Oregon construction safety task force seeks to protect crews amid COVID-19

From April 15 through May 7, groups of five to seven task force members, assisted by an Oregon OSHA consultant, visited nine jobsites around the state, in order to assess safety practices addressing COVID-19 and to make recommendations for improvements. The task force is a partnership of union and non-union industry professionals, with support from OR-OSHA. The task force has published free resources for the construction industry. KTVZ (Bend, Ore.)

 

Fed-OSHA inspection at Maine paper mill continues

Fed-OSHA s continuing its inspection of a Maine paper mill that was heavily damaged in the explosion of two digesters in mid-April. The machines turn wood chips into pulp to make paper, using water and chemicals under high pressure and extreme heat. The blast caused no serious injuries, according to fire officials. Lewiston Sun Journal

 

What you need to know about going back to work

After eight weeks of social distancing and working from home, many employees are heading back to work anxious about their safety. Here are some common concerns. Roanoke.com

 

Rural businesses should consider post-pandemic strategies

As stay-at-home orders end and stores begin to reopen, Ron Wilson, director of the Huck Boyd National Institute for Rural Development with K-State Research and Extension, says Kansas business owners should reconsider their strategy as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hays Post

 

Fed-OSHA investigates upstate New York greenhouse

Fed-OSHA has open an investigation into a greenhouse in Oneida, New York, following a sudden surge in positive coronavirus cases in employees. WSYR (Syracuse)

 

Canada: Alberta OHS says meatpacking plant did not engage employees during COVID probe

Cargill failed to engage worker representation during its investigation into the largest COVID-19 outbreak in the province, a review from Alberta Occupational Health and Safety has found. The plant has more than 950 cases, more than 15 percent of the province’s total cases. Calgary Sun

 

Testing uneven or nonexistent at meatpacking plants with COVID-19 outbreaks

As US meat processing plants return to production, they are doing so without a clear idea of who does or does not carry coronavirus. The only guidance from the federal government has been that meat processors should “consider” tests. Minneapolis Star Tribune