Florida Feels Heat Over New Law
- Florida lawmakers have passed a bill that takes away safeguards that protect workers against extreme heat.
- The rule is being called “cruel” by worker advocates who say it prevents municipalities from passing rules to keep workers safe from the heat, including basic safety measures such as water and shade.
- Labor advocates say this is just one of many attempts in different states to ignore the workforce that works outside in potentially deadly temperatures.
- The Biden Administration began a rule making process in 2021 that would address safety requirements employers must follow to protect workers from extreme heat, but the process is very slow. It could take seven years.
Refinery Workers Injured in Fire
- Two refinery workers were injured in fire that broke out at a Texas Pan Handle facility.
- The workers, employed by Phillips 66, received burns and were transported to the hospital.
- The company says everyone is doing fine.
- The cause of the fire has not been determined, but the refinery continues to operate.
Company Hit with Serious Violations after death
- An Indiana demolition company is facing major fines after the death of an employee.
- An employee of Renascent Inc. was killed when a concrete beam collapsed.
- According to the Indiana Occupational and Health Administration, the company failed to provide a workplace that was free of hazards to prevent employee death or injury.
- Each proposed fine is $6,300. The company was cited for three violations and has 15 days to challenge.
Employee Shocked by Wire
- An employee was injured after coming into contact with an electrical distribution wire.
- A technician who works for Consolidated Communications received a bad enough shock to land in the hospital. He is recovering.
- The Occupational Safety and Health Administration responded to a notice regarding the incident and is working with the company.
- According to OSHA, just one in 12 workers have survived such an incident between 2018 and 2023.
Employers Say Walk-Around Rule Ridiculous
- Employers say that having any individual accompany an inspector during an inspection has no benefit, says the Association of Builders and Contractors.
- OSHA’s final walk-a round rule allows a union to designate any third party—even if the person isn’t an employee of the company–to accompany inspectors during a safety inspection.
- Having third party representatives tag along, compromises the Occupational Safety and Health as a neutral player. This compromises safety, they say.
- They add that the rule does not state who is responsible if the-non union representative is injured. The final rule takes effect May 24.