Friday Five (March 2nd, 2012): 5 Safety & Sign News Stories

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• OSHA takes a bite out of corrupt Las Vegas Zoo The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is sinking their teeth into a surprising target — The Las Vegas Zoo.  The Zoo has been under fire for more than two years: employees and outsiders have accused zookeeper Pat Dingle of mismanaging the zoo and endangering the safety of the animals, the employees, and the public. OSHA has proposed a fine of $13,000 for the Las Vegas Zoo, citing unsafe work practices, electrical problems, and a lack of necessary exit signs.

• Yaskawa fined by OSHA for electrical injury OSHA is also coming down hard on Yaskawa America Inc, an Illinois manufacturing company that makes components for heating and cooling systems. After an employee suffered electrical burns at Yaskawa’s Wisconsin plant, the company was cited for a series of electrical violations. Sounds like they could have used a few Electrical Hazard Signs to keep employees safe and avoid costly fines!

• Citizens decry sign regulations Calvert County, MD sign regulations are confusing even the most informed business owners. In a public forum held by city officials, local business owners and citizens spoke out against the lack of clear communication with sign laws and the uneven enforcement of current regulations. Perhaps city officials could put up some signs about signs.
• Changing sign ordinance debated Wiregrass Federal Credit Union of Jackson County, Florida wants to place a 20 feet tall, full color, LED sign up in their new location to help drive traffic to their premises. Unfortunately, the current sign law prohibits “visible noise” and lighting in the county’s signage. LED lighting did not exist until after the passing of the current law, so the bank hopes that their challenge of the current ordinance will lead to beneficial changes  in the future.

• New speed limit signs in effect today The Virginia Department of Transportation increased speed limits from 55 mph to 60 mph in the Chesapeake, VA area. Officials hope these changes will decrease the number of accidents and ease traffic. Throughout the week, construction crews will be installing the new speed limit signs.