Explosions at western Africa gold mining site kills at least 63

A series of explosions believed to have been caused by chemicals used to treat gold near a gold mining site in southwestern Burkina Faso reportedly killed at least 63 people and injured more than 100 others Monday. Burkina Faso is the fastest-growing gold producer in Africa; gold is the country’s most important export. Small-scale mines are reportedly used by jihadis linked to al Qaeda and the Islamic State, which have staged attacks in the country since 2016. CBS News

Contractor dies after being injured at the Valero Port Arthur Refinery

Fed-OSHA is investigating the death of a 61-year-old contractor who worked for the Valero Port Arthur Refinery in Texas, who was injured Friday afternoon while working on a construction project at the facility. 12 News Now

Illinois Farm Bureau to tackle complicated trucking rules for farm vehicles

The Illinois Farm Bureau is getting ready for spring planting season with several events around the state to address transportation laws and regulations. An executive with the group says the member seminars will address new and old trucking rules and regulations and how they pertain specifically to farmers. Advantage News

Tennessee private employers may not require vaccination

Attorney L. Michael Zinser of Gallatin, Tennessee discusses the state’s new law that prohibits most private employers from taking adverse actions against employees who refuse to provide proof of vaccination status if they object to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine for any reason. The Portland Sun

Tech responds to TOSHA complaint

Tennessee Tech University faculty and students have recently expressed frustration over what they call unsafe working conditions and learning environments, specifically in the university’s business college, which they say needs damage mediation. TOSHA in late January issued a letter to the university’s Department of Environmental Health and Safety, addressing the complaints and also allegations of asbestos being present within the building. The Oracle

OR-OSHA to host excessive heat, wildfire smoke rules public hearings

Oregon OSHA will hold public hearings today, February 23, and tomorrow, February 24, about the heat and employee housing rules; and March 2 and March 4 about the wildfire smoke rule. During the upcoming hearings, a coalition will testify on the changes they want to see made to the final sets of rules. DJC Oregon