Note to our valued subscribers: OSHA Today will be taking its annual holiday break starting Monday, December 21. We will resume daily publication Monday, January 4, 2021.

The other safety concern for healthcare employees: workplace violence

The coronavirus pandemic has brought widespread public attention to the dangers of working in healthcare, especially in hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units, but there is another risk, say Gregory Jasani, MD and Dan Morhaim, MD. Despite the ubiquity of violence in healthcare, there are surprisingly few protections for these employees. Montgomery County Sentinel

Former employees sue trucking giant for chemical exposure injuries

Three former employees of international trucking giant Trimac Transportation were left with debilitating injuries after years of exposure to toxic and carcinogenic chemicals, according to a new lawsuit naming the company and more than a dozen of its clients. Law.com [may require registration]

Oregon OSHA launches employer virus safety course online

OR-OSHA has created a free online training course available in English and Spanish intended to help employers curb the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The agency’s temporary rule is expected to remain in effect until May 4 and requires employers to comply with employee training requirements no later than December 21. Union-Bulletin

Las Vegas pharmacy cited for employees not wearing masks

Nevada OSHA has cited a Las Vegas pharmacy after its employees reportedly were observed not wearing face coverings while in the business. The agency has issued a total of 191 notices of citation and penalty related to violations of required COVID-19 health and safety measures in effect since mid-March. KLAS (Las Vegas)

Attorney admonishes construction employers: ‘Willful’ violations may lead to criminal penalties

Willful violations cited by Fed-OSHA can wreak havoc on a business, particularly in the construction industry where general contractors may look at the safety history of subcontractors who bid on projects. Add prior criminal allegations or penalties, and construction industry employers could fold when faced with this challenge, writes Taylor E. White, a member of Winstead’s Labor & Employment Practice Group. National Law Review