Worker killed in onion harvesting machine accident in rural Oregon

A 42-year-old man, who died Tuesday evening when he was accidentally pulled into an onion harvester in Malheur County, Oregon, was identified Wednesday by authorities. The accident occurred when an individual turned on the onion harvester, not realizing the victim was behind the machinery. Idaho Statesman

Union, consumer group challenge hog-slaughter line speed rule

The United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union and consumer advocacy group Public Citizen on Monday filed a lawsuit to block a final rule by the United States Department of Agriculture that will permit faster line speeds at hog processing plants. Union members say they are concerned faster line speeds will put workers at increased risk for repetitive-use injuries such as carpal tunnel. New Food Economy

Firm that reviewed design of Miami bridge wasn’t qualified: Report

The firm that reviewed the design of a Miami university bridge that collapsed and killed six people last year was incorrectly listed in a Florida state report as qualified for that type of project, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The level of qualification required companies to have at least three professional engineers registered with the Florida State Board of Professional Engineers, and at least five years of structural concrete bridge design experience. Minneapolis Star-Tribune

Top 5 Fed-OSHA violations for chemical manufacturers in 2019

Here are the five most-cited OSHA standards this year in chemical manufacturing. The agency reports it conducted 195 inspections of chemical manufacturing facilities from October 2018 to September 2019, issuing 759 citations and fines totaling $2.6 million. Powder Bulk Solids

Georgia worker fell to death from overpass, say officials

A contractor’s employee who was killed on a Georgia interchange reconstruction project October 3 fell from a portion of a new overpass, according to law enforcement officials. Fed-OSHA is investigating. Reporter Newspapers

How exosuits could reduce worker insurance claims

Exoskeletons and exosuits are physical human augmentation wearable devices that provide assistive force and usually augment a worker’s hand, lower back or shoulders. As the technology enters the workplace, it is inevitably encountering insurance companies and organizations responsible for workers’ compensation. Plant Services