Attorney discusses Fed-OSHA’s fine of Georgia poultry processor, contractors

Earlier this year, six employees died during a tragic accident at a poultry processor in Georgia. Whether the processor and contractors successfully challenge the citations and nearly $1 million in fines remains to be seen, but the accident and subsequent investigation offer some important lessons for all employers, writes William Floyd III, of Nexsen Pruet, PLLC. JD Supra

TOSHA recognizes Valero refining for safety record

Tennessee OSHA has recognized Valero Refining Company – Tennessee, LLC in Memphis with its second Volunteer Safety Through Accountability and Recognition (STAR) award, the state’s highest honor for workplace safety and health and is a nationally recognized program patterned after Fed-OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). There are currently 35 Volunteer STAR sites in Tennessee. Tn.gov

Fed-OSHA outreach program targets transportation tank cleaning deaths

In response to 36 tank cleaning workers died in a Southern U.S. region since 2016, Fed-OSHA has announced a new regional emphasis program focusing on Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. The program is intended to raise awareness among employers in the tank cleaning industry, which includes trucking and rail and road transportation along with others. NBC DFW

OR-OSHA releases temporary rules on wildfire smoke; heat in ag employees’ housing

Oregon OSHA has released two sets of temporary rules: one intended to protect employees from wildfire smoke and another to protect farm employees from high temperatures in agricultural labor housing. The temporary smoke rules require employers to train employees on addressing wildfire smoke, try to reduce smoke exposure if possible, and notify them when the air quality index, or AQI, is greater than 101. They also require employers to make respirators available when the AQI passes 101, require use of respirators such as KN-95 masks when the AQI exceeds 201, and require fit-tested respirators when the AQI is greater than 500. Salem Statesman Journal

Summertime heat means extra precautions for employees working outdoors

About 600 people in the United States die from heat-related illnesses each summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2010 and 2017, the Oklahoma State Department of Health recorded 145 deaths in the state associated with excessive heat. For the past week in Oklahoma, extra safety equipment has taken on an added importance for those working outside. Daily Ardmorite