Falling rebar injures six at Miami construction site
Six construction workers were injured Wednesday morning after a large bundle of rebar fell on them at a construction site in Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. First responders reported the six were rushed to a hospital in serious to critical condition after the accident at the site where offices are under construction. Fed-OSHA was called to the site. CBS Miami [with video]
Oregon officials report businesses largely complying with pandemic rules
More than 93 percent of businesses checked by Oregon Liquor Control Commission inspectors have been found to be in compliance with physical distancing and face covering requirements related to the state’s pandemic prevention requirements. Since March, Oregon OSHA has conducted over 5,000 spot checks of businesses, initiated more than 60 inspections based on COVID-19 related complaints, and issued 14 citations and five notices. The Chronicle (St. Helens, Ore.)
Fed-OSHA investigating roofer’s fatal fall at Oregon high school site
A 37-year-old employee of a roofing company employee was killed last Tuesday morning in a fall at the construction site of a new high school being built in southeast Bend, Oregon. KTVZ
Illinois Department of Labor promotes Safe and Sound Week
The Illinois Department of Labor is partnering with with Fed-OSHA OSHA in highlighting safety and health programs during Safe and Sound Week, August 10-16. Safe and Sound Week, a nationwide event, encourages organizations and businesses to create comprehensive health and safety programs. It’s also a chance to showcase existing health and safety programs. MyRadioLink
Hispanic Caucus asks for Department of Labor meeting on COVID in meatpacking plants
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus last week requested a meeting with Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia and Loren Sweatt, head of Fed-OSHA to clarify the agency’s oversight of working conditions at meatpacking plants amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has illuminated the issue of safety in meat and poultry processing centers. The Hispanic caucus is seeking to strengthen federal oversight of the industry, and to pass measures such as hazard pay for essential workers. The Hill (Washington, D.C.)
The chemistry behind the Beirut explosion
According to Lebanese officials, 2,750 metric tons of ammonium nitrate had been stored in a hangar at the city’s port since 2013. The chemistry behind ammonium nitrate’s explosive risk is well known, leading some officials to blame the accident on negligence. Chemical & Engineering News
Man fatally struck by bulldozer at New York landfill
Chautauqua County, New York officials are waiting on the results of investigations into the death of a 56-year-old man at a county landfill before making any decisions if changes need to be made at the site. The man reportedly was standing behind a large pile of garbage and debris that he had just dumped at the landfill when he was struck by a bulldozer. Post-Journal (Jamestown, N.Y.)
Fed-OSHA inspecting several Arkansas poultry plants
Fed-OSHA reportedly has 11 active inspections at Tyson plants in Arkansas. KNWA