Category Archives: Workers Comp Benefits

OSHA Responds to Complaint at Philadelphia International Airport

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Larrimer & Larrimer

An anonymous complaint from  contract workers at the Philadelphia International Airport resulted in officials from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspecting the working conditions at the airport. The complaining workers were baggage handlers contracted through the airport—they allege that they have not received proper training  on how to assist handicapped passengers, forced to use faulty equipment and are exposed to blood and other bodily fluids. “I want proper training, proper equipment and I want to be treated like a professional,” said Nikisha Watson, a PrimeFlight wheelchair attendant that assists handicapped passengers. Some of the non-union workers complained about wages. They are paid less than the minimum wage on the assumption that they receive tips from assisting passengers, which is not always the case. “I make $5.25 an hour plus tips,” said Izzy Fernandez, another wheelchair attendant. “There are days I don’t make any tips…
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Hawaiian Hotel Served With OSHA Citations

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Larrimer & Larrimer

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued 17 safety violations to a hotel in Hawaii for hazardous working conditions, according to Hawaii News Now. OSHA officials inspected a hotel in Waikiki owner by the Halekulani Corp. Fourteen of the 17 violations were classified as “serious”. Citations were issued for employers failing to provide proper personal protective equipment to workers, a lack of fire extinguishers and a lack of appropriate electrical equipment. Proposed penalties total $49,000. “The hotel industry is one of the biggest employers in Hawaii, and it’s critical that owners and operators have strong safety and health programs,” said regional OSHA director Galen Lemke. “Halekulani has an obligation to protect its staff and ensure a safe working environment.” Halekulani will have 15 business days after receiving its official statement from OSHA to agree to pay the fines or request a hearing. If you or…
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OSHA To Set New Guidelines For Employers Using Temporary Workers

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Larrimer & Larrimer

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced it would increase its efforts in monitoring the safety and working conditions of temporary workers contracted to companies through staffing agencies. The Department of Labor sent out a memo to its regional offices on April 29, covering some things that inspectors need to look for specifically at facilities utilizing temporary workers. “Recent inspections have indicated problems where temporary workers have not been trained and were not protected from serious workplace hazards due to lack of personal protective equipment when working with hazardous chemicals and a lack of lockout/tagout protections, among others,” the agency’s memorandum reads. A few weeks ago, we brought you the story of a temp worker killed in a Chicago facility after he was burned by hazardous chemicals. According to OSHA Chief David Michaels, OSHA decided to launch its initiative after reviewing statistics that revealed many…
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