South Carolina automaker seeking compensation for $100M fire

South Carolina automaker BMW is suing a supplier over a fire that damaged equipment and allegedly causing more than $100 million in damages. Post and Courier (Charleston, S.C.) [may require registration]

 

MIOSHA to post updated workplace rules

Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s new guidance on masks last week, the state dropped its mask mandate two days later and some stores quickly followed. What about employees? Click on Detroit

 

Report: 146 Indiana employees killed on the job in 2019

According to a new report, 146 Hoosier employees were killed on the job in 2019. This analysis, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows that the job fatality rate in Indiana was 4.7 per 100,000 employees, a higher rate than the national on-the-job fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000. Chicago Crusader

 

Vermont businesses deciding whether to require masks for vaccinated customers, employees

Vermont Governor Phil Scott Scott says fully vaccinated people don’t have to wear a mask both indoors and outdoors or social distance, and has left it up to businesses to decide how to move forward with masking. There are some exceptions, for health care settings, public schools, public transportation and if a business requires it. WPTZ (Burlington, Vt.)

 

Amazon announces safety programs, target

Amazon, which has faced criticism for above-industry-average injury rates at its warehouses, announced Monday it is launching new programs in order to cut it half by 2025 the rate of workplace injuries among its nearly 1 million warehouse employees. The “WorkingWell” program focuses on lowering the incidence of injuries caused by repetitive motion in part by prompting employees to take short breaks and stretch. The company is also increasing education on workplace injury prevention and healthy eating, and rolling out a wellness-focused mobile app for employees. Seattle Times

 

Researchers urge ‘paradigm shift’ on workplace air quality standards

As the pandemic eases and Americans return to offices, schools, restaurants and theaters, a group of 39 scientists say it’s the right time for a “paradigm shift” in how citizens and government officials think about the quality of the air we breathe indoors. The researchers say air quality in buildings can be improved with a few simple fixes: adding filters to existing ventilation systems, using portable air cleaners and ultraviolet lights, or even just opening windows. New York Times [may require registration]