Florida: Home for disabled people hit with Fed-OSHA fines related to COVID-19
Fed-OSHA has fined the parent and management companies of a Tallahassee residential center for people with developmental disabilities with nearly $36,000 in fines for violating federal COVID-19 workplace guidelines. Tallahassee Democrat
Employees say they were retaliated against for raising COVID-19 concerns
The National Employment Law Project has analyzed Fed-OSHA data from April to early August and found more than 1,700 employees filed complaints, saying their employers retaliated against them for raising COVID-19 safety concerns. More than half of the complaints were dismissed without investigation, while 2 percent were investigated and resolved by Fed-OSHA. Fox 13 (Salt Lake City)
Do plexiglass dividers actually work?
The CDC and Fed-OSHA recommend use of plexiglass and other barriers in work environments to reduce direct spread of potentially infectious droplets between people, especially in manufacturing, retail or food service settings where physical distancing might not be possible. But are they effective? Fox San Antonio
Oregon OSHA sees more than 11,000 COVID-19 complaints
Since the pandemic began in March Oregon OSHA reports having received about 11,600 complaints. In a typical year the agency receives roughly 2,000 complaints. KPTV [with video]
Fed-OSHA investigating Ohioan’s tree trimming death
Fed-OSHA is investigating the death of a 59-year-old Canton, Ohio tree services company employee who was struck September 24 by a tree limb that fractured his cervical spine in multiple places. The man reportedly was operating a wood chipper outside the hazardous area around a tree when a limb fell outward farther than expected. CantonRep
Safety, workers’ comp and the remote workforce
Michael Schultz, cofounder at Aclaimant, discusses how to address the unique safety challenges that come with a remote workforce, as well as the challenges faced by companies that have had to keep their doors open throughout the pandemic. BenefitsPro