curb combustible dust explosions -- a hazard examined in a 2012 Center report.

Bill aims to strengthen OSHA workplace enforcement

By Chris Hamby

Senators propose tighter workplace safety rules, targeting breakdowns highlighted in Center for Public Integrity reports.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… roduced legislation that would strengthen the 1970 law governing workplace safety. The bill, called the Protecting America’s Workers Act, addresses regul …"

"… of what’s happening at the worksite,” said Peg Seminario, director of safety and health for the AFL-CIO. Though the legislation may make headway in th …"

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