Las Vegas Metro Police appeals COVID-related fine
Las Vegas Metro Police are appealing a fine of $3,700 fine after Nevada OSHA determined a manager was hospitalized with COVID-19 after employees failed to wear masks in the office. The employees allegedly attended a meeting in the manager’s office without wearing masks and were within six feet of one other, according to Nevada OSHA, and a symptomatic employee entered the manager’s office multiple times without wearing a mask. Las Vegas Sun
IOSHA opens inspection of Walmart fire
Indiana OSHA is investigating a massive fire that destroyed a Walmart fulfillment center in Plainfield last Wednesday and forced more than 1,000 employees to evacuate. No known injuries were initially reported. Indianapolis Star
OR-OSHA to stop enforcing some COVID requirements and repeal ‘permanent’ rules
Following guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon OSHA is ending formal mask requirements and other precautions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency established emergency safety rules in 2020 and is beginning the regulatory process to repeal “permanent” changes enacted last April. However, OR-OSHA says it still will enforce some standards, including that employers must allow employees to voluntarily wear masks, and must provide them free to employees who want them. Oregonian
Connecticut business owner lied to safety officials, feds allege
A 48-year-old Bridgeport, Connecticut man was sentenced Thursday to home confinement for lying to Fed-OSHA officials about his business while the agency investigated a jobsite he controlled, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut. Patch
MNOSHA fines town after fireman’s death
An inspection by Minnesota OSHA after the death of an Upsala fire captain last December from COVID, which the state determined he had contracted while on duty, allegedly revealed several areas in which the fire department was not in compliance, including the lack of a hazard communication program. Morrison County Record
Illinois Department of Labor recognizes Ladder Safety Month
Illinois OSHA Department is joining the American Ladder Institute in its national initiative acknowledging ladder safety, with the goals of raising awareness, decrease injury and death and increase certification in ladder safety training. Areas of educational focus include: choosing a ladder, inspection and setup, safety while climbing and safety at the top. WALLS 102
North Carolina rendering plant fined after deaths of two employees
A North Carolina animal byproduct rendering plant has been cited by the N.C. Department of Labor for three serious violations and two non-serious violations, following the September deaths of two employees. Penalties total $13,750. Fayetteville Observer