Fed-OSHA, South Dakota pork plant settle coronavirus complaint
Fed-OSHA has reached an agreement with Virginia-based Smithfield Foods to settle a contested citation of the company’s coronavirus safety measures during an outbreak last year at a South Dakota pork processing plant. The company has agreed to develop a plan to prevent infectious diseases at meatpacking plants nationwide and pay a $13,500 fine. Mankato Free Press
North Carolina contractor fined after fatal trench collapse
The North Carolina Department of Labor has fined a construction company more than $39,000 in connection with the collapse in May of a 10-foot deep trench that killed a 38-year-old employee who was working on a drainage line at a shopping center parking lot worksite. Charlotte Observer
MIOSHA defends investigator who burned agency documents
According to Michigan OSHA, one of its inspectors did not violate agency policies when he burned notes about the city of Port Huron’s alleged COVID-19 violations. The inspector had fined the city more than $6,000 after a July 2020 visit that followed a complaint alleging COVID-19 rule violation. Despite the inspector not witnessing anyone not wearing a mask or violating other state-mandated COVID-19 rules, he claimed employees said they witnessed violations. Port Huron’s city manager has called on the Michigan legislature to investigate MIOSHA’s governance structure and appeal process. Iosco County News-Herald
COVID-19 long haulers struggle with symptoms, financial burden
An estimated 13.7 million Americans have had Long COVID, according to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. The estimate assumes, based on research, that 1 in 3 diagnosed with COVID-19 will develop Long COVID. In response, COVID-19 clinics to treat long haulers have cropped up across the country, but financial help for long-haulers remains a work in process. Lancaster Online
Oregon on track to create vaccine-or-test rule for large companies
Oregon is one of 21 states that has its own workplace safety agency, so it has to create its own vaccine and testing plan that is as effective, if not more stringent, than the federal one. Although the federal rule is currently blocked by an appeals court, Oregon OSHA is still going to try and meet the December 4 deadline. OPB
Red Cross to require employee vaccination
The American Red Cross has announced it will require employees get vaccinated by Jan. 4, in alignment with the federal mandate. OPB