Massachusetts employees say companies failed to protect them from COVID-19

Massachusetts employees, including those deemed essential, have filed hundreds of complaints with the federal government alleging employers failed to keep them protected from coronavirus exposure. As of last Wednesday, more than 13,600 Fed-OSHA complaints and referrals related to COVID-19 had been filed nationwide. MSN

 

Lawmaker calls for IOSHA reform after federal investigation

An Indiana lawmaker is requesting that IOSHA be reformed after an investigation by Fed-OSHA concluded the state agency acted inappropriately in investigating a fatality. The legislator suggests implementing an impartial and independent oversight panel made up of stakeholders in the field. TriState Homepage

 

Attorney says to expect wave of COVID litigation

The featured speaker on the National Grain and Feed Association webinar this week says the country may be on the verge of a tidal wave of litigation stemming from COVID-19. Brownfield Ag News

 

Complaints against Texas meat processing plant include lack of physical distancing

An El Paso, Texas-area meatpacking plant had three Fed-OSHA complaints filed against it prior to five employees testing positive for COVID-19, records show. The first of the three complaints alleged hundreds of employees were working within two feet of each other and were standing shoulder to shoulder in the lunchroom for meetings, against an order from the governor. KTSM

 

Fed-OSHA to increase inspections, enforce virus recordkeeping

Fed-OSHA has adopted revised policies for enforcing the agency’s requirements with respect to coronavirus as state economies reopen. The agency has issued two revised enforcement policies to ensure employers are taking action to protect their employees. Manufacturing.net

 

Guidelines for reopening workforce

Here are some of the top guidelines and suggestions from Fed-OSHA as states begin reopening, including developing an infectious disease preparedness and response plan and preparing to implement basic infection prevention measures. News12