Fed-OSHA issues report on Connecticut VA hospital explosion

Fed-OSHA released a report Wednesday blaming a lack of safeguards at the Veterans’ Affairs Hospital in West Haven, Connecticut for the deaths of two men in a steam explosion in November 2020. The report determined the VA failed to protect them from struck-by and burn hazards and found deficiencies in the facility’s lockout/tagout program. NBC Connecticut

 

Four years after deadly Wisconsin explosion, $1.8M in fines remain unpaid

Four years after since an explosion at a grain mill in Cambria, Wisconsin killed five people and injured 14 more, almost $2 million in Fed-OSHA fines related to dust hazards still are unpaid. An appeal with a federal review court is still pending, according to Fed-OSHA records. In 2017, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board opened its own, separate investigation into the incident. Channel3000 (Madison, Wisc.)

 

Fed-OSHA cites two employers after collapse at Ohio power station kills two

Fed-OSHA has cited two Michigan companies in connection with the collapse of a building that killed an employee who was cutting steel and a truck driver at Ohio’s Killen Power Generation Station last December. Fed-OSHA cited both for multiple alleged safety violations on the demolition project, including of the general duty clause and failing to inspect the site regularly to detect potential hazards resulting from the demolition process, such as weakened or deteriorated floors, walls and loosened material. Highland County Press

 

Seven options for managing a partially vaccinated workforce

Employees in certain industries such as healthcare and education likely will continue to be required to mask-up and social distance for the foreseeable future. However, other employers are developing various approaches and policies to lift masking requirements for employees and others who are fully vaccinated following new CDC and Fed-OSHA guidance. Even though some federal, state, or local agencies may require or request that employers track employee vaccine status, there is a growing move in some states to protect vaccine status as confidential, private information, write a group of Fisher Phillips attorneys. JD Supra

 

Fed-OSHA to clarify handrail, stair rail requirements

Fed-OSHA is proposing updates in the handrail and stair rail system requirements for its general industry, Walking-Working Surfaces standard. The agency has received numerous questions asking when handrails are required, and about the height requirements for handrails on stairs and stair rail systems. The proposed rule focuses solely on clarifying some of the requirements for handrails and stair rail systems finalized in 2016, and on providing flexibility in the transition to the agency’s newer requirements. Facility Executive

 

Fed-OSHA cites Broadway theater owner in connection with stagehand’s fatal fall

Fed-OSHA has cited the largest landlord on Broadway for four serious workplace safety violations and proposed a fine of more than $45,000 in connection with the death of an employee who fell nearly 50 feet from a narrow, raised platform while performing routine maintenance while working at the Winter Garden Theater last fall. New York Times [may require registration]