Massachusetts tree trimmer fatally injured
A 38-year-old man died after being injured while trimming trees Friday afternoon in North Falmouth, Massachusetts. Fed-OSHA is investigating. Cape Cod Times
Exactly how dangerous is football?
The body of evidence linking head trauma to chronic traumatic encephalopathy is damning, but the exact mechanisms through which repeated blows to the head result in it remain unknown decades after the first medical reports on the condition. New Yorker
Indiana tire plant worker fatally crushed
Fed-OSHA is investigating the death last week of a 48-year-old man at a Fort Wayne, Indiana-area tire production plant. The worker reportedly was crushed by an industrial press while performing maintenance. Tire Business
Gun range whistleblower receives $30,000 settlement
Pursuant to a settlement, a former gun range employee, whose children tested positive for elevated lead levels, will receive $30,000 in restitution after he was fired after reporting potential lead hazards to Fed-OSHA. Research outlines a strong correlation between blood lead levels and recreational or occupational shooting at ranges. Newsweek
Federal judge orders FDNY to reinstate medical clearances for skin condition
A judge has ordered the Fire Department of New York to reinstate a medical accommodation given to four African-American firemen that they not be required to remain clean shaven. The department had rescinded an accommodation made in 2018 that four firemen remain clean shaven, even though they suffer from a skin condition. New York Daily News
New York recycling plant worker airlifted to hospital after fire
A 53-year-old employee was flown to a hospital after a fire Thursday afternoon in a recycling building in Phelps, New York. The worker, who was cutting metal with a chop saw, reportedly suffered head and facial injuries. The incident is under investigation by Fed-OSHA. Daily Messenger (Canandaigua, N.Y.) [with video]
School district ordered to pay more than $100K settlement to asbestos whistleblower
Fed-OSHA has settled a lawsuit against a Michigan school district stemming from a whistleblower who made complaints in 2012 and 2016. The agency determined the janitorial employee was unjustly disciplined, publicly discredited and terminated improperly. The employee also reported potential exposure of pesticide at the school to the Michigan Environmental Protection Agency. Press & Guide (Southgate, Mich.)