Fed-OSHA fines Chicago-area contractor nearly $197K for fall protection violations
A suburban Chicago carpentry contractor is facing nearly $197,000 in Fed-OSHA fines for violations, including two classified as willful, after employees were found working on a roof without guardrails, safety nets or harnesses, risking a fall of at least 12 feet. Employees were also not trained to recognize hazards or minimize fall risks, according to the agency. Chicago Sun-Times
Firefighters battle occupational cancer
Since 2002, almost two out of every three firefighters who died in the line of duty died of cancer, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. Scientists believe it may be linked to modern building materials. CBS News [with video]
Fed-OSHA finds multiple infractions at Virginia arsenal following fatal 2018 fire
The Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia has been cited by Fed-OSHA for violations classified as serious following a flash fire that killed one worker and seriously injured two others in December. The agency has recommended more than $112,000 in penalties for cited violations including screen tears inside the air drying tanks not recognized or repaired. Roanoke Times
Some DIA workers strike over conditions
Some baggage handlers and wheelchair attendants at Denver International Airport went on strike Tuesday afternoon, citing unsafe working conditions. Two also recently filed complaints with Fed-OSHA, alleging they were forced to help multiple passengers in wheelchairs at one time, to haul oversized baggage without safety belts and that their breakroom was unventilated and roach-infested. They also say they haven’t been trained to help passengers transporting firearms, explosives and other dangerous items. Denver Post
Worker killed at Pennsylvania meatpacking plant
Fed-OSHA is investigating after a worker was killed in a meatpacking plant in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, in an unspecified incident. WFMZ (Allentown, Pa.)
Georgia: Macon Water Authority employee succumbs to injuries
A 35-year-old Macon Water Authority employee who was critically injured last week when his machinery kicked-back as he repaired a water main died Monday. Fed-OSHA is investigating. WMAZ (Macon, Ga.) [with video]