Michigan’s reported workplace deaths from COVID-19 drop in 2021

The state of Michigan experienced a significant decline in the number of COVID-19 workplace fatalities last year. After nearly half of the 74 deaths investigated by MIOSHA were attributed to COVID-19 in 2020, the agency recorded eight in 2021. Other workplace fatalities reported by MIOSHA last year included employees falling, getting caught in equipment, being hit by a vehicle, getting electrocuted or suffering from severe burns. In 2020, MIOSHA reported the highest number of workplace deaths in at least a decade. Mlive

MIOSHA issues $870K in safety grants

Nineteen nonprofit organizations across the state of Michigan have received a total of $870,000 in training grants to strengthen employee safety and health, MIOSHA has announced. Among the awarded projects, the Center for Workplace Violence Prevention, Inc. received the largest training grant and plans to develop and deliver training for comprehensive workplace violence prevention, behavioral threat management, personal safety and survival skills, verbal de-escalation skills during an aggressive encounter and training targeted to “lone worker” safety. RRN

Fed-OSHA cites Connecticut manufacturer for violations following employee death

Fed-OSHA has cited an employer for 40 serious and eight other violations after an employee of a Watertown, Connecticut metal fabrication company was electrocuted on in July of last year while repairing a portable water heater. The agency concluded safeguards to protect employees against electrocution, as well as mechanical, chemical, fall and other electrical hazards, were absent. Inspectors also determined the company failed to develop procedures to lockout the water heater’s power source during maintenance or provide lockout training to the deceased employee, and that the company failed to check energy control procedures periodically. EC&M

Some Idaho officials demand Fed-OSHA vaccine mandate rule withdrawal

Idaho Governor Brad Little, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden, House Speaker Scott Bedke, and Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder last requested permanent withdrawal of the federal vaccine mandate rule for private businesses. KIFI

Employer reporting requirements for early 2022

Employers: EEO-1, which requires certain employers to report demographic workforce data to the EEOC, and OSHA Injury and Illness Reporting data is due in the coming months, and now is a good time to check your state’s minimum wage laws and, if necessary, increase pay for employees to ensure compliance, write two attorneys with Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP. National Law Review