California doctors warn against COVID-19 censorship bill

Some medical professionals are vowing to fight a possible new California law that attempts to threaten their medical licenses for spreading “COVID-19 misinformation,” calling the effort “unconstitutional” and “illegal.” If passed, the law would inject disciplinary actions by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California to care providers promoting alleged misinformation. “The idea that they’re going to come after physicians that spread misinformation, without defining what misinformation is, [is] frightening,” says physician Dr. Jeff Barke. The Epoch Times

Two rescued from Pennsylvania trench

Two people were rescued Wednesday morning after a trench collapsed while they were working on the construction of a new home in Lower Merion Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. They were taken to a hospital to have their breathing checked out; officials say they were not seriously injured. WPVI

Appeals court finds employer liable for excavation-related citation

When a supervisor directed an employee to proceed with excavation operations despite knowing of unsafe working conditions, their employer was vicariously liable for a willful violation of Fed-OSHA rules, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has decided. On appeal, the company did not dispute its employee had performed work without cave-in protection. Instead, it challenged whether it could be held responsible for its foreman’s refusal to follow company policy and instructions. SHRM

Scaffolding regulations exist in South Carolina, but enforcement lacks

A scaffolding collapse last month at a downtown Charleston, South Carolina apartment building during strong winds fortunately resulted in no injuries. While there are hundreds of scaffolding standards and regulations, enforcement remains an issue. WCSC

Appeals court rules employer missed deadline to contest citation

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently reminded employers that contesting Fed-OSHA citations more than 15 working days after receipt is also “too late.” What can employers learn from this heartbreaking decision – ironically issued on Valentine’s Day? Curtis Moore of Fisher Phillips discusses. JD Supra