Technology: CDC awards $1.5M for research on robotics in healthcare & manufacturing
In healthcare, remote-controlled nursing robots have the potential to reduce workload and risk of infection, especially in quarantine and intensive care environments. In manufacturing, lifting heavy objects can lead to costly and disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has awarded $1.5 million over three years to the University of Illinois at Chicago and Worcester Polytechnic Institute to fund projects aimed at reducing employee exposures to hazards through development and use of collaborative robots. MyChesCo (Chester County, Pa.)
Serious violations cited at Nashville townhome construction site
A 26-unit townhome construction site in Nashville, Tennessee is the center of several complaints to the city and TOSHA, which has identified numerous serious violations, mostly concerning lack of compliance with scaffold requirements, lack of fall protection and lack of fall hazard training. Tennessean
Fed-OSHA investigating pie-maker over workplace safety concerns
A pie-maker that has facilities in Worcester and Shrewsbury, Massachusetts is being investigated following possible amputation incidents. The company was fined more than $40,000 this year after an investigation opened in June. Six violations were recorded for an incident in which an employee apparently was exposed to sodium hydroxide, a chemical commonly used in commercial drain and oven cleaners. Worcester Business Journal
Fed-OSHA fines more New Jersey healthcare facilities for COVID-related hazards
Fed-OSHA cited fined New Jersey’s Montclair Hospital and St. Michael’s Medical Center for alleged violations including: failure to implement a written respiratory protection program; failure to provide a medical evaluation, a respirator fit test, or training on the proper use of a respirator or personal protective equipment; failure to report an injury, illness or fatality; and failure to comply with other regs such as proper recordkeeping. Last month, the agency cited 14 health care institutions in New Jersey for failing to provide enough equipment and other protections to healthcare employees. NorthJersey
Connecticut hospital cited in death of nurse’s aide
Lawrence + Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut has been cited by Fed-OSHA for three alleged violations in connection with the May death of a nurse’s aide from COVID-19 complications. Citations include failure to comply with rules pertaining to respiratory protections for employees and recordkeeping. The Day
OR-OSHA investigating Medford high school
Oregon education officials have asked OR-OSHA to investigate a Medford high school for allegedly not complying with COVID-19 metrics, face-masks and physical distancing. The high school is one of three schools that comprise a 501c3 nonprofit group that all have been open to full in-person instruction, bucking state mandates for schools since late September or early October. Mail Tribune
MIOSHA offers COVID-19 safety consulting to employers
Michigan businesses can access free COVID-19 safety consultations as a part of the new Ambassador program partnership with NSF International and MIOSHA. Businesses can schedule tier-two consultations an in-depth assessment of workplace safety requirements. Tier-two visits are targeted to at-risk industries including retail stores, restaurants and gyms. Oakland Press