Mississippi Combustible Dust Workplace Hazards

In a June 18, 2009 Department of Labor OSHA Regional News Release, the U.S. Department of Labor (”DOL”) announced that over the last 16 months, compliance officers from the DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (”OSHA”) have made nine visits to Mississippi companies where employees may be exposed to potential dust hazards.  According to the DOL News Release, the result has been 67 citations for workplace safety and health violations, with 88% categorized as willful, serious, repeat or failure to abate.  The visits are part of the agency’s ongoing National Emphasis Program to reduce employees’ exposure to combustible dust hazards.  Industries affected by the emphasis program reportedly include: agriculture, chemical, textile, forest products, wastewater treatment, metal processing, paper processing, pharmaceutical and metal, paper and plastic recycling.  Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA’s role is to assure healthful working conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education.  For more information in this regard, visit www.osha.gov .