FDA standards initially allowed low-quality KN95 masks from China: report

The Food and Drug Administration’s relaxing of certain standards that allowed importation of KN95 masks from China, prompted by a shortage of personal protective equipment at the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in the US, resulted in low-quality masks being imported, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis. The agency has since revoked its approval. The Hill (Washington, D.C.)

 

Teachers’ union files complaint with Nevada OSHA against school district

The Washoe Education Association says it has filed a complaint with Nevada’s Industrial Relations Office, requesting investigation of the school district for unsafe working conditions during the pandemic, while also acknowledging some of members would prefer to return to teach in person. The complaint came after school trustees last week voted to reopen schools. This is Reno

 

Chicken processor responds to Iowa legislators’ letter

Tyson has responded after three Waterloo, Iowa-area lawmakers sent a letter to Iowa OSHA expressing concern that the agency’s inspection of the chicken processing plant did not result in any cited violations. The lawmakers say employees are still reaching out to them, some saying plastic barriers meant for social distancing had been removed, which Tyson denies. KWWL

 

Idaho doctor calls on Fed-OSHA to increase enforcement

A Post Falls, Idaho physiatrist is asking Fed-OSHA to enforce safety measures for contracted employees, arguing medical workers should be supplied personal protective equipment or allowed to use their own, and that Fed-OSHA should enforce the practice for joint-employees and independent contractors. Dr. Neilly Buckalew says she was fired from a contract job in April after reporting that she was told she couldn’t wear a mask to work. KTVB [with video]

 

Fed-OSHA will issue more COVID citations, say attorneys

In May, Fed-OSHA released a memorandum clarifying its recordkeeping and reporting requirements for cases of COVID-19. The agency has has increased pressure on healthcare facilities, long-term care providers specifically, by issuing citations and initiating related investigations. The agency is likely to significantly increase inspections and enforcement actions as the pandemic continues, according to attorneys at Baker Ober Health Law. JD Supra

 

Employees dealing with COVID face proof hurdle

Employees across the country face varying rules about whether COVID-19 is covered as a workplace injury. More than a dozen states, including Utah, Michigan and Illinois, have changed their laws or rules since the pandemic; but even among the states that have created so-called presumptions, there are significant differences. The stakes are high for those with serious cases. Even if they have health insurance, they can face ruinous costs if their workers’ comp claims are denied. Wausau Pilot & Review