Fed-OSHA and CDC issue guidance for meatpacking

Fed-OSHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend released joint coronavirus-related interim health and safety guidance for employers and employees in the beef, pork and poultry industries. NTV

 

Northern Wisconsin meatpacking plant closes after outbreak

A Green Bay, Wisconsin-area meatpacking plant has temporarily closed after what may be the largest outbreak of COVID-19 at a single facility in the state. The number of confirmed cases in the country surged to 776 Sunday, with at least 189 linked to the plant, state officials report. Green Bay Press Gazette

 

IOSHA investigates nursing home following outbreak-related deaths

Indiana OSHA is inspecting an Indianapolis nursing home following the deaths of two employees from COVID-19. State officials have reported 1,568 positive cases of COVID-19 at 199 long-term care facilities in Indiana and 162 deaths at 74 facilities. IBJ

 

Employees filed complaints before virus outbreak at Oregon food plant

Employees made at least two complaints to OR-OSHA of coronavirus-related job hazards at a frozen food plant that is now the site of a COVID-19 outbreak. The Albany plant was shut down Friday for cleaning and sanitation. Officials late last week confirmed at least eight employees at the facility have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while two others associated with the plant have also tested positive. KGW

 

Oregon builders create safety task force in response to pandemic

The Oregon State Building Trades Council has launched the COVID-19 Joint Construction Safety Task Force, an advisory group. Assisted by Oregon OSHA consultants, members are visiting worksites to assess effectiveness of safety practices intended to address COVID-19 and to make recommendations for improvements. KTVZ (Bend, Ore.)

 

Dentists trade group requests coronavirus testing kits

The American Dental Association is asking the federal government to provide coronavirus tests before dentists’ offices reopen, arguing that conditions in dental offices make patients and staff more susceptible to exposure. The high-speed instruments used by dental practices create aerosol clouds that can hold germs for up to three hours, increasing the odds of exposure for staff if a patient has the coronavirus. The Hill

 

Actors union hires former Fed-OSHA administrator for COVID-19 response

Broadway theaters are currently closed through at least June 7 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the meantime, Actors’ Equity has hired David Michaels, former assistant secretary of labor for Fed-OSHA, to consult on new health and safety standards for when they reopen. Michaels is currently a professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at George Washington University. Broadway News