OR-OSHA fines gym more than $126K for willful noncompliance with pandemic order

A Salem, Oregon gym has been fined an additional more than $126,000 by Oregon OSHA, which charges that it willfully violated COVID-19 restrictions. The fine is the largest penalty issued to an employer by Oregon OSHA for a violation related to COVID-19. Late last year, the agency fined the gym $90,000 for noncompliance with pandemic restrictions. Salem Statesman Journal

Delivery driver killed in drywall accident at Florida store

A delivery driver was killed Sunday night when a load of construction materials fell on him at a Home Depot store in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fed-OSHA is expected to investigate. WINK

Boston-area employee injured in ladder fall

A man working on sidings and windows of a Medway, Massachysetts home fell 15 to 20 feet on Tuesday when a ladder slipped out from underneath him, causing him to suffer serious injuries. MetroWest Daily News

Iowa Latino group pushes for workplace safety measures

Iowa leaders of the League of United Latin American Citizens decided their number one priority for this legislative session is improving workplace safety, particularly in meatpacking. The group also plans to advocate for tort reform, which would make it easier to prove employer negligence. Iowa Public Radio

Company says it’s developed an improved N95 mask

Razer claims to have made a reusable N95 respirator with a glossy outside shell that is transparent, to allow for lip-reading and seeing facial cues when the wearer is speaking. The company says it will be certified to filter 95 percent of airborne particles, including the COVID-19 virus and other common pathogens. The Verge

Don’t leave employees unprotected in the cold

Fed-OSHA has tips to help employers protect their facility workers this winter, including implementing work practices and equipping employees with proper equipment and clothing to protect them from hypothermia and other cold weather risks. Cleaning & Maintenance