Some states receive expired protective gear
Arizona and other states that have received old or expired medical supplies from the federal stockpile, including the N95 masks, are being advised by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to use them anyway. But as increasing numbers of healthcare workers contract the coronavirus, doctors and nurses are saying they need better protection. Arizona Range News
Nevada OSHA warns construction firms on coronavirus safety protocols
A letter sent by Nevada OSHA on Friday noted that work crews at construction sites across the state were not practicing social distancing, but did not identify any specific projects. The agency reiterated the standards for the construction, mining and manufacturing industries, which have been deemed essential business. Las Vegas Review-Journal
Tennessee employees file complaints with TOSHA over COVID-19 issues
From March 18-31, Tennessee OSHA received 85 complaints about businesses through the state’s online portal, 70 of which were coronavirus-related. The complaints show dozens of employees across the state feel their workplaces aren’t taking the coronavirus seriously or wonder why their company is open at all. Knoxville News Sentinel
How FDA is increasing supply for the healthcare system
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responding to the shortage of personal protective equipment, ventilators, other medical devices by relaxing its rules for importing and distributing PPE and ventilators and their accessories. The most recent policies on PPE importation and use in healthcare settings create more options for healthcare providers and patients in need of ventilatory support and help alleviate bottlenecks of necessary medical supplies in the supply chain, write attorneys Allison Fulton and Reid Whitten. National Law Review
Northeast Iowa feed mill fined $74K for violations including explosive dust
Fed-OSHA is seeking to fine an eastern Iowa animal food operation more than $74,000 for cited violations including lack of fall protection along the building’s catwalk and exposures to explosive dust hazards. News 8000
South Carolina man dies after workplace incident
A 56-year-old Florence, South Carolina man died Sunday after an unidentified workplace incident that occurred March 27. WBTW
Fed-OSHA publishes respirable crystalline silica NEP
Fed-OSHA last month published its final rule for Respirable Crystalline Silica, which created two standards, one for general industry and maritime, and one for construction, to limit overexposure in affected jobsites. AEM