AB5’s Disastrous Effect on Franchisees
California’s AB5 has affected far more employees than just freelancers. Small businesses who franchise are among those affected in that the law does not separate their business from that of the franchisors and effectively makes them all employees of the national organization. What an unmitigated mess Democrat Assemblyman Lorena Gonzales, a former union boss, gave us. We’re taking Assembly Bill 5 to court to protect our franchises, writes Robert Cresanti. Orange County Register
White House notes sharp drop in COVID death rates among elderly, middle-aged
As treatment for the infection improves, the White House on Friday noted a sharp drop in COVID-19 related death rates among elderly and middle-aged Americans. Just the News
Incident at Connecticut VA facility linked to pressure event
A report released last week finds that a “pressure event” inside the steam system was responsible for the death of two employees who were working on the system at the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut earlier this month. The incident was not a traditional explosion, as it was originally reported, and there was no fire involved, according to the report. Hartford Courant
Fed-OSHA cites Long Island nursing and rehab centers for COVID violations
Two Long Island nursing and rehabilitation facilities have been cited for alleged COVID-related workforce violations, with fines totaling more than $38,000. One facility was fined more than $25,000 for allegedly violating standards requiring employees to be medically evaluated before wearing tight-fitting face respirators, and that employees be fit-tested before using tight-fitting face respirators. Newsday
Iowa meatpacking plant managers suspended for allegedly betting on COVID numbers
Arkansas-based Tyson Foods has suspended several top officials at its largest pork plant, in Waterloo, Iowa and launched an investigation into allegations that they bet on how many employees would test positive for COVID-19 during widespread outbreak. The company’s president and CEO says the accused managers have been suspended without pay. Fairfield Citizen
As Oregon’s restrictions take effect, OR-OSHA fields complaints
Oregon OSHA has reported a spike in complaints as new restrictions on businesses related to the COVID-19 pandemic took effect last week. The agency has been updating rules and guidelines throughout the pandemic, most recently requiring workplaces to improve indoor air ventilation. KATU [with video]
Some gyms plant to defy Oregon shutdown
Two Oregon gyms publicly said last week they will not close their doors during the state’s two-week closure-order as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. An OR-OSHA spokesman says any business that stays open may be cited for a willful violation of safety standards. KGW
Employee fatally asphyxiated at Pennsylvania gas well pad
A 50-year-old man who was unloading a large excavator from a trailer near a state gas well pad in Trout Run, Pennsylvania was fatally injured last Monday when the down-drop tailgate ramp that normally operates on an electrical/hydraulic system knocked him to the ground and landed on his chest, which resulted in traumatic asphyxiation. Fed-OSHA is investigating. Manistee News Advocate