Flash: Huge Penalties for One California Government Agency

Cal/OSHA has cited and is seeking more than $421,000 in penalties from another California agency. Governmental agencies including cities, counties, special districts and, yes, state agencies are subject to the authority of Cal/OSHA and the Division of Safety and Health. The state says the agency willfully exposed staff to COVID-19. Find out which government agencies are fighting it out. Click here to get the whole story … Cal-OSHA Reporter

OSHNC investigating fatal wall collapse

North Carolina Department of Labor officials are still investigating after a 12-foot retaining wall collapsed January 13 in a Hendersonville, North Carolina parking lot, as a crew of workers for an independent contractor were doing repair work at its base. One man was killed and several other were injured in the collapse. WLOS [with video]

New Mexico: County mandates vaccine for first responders, sheriff’s deputies

Doña Ana County, New Mexico has issued a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination directive requiring all county first responders, including certified law enforcement officers, detention center officers and employees that have direct contact with detainees, to receive immunizations. Las Cruces Sun News

Once science fiction, exoskeletons now a tool for safer workplaces

Technology has advanced so it’s possible to have modular, custom-fit, affordable exosuits designed for all employees, regardless of gender, age and size. Major corporations have been using this new class of unpowered exoskeletons to help create a safer workspace and deal with over-exertion and repetitive motion injuries. ForConstructionPros

Injured Maine rigger released from hospital

A 31-year-old rigger who was critically injured January 23 at a Maine foundry while working with a crane was due last week to be released from the hospital, according to his mother. News Center Maine [with video]

Indiana construction firm fined $8,400 after fatality

Indiana OSHA has cited and fined a construction firm two serious safety violations after the death of a 63-year-old employee last August in a vehicle accident in Lake County. The employee reportedly died of blunt force trauma after a semitruck crashed into his vehicle and a pickup truck that were part of a road’s shoulder maintenance, according to the county coroner. The Times