Contractor dies in work accident at Florida military base
A contracted employee on a construction project at Patrick Air Force Base died Tuesday in an unspecified incident at the military installation. Fed-OSHA is expected to investigate. One of the projects for which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is providing oversite at the site includes several large above-ground fuel storage tanks. Florida Today
Multiple Las Vegas-area businesses cited
Nevada OSHA recently cited nine employers for non-compliance with mandated health and safety measures under the governor’s declaration of emergency directive related to COVID, and two others for workplace safety issues. Officials last week conducted 117 follow up visits and found a 92 percent compliance rate statewide. However, business sectors with compliance rates below that figure include clothing stores, grocery stores, automobile sales/service and gyms. KLAS (Las Vegas)
Fed-OSHA alliance with Meat Institute draws some criticism
The North American Meat Institute last month signed a two-year alliance with Fed-OSHA to provide members, the public, and other stakeholders with information, guidance, and access to training resources. Participants will develop information on recognizing coronavirus transmission risks and best practices for preventing transmission, and on challenges for exposure control in meatpacking and processing facilities. Since it became public knowledge, however, some are questioning the propriety of Fed-OSHA being in an exclusive agreement with the meat lobby. Food Safety News
Fed-OSHA whistleblower complaints spike over COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic not only has prompted a substantial increase in the number of complaints and referrals to Fed-OSHA for enforcement, but the agency also has reported significant escalation of the number of whistleblower complaints it has received that relate to COVID-19, according to Hodgson Russ LLP. JD Supra
TOSHA investigating workplace fatality
Tennessee OSHA is investigating after a fatal, unidentified workplace accident at a Cleveland plant last week. WTVC
South Carolina employers fired while quarantined for coronavirus sue
South Carolina workers have begun filing lawsuits alleging they were fired after staying at home on the advice of employers or doctors while awaiting COVID-19 test results. Post and Courier [may require registration]
Eighth Circuit won’t reconsider Fed-OSHA citation, penalty
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has declined to reconsider its decision to uphold Fed-OSHA’s citation and the more than $11,000 in penalties it assessed a company whose electrical engineering employee sustained severe burns, for cited personal protective equipment violations. Bloomberg Law [may require registration]