Fed-OSHA addresses suicide problem in construction industry
In 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that men working in construction have one of the highest suicide rates compared to other industries, about four times higher than the general population. The Suicide Prevention Safety Stand-Down started as a regional initiative in Fed-OSHA’s Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri, offices. More than 5,000 people participated in the 2020 Suicide Prevention Safety Stand-Down, and the agency is encouraging others to join in 2021. Contractor
Kentucky bill aims to protect employees affected by vaccine mandates
A bill is being proposed for the 2022 Kentucky General Assembly that would provide protections for employees who suffer adverse effects from COVID-19 vaccines mandated by employers. If an employee is required to receive the vaccine and they experience adverse side effects within 14 days, they would be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. Kentucky Today (Louisville)
Partial roof collapse at North Carolina worksite
A porch roof overhang collapsed Monday morning at a new food truck campus building under construction near downtown Southern Pines, North Carolina, injuring three employees who were on top of the roof and the structure, and reportedly had temporary bracing. The Pilot (Southern Pines, N.C.)
In the second quarter of the year, Fed-OSHA levied fines of $150,000 or more against these contractors for violations. Contractors were fined for issues such as a failure to issue fall protection and a failure to provide respiratory equipment. Construction Dive
Meatpacking plants turning to foreign visa labor
A small but growing number of meatpacking plants are employing visa employees: in 2015, six plants requested to hire foreign employees. Last year, the number rose to 11, according to an Investigate Midwest analysis of U.S. Department of Labor data. According to industry experts, such employees are probably less likely to speak out about working conditions in an industry where lacerations and amputations are common. Missouri Independent