Bucket of Bucks for the government Could Mean Less Jobs in America

      No one wants to see workers hurt on the job while most believe it is good policy to fine the pants off a company for the human error of an employee.  Regulations are good but over regulations and hefty fines are a killer on the small industries left in this country.  As our government has grown out of control, much of it's purpose is to collect money to run the inefficient programs it has created.  As our work force shrinks, government rules and regulations grow.  In years gone by, workers would kiss the wife good bye, grab the lunch bucket and off they go.  Today, a fortunate one who even has a job needs to load  the safety suit, harness, safety glasses, boots and underwear, safety manuals, health cards, OSHA card, along with the lunch box before they even get into the truck and fasten the seat belt. 
    Safety should be and is on the minds of most owners and plant managers.  That being said, should the government be able to walk in and hold a company hostage and even cause the doors to close because of the heavy fines.  This adds to the price of a product along with the insurance and many office staff needed just to keep up with new and ongoing laws and regulations. Just because brightly colored flags are now required around a roof perimeter before repairs, does not mean a worker will not trip.
  Just as beauty killed the beast, governments can be a friend to industry or just be the reason we can not compete with the up and coming world economy. 
   

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced yesterday that it will fine the company $917,000 for 50 alleged violations of workplace safety standards following the March 13 explosion.

Four workers were hurt in the explosion, which was caused when a valve was left open, resulting in the release of flammable acetone vapors. The vapors exploded after being ignited by an undetermined source, according to the state fire marshal.

Bostik is at 211 Boston St. near the West Peabody line. It manufactures adhesives and sealants for use in everything from gas tankers and buildings to furniture and diapers, according to the company's website.

None of those violations contributed directly to the explosion, the fire marshal concluded.

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