Correctional officers file complaint about coronavirus at federal prison

Correctional officers at the federal women’s prison in Tallahassee, Florida have filed a complaint with Fed-OSHA against the U.S. Bureau of Prisons about the lack of masks and other personal protective equipment during the coronavirus pandemic. The officers claim they were supplied with counterfeit N95 masks. N95 is the standard set by Fed-OSHA for use in federal institutions. Tallahassee Democrat

 

Worker at downtown Las Vegas site tests positive

A construction worker at the downtown Las Vegas site of the Circa hotel-casino project has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the company overseeing construction. A letter sent about three weeks ago to major construction sites by Nevada OSHA noted work crews statewide were not practicing social distancing, but did not identify projects the agency observed violating the guidelines. Las Vegas Review-Journal

 

Safety measures businesses should adopt if operating during the coronavirus

The Indiana governor’s directive allows essential businesses to remain open as long as they comply with social distancing requirements and recommended sanitation measures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and comply with IOSHA standards but the order gives a few clear directives. Here are steps all workplaces should take to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Indianapolis Star

 

Fed-OSHA investigates Idaho group home after employees report pressure to work sick

Fed-OSHA is investigating an Idaho-based group home for people with intellectual disabilities, after some employees say they felt pressured to work while presenting with COVID-19 symptoms, or while waiting on the results of COVID-19 tests. Idaho Press

 

Attorneys advise preparing for Fed-OSHA’s Interim Enforcement Response Plan

Employers should pay close attention to Fed-OSHA’s Interim Enforcement Response Plan for Coronavirus Disease 2019, which includes important changes to enforcement guidelines and record-keeping requirements, and be prepared for significant increase in whistleblower complaints. National Law Review

 

Fed-OSHA outlines discretion in issuing citations during coronavirus

Fed-OSHA last week issued an enforcement memorandum in response to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis that instructs the agency’s area offices and compliance safety and health officers during inspections to consider an employer’s good faith efforts to comply with safety standards which require annual or recurring audits, reviews, training, or assessments. National Law Review

 

Iowa: State reps file complaint about Tyson plant

Waterloo, Iowa-area lawmakers are calling for an investigation to learn more about the spike in coronavirus cases and, specifically, that a Tyson plant failed to protect workers against the exposure or use CDC mitigation methods. KCRG (Cedar Rapids, Iowa)