Candy manufacturer fined $485K
Fed-OSHA has handed down $485,000 in penalties to the manufacturer of nationally marketed cookies and candy in connection with two incidents in which employees at the company’s Chicago-area facility were severely injured. Citations include failure to provide adequate machine guarding, proper lockout devices, or sufficient periodic inspections of lockout procedures and training. CBS Chicago [with video]
Boston workers survive scaffolding mishap
Two workers were rescued after a scaffolding malfunction on a high-rise apartment building left them dangling 12 stories above the ground in Boston’s Chinatown on July 9. WHDH (Boston) [with video]
Two construction workers seriously injured by falling debris at D.C. site
Two construction workers were seriously injured after being struck by falling materials at a site in southwest Washington, D.C. last week. Fed-OSHA was notified. WTOP (Washington, D.C.)
Fed-OSHA issues new FAQs on COVID reporting
Fed-OSHA has issued new Frequently Asked Questions addressing when employers governed by the federal agency must report work-related cases of COVID-19. The most significant new information concerns when an employee is hospitalized as a result of contracting COVID-19 at work. JD Supra
Seven Nevada business cited for COVID violations
Nevada OSHA has fined seven businesses for allegedly failing to follow COVID-19 health and safety rules. Las Vegas Review-Journal [may require registration]
Nevada OSHA cites joint venture on stadium project
The joint venture directing the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium project in Las Vegas has been fined more than $13,000 by Nevada OSHA for an unnamed violation. In early April, the agency noted employees at the site were not abiding by the 6 feet minimum social distancing requirement, noting that two 65-foot boom lifts were operating, each of which had three men per basket in violation of the two-person-per-basket regulation. The penalty is the maximum for a serious violation. Las Vegas Review-Journal [may require registration]
Health Canada issues advisory over counterfeit N95 respirators
Health Canada has put out an advisory about counterfeit respirators: N95 respirators made by Shanghai Lansheng Light Industrial Products were falsely labeled, marked and sold as approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Health Canada said in the advisory it is working with its border agents to prevent importation of this product. Daily Hive
OR-OSHA receives 750 COVID-related complaints over holiday
Oregon OSHA reports it received approximately 750 COVID-19 related complaints over the Fourth of July weekend, most of which related to the July 1 mandate to wear a face mask in businesses and indoor public spaces due to the recent spike in cases. The agency says it is taking the lead on making sure the mask mandate is enforced in businesses. KTVL
Ohio roofer fined $148K for fall protection violations at home sites
Fed-OSHA has cited a Dublin, Ohio roofing contractor for allegedly exposing employees to falls at three separate residential home sites in Pickerington. The agency opened all three inspections under the local emphasis program for falls. The contractor faces penalties of more than $148,430, including for violations classified as willful, after inspectors reported observing employees working on a residential roof without adequate fall protection. New Journal