Construction ‘coyotes’ cost Utah taxpayers millions
A Utah state senator says the problem of “coyotes” smuggling people into the construction workforce is worsening and plans to introduce a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would increase fines and hold subcontractors accountable. Fox 13 (Salt Lake City) [with video]
Fed-OSHA investigating death of Georgia longshoreman
Fed-OSHA is investigating the death of a 44-year-old longshoreman who officials say drove into the water at the Port of Brunswick, Georgia last weekend. News4Jax (Jacksonville)
Contractor on Buffalo-area project has nine violations but won’t explain them
People who live near an ongoing construction project in East Aurora, New York just found out a contractor on the project has received nine violations from Fed-OSHA. Spectrum News
According to the Mississippi and Alabama Area Director of the American Society of Safety Professionals, abating the “Focus 4” safety hazards will not only help with compliance, but liability and legal issues as well as workers’ compensation. Packaging World
Emerging concerns regarding silica exposure in the engineered stone industry
Workers have brought claims alleging they developed silicosis after exposure to silica dust from polishing, manufacturing, grinding, and fabricating engineered stone. While these cases have been infrequent thus far, they raise potential workplace-safety considerations as well as the risk of litigation for employers and the engineered stone industry. National Law Review
Connecticut fines contractors at poultry farm $270K
The Connecticut Department of Labor has fined two companies more than $270,000 for misclassifying workers, including many who are teenagers, at an egg-producing poultry business to avoid higher taxes and other employer costs. Investigators say they observed a van arrive and drop off 16 young workers after the full-time employees had left for the day. Hartford Courant