Safety

Critics Deride 'Nanny State' Measures, Supporters Say Laws Are Justified

Chris Lehman — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:02:00 +0000

SALEM, Ore. – Some of the fiercest debates this year in the Oregon legislature have revolved around something critics call the “nanny state.” These are bills to regulate personal behavior. The issues may change, but it’s a conversation that’s been going on for decades.

Let's start with a recent example. A measure that would ban smoking in cars when there are children present.

Mining Industry Seeks Shorter Permit Waiting Period

Aaron Kunz — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 14:35:28 +0000

Mining pumps on average nearly a billion dollars into Idaho’s economy every year. Idaho, along with Nevada and Utah are considered mining friendly states. But the industry is frustrated that it can take years before permits are issued and work can get underway. That’s why mining officials appealed to state lawmakers this week to help speed up the regulatory process. As Earthfix reporter Aaron Kunz explains it’s a proposition that has environmentalists worried.

On Deck at Boeing's 787 Assembly Line

Liz Jones — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:41:52 +0000

Outside the Boeing plant in Everett, newly assembled 787s sit ready for delivery. Inside, the production line rolls on. That’s despite this week’s setbacks for the company’s newest model, the 787 Dreamliner.

Airlines around the world have grounded the planes amid concerns about its lithium ion batteries. It was a battery issue that caused an All Nippon Airways’787 to make an emergency landing in Japan earlier this week. KUOW’s Liz Jones visited the Boeing plant in Everett to get a closer view of this aircraft under scrutiny.

State Senator To Propose More Security in Psychiatric Wards

Paige Browning — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:26:46 +0000

One Washington state senator says it is past time for lawmakers to increase safety at the state’s two psychiatric hospitals. Paige Browning reports Senator Mike Carrell announced he will propose legislation in the coming term.

Ski Industry Veterans Are Trying to Keep People Safe In the Back Country

Sara Lerner — Wed, 21 Nov 2012 14:35:13 +0000

The holiday season is upon us. And along with that comes ski season. Snow is falling in the Cascades. Wednesday is opening day at Crystal Mountain and Mount Baker. Tuesday Stevens Pass opened.

But giddy enthusiasm from skiers and snowboarders’ throughout the region is overshadowed by an accident at Stevens Pass last February. It was big.

News Report: “We’re gonna begin with those deadly avalanches. A deadly avalanche near Stevens Pass /We are gonna begin with the breaking news: that deadly avalanche in Washington state.”

Three people were killed that day.

Now, as KUOW’s Sara Lerner reports, ski industry veterans are trying to come up with new ways to keep people safe in the back country.

Northwest Tribes Say "No Short Cuts" For Coal Export Projects

Ashley Ahearn — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 13:17:35 +0000

At a convention today Thursday, tribes from around the Northwest released a joint statement calling for a full environmental analysis of five proposed coal export terminals in Oregon and Washington.

Report: ‘Extremely Unsafe’ Tactics At Blaze That Killed Firefighter

Jessica Robinson — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 13:14:08 +0000

Managers at a blaze in north Idaho were warned about hazardous conditions the day before a 20-year-old firefighter died on the job. That’s according to an informal report by the head of a federal hotshot crew, which refused to work on the fire. Correspondent Jessica Robinson has more.

Health Officials Say Take Steps to Stay Cool in Hot Weather

Ruby de Luna — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 12:49:07 +0000

Health officials are urging people to take steps to stay cool during the hot weather. Forecasters have issued a heat advisory for the next few days. Temperatures are expected to peak in the low-90s in Western Washington. Ruby de Luna reports Young children, elderly people, and those with chronic illnesses are especially vulnerable.

Miner’s Daughter Wants Company Held Responsible For Father’s Death

Jessica Robinson — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:18:01 +0000

The daughter of a north Idaho miner killed in a tunnel collapse last year says federal regulators are failing to hold the company responsible. She says new fines do not do justice to her father’s death. The federal government is proposing $360,000 in penalties related to an accident that killed Larry Marek. Correspondent Jessica Robinson reports.

Bechtel Releases Its Plan To Improve Safety Culture At Hanford

Anna King — Wed, 23 May 2012 14:07:06 +0000

A major government contractor on the Hanford Nuclear Reservation has a new plan to improve its safety culture. Bechtel has come under sharp criticism by federal nuclear watchdogs. Correspondent Anna King has more.