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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 …"

As critics press for action, Chemical Safety Board investigations languish

By Jim Morris and Chris Hamby

UPDATED APRIL 18: The U.S. Chemical Safety Board, which probes chemical accidents, is under attack for its slow investigative pace.

Excerpts from this story referencing "Waco":

"… ’s note, April 18: An explosion Wednesday at a fertilizer plant north of Waco, Texas, killed between five and 15 people, authorities say, and injured mo …"

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Why strong regulatory agencies matter

By Bill Buzenberg

If the Center is doing its job right, then our work should anticipate the news. Unfortunately, that happened with an explosion in Texas.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… The proposal received support from many organizations focused on chemical safety which have long advocated for a more complete reporting system that would …"

"… co. Transparency and accountability in this area are fundamental to public safety. Until Next Week, Bill  …"

Fertilizer trade group opposed stricter security rules

By Jim Morris

The Fertilizer Institute has fought legislation that would require chemical facilities to consider using safer substances and processes

Excerpts from this story referencing "Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards":

"… s said they supported continuation of the Homeland Security Department’s Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program, begun in 2007, and “oppose any federal requirement to u …"

OSHA strengthens protections for temp workers

By Jim Morris

Amid reports of high injury rates for temporary workers, OSHA announces new measures aimed at training and safety.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… n their information system to denote when temporary workers are exposed to safety and health violations,” the agency said in a press release. “Additiona …"

"… y workers are more prone to injury than permanent ones due to often-subpar safety training and the feeling among some employers that temps are expendable. L …"

"… ing the first days on a job. In some cases, the employer failed to provide safety training or, if some instruction was given, it inadequately addressed the …"

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'Retail exemption' shields some fertilizer facilities from stringent safety inspections, rules

By Chris Hamby

An exemption carved out two decades ago allows some fertilizer and other chemical facilities to skirt stricter rules and inspections.

Excerpts from this story referencing "safety":

"… cane exemption that allowed it to avoid targeted workplace inspections and safety requirements and enter a “streamlined prevention program” with environ …"

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