New York restricts workplace screenings for cannabis

The New York Department of Labor has issued guidance advising employees to avoid taking corrective action on employees who arrive at work smelling of cannabis smoke. The guidance, which comes on the heels of the state’s move to legalize possession of recreational cannabis, advises that employers may direct an employee to undergo a cannabis test only if federal or state law requires drug testing or makes it a requirement of the position. The guidance, however, allows businesses to take action against an employee who “manifests articulable symptoms” of being under the influence while working. Daily Star (Oneonta, N.Y.)

Fed-OSHA investigating death at Wisconsin workplace

Fed-OSHA is investigating a death at an Eau Claire, Wisconsin an industrial rubber mixing company on October 15. A 911 caller reported someone trapped in heavy machinery. The responders’ arrival reportedly was delayed due to a train blocking roads around the building. The employee died in the hospital, reportedly from an anoxic injury caused from being crushed. WEAU

Florida: Tampa policeman crashes while responding to call

A Tampa policeman hit another vehicle while responding to a call reporting a hit-and-run, causing the officer to crash into a power pole on Saturday, police say. Tampa Bay Times [may require registration]

Can Florida quit Fed-OSHA over vaccine mandate?

Florida’s top Republican lawmakers are trying to remove the state from direct federal oversight of Fed-OSHA, in response to the Biden administration announcing a rule that private businesses with 100 or more employees must require employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus or undergo weekly testing. Miami Herald

Wyoming business owners tell state lawmakers: No more mandates

The Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce on Friday told Wyoming legislators they do not want more regulations or vaccine mandates, as the lawmakers gear up for a special session this week. The state legislature last week introduced 20 mirror bills in each chamber that will be up for discussion, including proposed legislation directly fighting the federal mandate, vaccine exemptions, immunization, mask rules in schools and a physician’s right to prescribe medicine. Wyoming Tribune Eagle

Trench collapse probe finds Colorado company exposed employees to excavation hazards

Fed-OSHA’s investigation of a deadly trench collapse in Johnstown, Colorado on April 16 has concluded an excavation contractor failed to take required precautions that might have prevented the death of a 50-year-old employee. The company faces more than $208,000 in proposed penalties and has been placed in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. National Law Review