In May 2025, a devastating scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site in Texas resulted in three worker fatalities and two serious injuries. The incident occurred during work on a Bechtel-led project. OSHA and local authorities are investigating possible structural failures and procedural lapses. https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/three-workers-die-port-arthur-lng-scaffolding-20301058.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com This tragedy is a sobering reminder that even routine work at height can quickly turn deadly when proper design, inspection, or load planning is overlooked. - How often is scaffolding inspected at your site—and by whom? - Do you have written procedures for weight/load limits and fall protection? - What’s your emergency response plan for a scaffolding collapse or high-angle rescue? 💡 Question: Have you ever paused work due to concerns over scaffolding safety? What empowered that decision—and how did leadership respond?

OSHA Violation in the Cannabis Industry: Trulieve Cannabis Corp. was fined $35,219 by OSHA for Hazard Communication violations after a tragic incident at their Holyoke, MA cultivation facility in January 2022. Worker Lorna McMurrey, 27, died from occupational asthma triggered by inhaling ground cannabis dust while filling pre-rolls. OSHA found the company failed to provide adequate training and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for the hazardous chemical. As part of a settlement, Trulieve agreed to pay a reduced fine of $14,502 and conduct a study by May 2023 to determine if ground cannabis dust should be classified as a hazardous chemical. They’re also implementing new training to alert workers to potential allergic reactions. What do you think about workplace safety in emerging industries like cannabis? Are employers doing enough to protect workers from unique hazards? Share your thoughts or experiences below! https://mjbizdaily.com/trulieve-fined-350k-over-massachusetts-marijuana-workers-death/

In December 2024, OSHA cited a Zion, Illinois contractor for repeatedly exposing workers to fall hazards, marking the second such incident in six months and the fifth in two years. ​ https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/osha/osha20241231-0 How does your organization ensure compliance with fall protection standards? What strategies have proven effective in mitigating fall-related risks on worksites?

⛏️ Safety Alert: The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reported ten miner fatalities between January 3 and March 5, 2025, more than triple the number for the same period in 2024. ​ https://www.msha.gov/news-and-updates/alerts-hazards/filter/2025-fatalities-focus-safety-alert ❓ What immediate steps can mining operations take to reverse this alarming trend? Are there specific training or safety protocols that have proven effective in your experience?

⚖️ Regulatory Watch: OSHA is expanding its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP), targeting companies with repeated violations. Example: In July 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a follow-up inspection at Vinton Steel LLC, a subsidiary of Kyoei Steel LTD, located in Vinton, Texas. This inspection revealed that the company continued to expose workers to serious hazards, including inadequate machine guarding and unsafe practices related to lifting operations. As a result, OSHA cited Vinton Steel for five repeat and two serious violations, proposing penalties totaling $269,631. Notably, Vinton Steel had been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP) in 2022 following citations for 19 serious violations and penalties amounting to $364,078. https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region6/07112024 📢 Have you seen an uptick in OSHA enforcement in your industry? What proactive steps should companies take to stay out of trouble?