Flash: New DIR Director & Counsel
Over a year into his office and nearly two years after a vacancy, the governor appoints a new head of Division of Industrial Relations. They get a new General Counsel as well. Cal-OSHA Reporter
Grain bin deaths expose contrast in North Dakota, Minnesota farm safety funding
In Minnesota, grain bin deaths have recently spurred legislators and the governor to propose injecting funds into farm safety measures and equipment. But in North Dakota, state money for such efforts has dried up, and there are no plans for an infusion of funds. Fargo Forum
Legislation seeks to provide protections for NIOSH-certified respirators
A bipartisan group of federal legislators last week introduced a bill ensuring National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified respirators have the same liability protections as other medical products, vaccines, and drugs, when the government requests equipment be used in the event of an outbreak or epidemic. Homeland Preparedness News
Coronavirus: What happens when an employee can’t work remotely?
Working remotely may help prevent contraction of the deadly coronavirus, but many employees in this country do not have this option. According to a radiologist and expert in healthcare management, employers need to reevaluate their systems. TechRepublic [with video]
NIOSH bulletin addresses nanomaterials
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health last week published Current Intelligence Bulletin 69, which describes the process and logic NIOSH uses to conduct risk assessments. National Law Review
Maine: Mount Desert praised by state labor agency
A Maine Department of Labor inspector recently made unannounced visits to Mount Desert’s police, fire and public works facilities to check for compliance with safety regs. As a result, the town has applied for the Safety and Health Award for Public Employers award. If successful, the town would be exempt from scheduled inspections for as long as its SHAPE certification remains valid. Mount Desert Islander