Fourteen-year-old dies while working for father’s business

IOSHA is investigating after a building collapse last Monday at a Brownsburg, Indiana worksite killed a 14-year-old boy who had been working for his father’s business. Crews were framing and setting roof trusses for a new gas station when a sudden gust reportedly hit the building. Indianapolis Star

 

Fed-OSHA fines food processor $40K following machine-related fatality at warehouse

Fed-OSHA has fined a Vineland, New Jersey food processing company more than $40,000 after an investigation into the accidental death of an employee at a freezer warehouse in January. The 28-year-old man was cleaning beneath a conveyor system for a lettuce line when his clothing became caught in the machine, pulling him into it. Daily Journal

 

Labor Department warns of ‘avalanche’ of COVID-related lawsuits

The Labor Department is seeking to get a lawsuit filed by three anonymous employees of a Pennsylvania meat processing plant thrown out of court. The suit, which seeks an order forcing Fed-OSHA to inspect the company’s site for COVID-19 hazards, was filed recently in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The Labor Department asserts that if the the plaintiffs prevail an “avalanche” of worker suits could follow. Bloomberg Law

 

Poultry processor responds to Virginia’s new COVID-19 regulations

Tyson Foods recently discussed its response to Virginia’s new emergency workplace safety standards, which were adopted July 15 by Virginia safety and health officials. A spokesperson says the company formed a task force in January and has implemented protective steps including symptom monitoring, social distance guidelines, cleaning procedures, face mask protection, and employees staying home if they are not feeling well. Eastern Shore Post

 

Fed-OSHA reaches agreement with Smithfield on sharing information

Smithfield Foods has reached an agreement with Fed-OSHA over sharing information after more than 850 workers were infected with COVID-19 in March and April at the company’s pork processing plant in South Dakota. KTIV

 

More major chains requiring masks

McDonald’s, Target and Gap brand stores are among major companies with new policies requiring employees and customers to wear face masks. Customers entering Costco and Apple stores across the country have been required to wear them since early May. Many Americans, however, continue to resist wearing masks despite scientific consensus the practice can help save lives. WINK (Fort Myers, Fla.)

 

Conn-OSHA finds police station had adequate toilet facilities

The Shelton, Connecticut Police Union in May filed a complaint with the state that toilet facilities were not accessible for men or women and that those made available, specifically portable toilets in the department parking lot, did not have running water, hot water, soap or towels. ctpost [may require registration]