Colorado looks to better support search and rescue operations

According to a new report, Colorado search and rescue organizations respond to more than 3,600 incidents a year, more than any other state. There are currently about 2,800 unpaid search and rescue responders in the state serving on almost 50 nonprofit teams. In addition to evaluating of issues in the state’s current search and rescue system, such as coordination, compensation, retirement, equipment, funding, training and safety education; the study surveyed volunteers’ mental and physical health needs, and documented an increased risk of burnout. Summit Daily

Washington construction company fined in connection with bridge death

A Bellingham, Washington construction company faces nearly $284,000 in proposed fines for failing to ensure safeguards were in place to keep workers from falling off a bridge spanning the Columbia River, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. A 39-year-old man apparently died from falling about 60 feet from the bridge deck in August while laying concrete curing blankets as part of a bridge restoration project. Columbia Basin Herald

The top cited violations of Q4

This latest roundup of Fed-OSHA’s citations includes willful violations of fall protection standards, standards involving aerial lifts and more, including a Washington-based roofing contractor that was fined nearly $425,000. The company has had at least seven serious injuries, including five falls from heights and two eye injuries from nail guns, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. Construction Dive

Responders find CO elevated in Ohio hotel pool area following incident

A pool heater is the suspected source of a carbon monoxide leak that sickened 14 people over the weekend at a Columbus, Ohio-area hotel. A report by fire officials shows crews responding to an incident Saturday, and finding elevated levels of carbon monoxide throughout the hotel. WBNS