OR-OSHA fines gym $90K for violating COVID ‘freeze’

Oregon OSHA last week fined a fitness business $90,000 for defying an executive order and remaining open throughout a two-week COVID-19 related “freeze.” According to Governor Kate Brown, 21 counties were under restrictions during the two-week shutdown that expires December 3. Indoor gyms will remain closed. U.S. News & World Report

 

What will Fed-OSHA enforcement look like under the new administration?

Two Morgan Lewis attorneys discuss the possibility of an emergency temporary standard for COVID-19 hazards leading to increased inspections and citations by Fed-OSHA under the next president. JD Supra

 

West Virginia University receives Harwood grant to teach oil, gas safety

The West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension is one of 90 nationwide recipients of Fed-OSHA’s Susan Harwood federal safety and health training grants. WVNews

 

MIOSHA emphasis programs to focus on construction, manufacturing industries

Michigan OSHA plans to use two emphasis programs to ensure compliance with COVID-19 workplace safety in the construction and manufacturing industries, as infections have spiked across the state. The programs will be in effect through February 8. Some steps construction and manufacturing businesses must take include: conducting daily health screenings of employees and contractors; isolating those with symptoms and quarantining close contacts; and requiring employees to wear face coverings. WPBN/WGTU

 

How much do plexiglass shields help?

Businesses and workplaces have pointed to plexiglass dividers as one tool they are using to keep people safe against the spread of the coronavirus. How effective are they? WLFI (West Lafayette, Ind.)

 

Las Vegas sports businesses cited for COVID-19 noncompliance

Nevada OSHA cited three sports businesses in the Las Vegas area for COVID-19 noncompliance the week prior to Thanksgiving. They include a basketball center the agency says held close-contact competition basketball games involving players and referees. KTNV (Las Vegas)

 

OFF-TOPIC

Federal judge rules California’s ban on ‘offensive’ vanity plates unconstitutional

A U.S district court judge last week ruled that California’s ban on “offensive” vanity license plates violates the First Amendment, on grounds including that there is no set criteria to determine what counts as ‘offensive.’ Daily Caller