In New Jersey, fake masks peddled during outbreak

The proliferation of fake equipment is growing as health care facilities also contend with escalating costs. In New Jersey, at least three separate companies, all apparently fake, recently have purported to sell certified N95 respirator masks. A state senator has proposed legislation to increase criminal penalties for people selling counterfeit medical equipment during an emergency. NorthJersey

 

Washington construction industry divided over staying on job

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee last week issued an order that contained a wide-ranging exemption for construction of healthcare facilities, transportation infrastructure, housing and other “essential” projects during a general work shutdown. Among other states where governors have ordered residents to stay at home, only Michigan did not specifically exempt construction, although work is expected to continue. Industry groups and unions say contractors have already started taking steps to slow transmission of COVID-19 on jobsites. Seattle Times

 

Construction industry coronavirus guidance from New York City, Fed-OSHA

New York City has recognized that ordinary practices at construction sites such as shared tools, huddled shift meetings and packed schedules with varied trade contractors can present unique hazards. Fed-OSHA has issued non-industry-specific guidance on preparing workplaces for COVID-19, the potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. National Law Review

 

Complaints to OR-OSHA spike since first COVID case

Since Oregon Gov. Kate Brown in late February announced the first COVID-19 case in the state, Kaiser workers have lodged at least 15 complaints with Oregon OSHA that they have not had enough personal protective equipment to protect them from exposure to the coronavirus. Other regional hospitals prompted less than five complaints, records show. Willamette Week

 

Two Florida construction workers electrocuted

Fed-OSHA is investigating after two men, both of whom were 22 years old, were electrocuted last week at a Port St. Lucie, Florida construction site, when a drilling boom they were raising hit a live wire. NBC2

 

New Hampshire employee dies after machinery incident

A 60-year-old employee was killed a week ago at a Farmington, New Hampshire industrial facility after an accident involving a lathe machine. Fed-OSHA is investigating. fosters.com/seacoastonline.com