Flash: CDC: No More Masks for Fully Vaccinated
CDC guidance is to open up the economy for the vaccinated. There is science behind the change. The question is: will California’s government choose science? Cal-OSHA Reporter
New Jersey contractor admits guilt in death of employee who fell from roof
A contractor that previously had been cited by Fed-OSHA for failing to protect employees from falls has admitted its role in the death of an employee who fell from a roof during a job at a two-story, two-family home in Fair Lawn, New Jersey in 2016. The 33-year-old employee, who fell off a corner of the roof during the installation of an ice and water shield, was not wearing fall protection gear at the time, according to an acting U.S. attorney. The company was previously cited by Fed-OSHA during an inspection in 2014 for failing to provide fall protection to employees. Daily Voice
Pennsylvania agency investigating water-accident death
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is investigating the death of a Western Berks Water Authority employee during a repair job in a utility pit in Wyomissing. According to local police, Fed-OSHA doesn’t have jurisdiction with utilities such as water departments. Police say a 38-year-old man died Wednesday while he and another employee were in the 8-foot concrete-encased pit when water gushed into the enclosure. Reading Eagle
Employee killed by falling tree in Maine
A 50-year-old man was killed Wednesday when he was struck by a falling tree at a worksite in Oxford County, Maine. Fed-OSHA is investigating. Officials say a member of a work crew was clearing brush and felling trees when the top of a tree he was cutting detached and struck him in the head. WABI [with video]
Lawsuit filed in 2020 landfill death
A lawsuit has been filed against Chautauqua County, New York following the death of a man at the county landfill last year, alleging the county violated state labor law and the federal OSH act. In early August 2020, a 56-year-old independent contractor was standing behind a large pile of garbage and debris that he had just dumped at the landfill in the town of Ellery when he was struck by a bulldozer. Observer (Dunkirk, N.Y.)
Fed-OSHA opens investigation at Kansas plant after report of forklift incident
Fed-OSHA has opened an investigation at Frito Lay in Topeka, Kansas, after reports of a temporary employee injuring her leg while operating a forklift on the job. WIBW (Topeka)
Michigan agency says restaurant employees need masks until MIOSHA updates guidelines
The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association on Friday said employees at bars and restaurants will still need to wear masks until MIOSHA updates its guidelines. Patrons at bars and restaurants who are seated outside no longer need to wear masks, regardless of whether they are vaccinated or not, according to the MLBA, which also says fully-vaccinated patrons can also go maskless indoors. Fox 17