Biden chooses Boston Mayor Walsh as Labor secretary
President-elect Joe Biden has picked Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, a former top union leader, to serve as his Labor secretary. Until the announcement, Walsh was widely expected to run for a third term in 2021, despite not having announced his plans. Politico
Tips for improving electrical safety in construction
The work of electrical contractors is sometimes the most dangerous, raising serious concerns for electrical safety in the construction industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 160 employee deaths resulted from electrocution injuries in 2018. Here are several safety tips and practices designed to improve safety in the electrical construction industry. Groundbreak Carolinas
MIOSHA to conduct silica inspections
Sand, concrete, brick, block, natural stone, and mortar all contain crystalline silica, a common mineral found in naturally-occurring and man-made materials. Michigan OSHA intends to conduct inspections at jobsites where employees are most likely to be exposed to respirable crystalline silica, as part of the agency’s recently launched state emphasis program aimed at reducing exposure to silica and preventing silicosis. Sun News
Fire station, school among Michigan workplaces fined for COVID violations
In another round of COVID-19 safety fines, eight Michigan businesses have received emergency rule and general duty citations for violations including failing to properly use personal protection gear, lack of preparedness and response plans. Fees ranged from $1,900 to $7,000. Detroit Free Press
Fed-OSHA takes hands-off approach to meatpacking plants, say critics
For meatpacking industry employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, the system of swift reporting and next-day inspections following a workplace fatality has broken down, and advocates say it’s a consequence of a hands-off approach from Fed-OSHA. USA Today
Reminder: Form 300A data due by March 2
Covered employers must electronically submit to Fed-OSHA Form 300A data for calendar year 2020 between January 2, 2021 and March 2, 2021. A paper copy of the 300A form must also be posted in for each establishment from February 1 through April 30. National Law Review