No one reported hurt as chemical plant explodes in Florida
No injuries were reported after a chemical plant in Palm Bay, Florida exploded Tuesday morning. The chemicals manufactured at the site are used in pharmaceuticals, coatings, adhesives, sealants, composites, flavors and fragrances. Click Orlando
New Michigan ambassador program seeks to help businesses comply with pandemic regs
Michigan OSHA and the state Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity have launched an ambassador program to help businesses understand new workplace safety regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will focus on workplace environments that are associated with high virus transmission rates such as bars, restaurants, gyms and convenience and retail stores and are intended to provide guidance on a variety of workplace safety issues including the nuances of the MIOSHA guidelines. MiBiz
Coalition urges protections for oil and gas employees during pandemic
A coalition of more than 40 organizations including environmental groups is urging the federal government to take steps to protect workers at oil and gas facilities, as well as the communities surrounding the sites, from COVID-19. The groups have asked Fed-OSHA to presume that some exposures are work-related when reporting work-related illnesses. The Hill (Washington, D.C.)
No Southern Nevada businesses cited last week for COVID-19 hazards
Nevada OSHA cited three employers in the northern part of the state last week for safety violations related to COVID-19, but none in southern Nevada. State officials are reporting a 92 percent compliance rate for initial observations that were conducted at 395 business establishments last week across the state and a variety of business sectors. KTNV (Las Vegas)
Because of COVID-19, the plexiglass business is now booming. Plexiglass partitions are seemingly everywhere these days. They allow customers and workers to see each other and talk easily, but not worry about getting sneezed on or coughed on. How well do they work? WebMD
Fed-OSHA whistleblower complaints are rising. How should employers prepare?
Whistleblower complaints to Fed-OSHA have continued to rise during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has challenged the agency’s ability to investigate and has caused delays. However, Fed-OSHA has taken steps to address the backlog in cases and improve efficiency, according to attorneys Jacqueline N. Rau and Faith C. Whittaker of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP. They advise employers to take certain affirmative steps to minimize potential risks from whistleblower claims. National Law Review
The world’s fastest rollercoaster reaches top speeds of 149 miles per hour. When building a roller coaster, designers and engineers consider factors like the intended rider, preferred material, cart type, and track layout. What’s the process behind the design and construction of these machines? Attractions Magazine