Nurses’ union plead for supplies, COVID-19 tests

The second-largest nurses’ union is calling for more emergency supplies and COVID-19 tests, specifically a policy that it sought in the second COVID-19 package: directing an emergency temporary standing order from Fed-OSHA. Nurses say their facilities have pushed to ration their personal protective equipment in ways that compromise safety. Roll Call

 

War with coronavirus and lack of “armor” for medical personnel

Healthcare workers are serving on the coronavirus frontlines without sufficient armor to protect themselves, write Dr. Melissa Bender and Ryan Goodman, when their safety should rank among the top priorities in the campaign to stop the pandemic. Just Security

 

Virginia governor instructs employees to contact Fed-OSHA if necessary

As of Friday, 20 people were in Virginia hospitals receiving treatment for the coronavirus and two people had died, according to state health officials. Gov. Ralph Northam, who is asking businesses to implement social distancing practices on their own in order to protect their employees and customers, has instructed employees to let superiors know their concerns if workplaces are not following coronavirus guidelines and to contact Fed-OSHA, if necessary. Patch (Fairfax City, Va.)

 

New York City day laborers worry more about collapsing economy than coronavirus

At the headquarters a New York City community-based organization that every morning helps hundreds of immigrant day laborers find jobs, widespread panic about COVID-19 isn’t apparent but the effect it may have on the economy is. City Limits

 

What Texas businesses need to know about how coronavirus impacts employees

Here’s what business owners and managers in Texas need to know about employee issues and the coronavirus. Dallas Business Journal [may require registration]

 

Can companies be held liable when employees fall ill with coronavirus?

As employers across the country shutter operations, require employees to work remotely and limit services and business hours in an effort to combat COVID-19, they face an uncertain financial future and the possibility that their employees will contract coronavirus and hold them accountable for not putting proper protections in place. ABA Journal (Chicago)

 

New Jersey food company cited after employee injures hand in roller

Fed-OSHA has fined a Lodi, New Jersey frozen food manufacturer for failing to properly guard its equipment, including the rolling machine that severely injured an employee’s hand. The company reportedly was cited for a similar violation in 2018. NorthJersey.com

 

What to expect from Fed-OSHA in 2020

Your overall chances of an OSHA inspection are relatively low, but it’s important to remember what will trigger an inspection. San Antonio Business Journal