Three killed working on Indiana sewer project
A father and son were two of the three employees of an excavating company who died after becoming trapped in a manhole while working on a sewer project in northeastern Indiana. Each man died from asphyxia caused by a low-oxygen environment and subsequent drowning, according to the county coroner. The crew was working on a storm sewer 25 feet down when they became trapped Tuesday in five feet of water. Manistee News Advocate
Researchers create mask filtration effectiveness hierarchy
Infection prevention experts at the UNC Medical Center recently set out to gather evidence on the fitted filtration efficiency of dozens of different types of masks and mask modifications, including masks sterilized for reuse, expired masks, novel masks sourced from domestic and overseas sources, and homemade masks. Their research, conducted at an EPA facility on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, shows expired and sterilized used N95 masks are still effective at protecting wearers. UNC Health
Maryland governor urged to issue COVID-19 workplace safety rules
Labor and environmental organizations are pushing Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to implement new workplace protections, on grounds current rules provide inadequate protection. A spokeswoman for the governor says an emergency temporary standard is not needed because executive orders give local health officials the authority to shut down unsafe facilities. MOSH reportedly has been investigating complaints about issues including personal protective equipment and sanitizing. Baltimore Sun
OR-OSHA releases proposed temporary workplace safety rules for COVID-19
Oregon OSHA earlier this month released its draft temporary rules aimed at COVID-19. For example, employers must ensure work activities and the workplace are designed to eliminate the need for employees to be within six feet of another individual unless the employer determines and can demonstrate that such separation is not practical, in which case the employer must ensure face coverings are worn and as much distance as practical is maintained between individuals. The proposal has three tiers of safety rules. JD Supra
Fed-OSHA fines against Texas countertop maker for silica hazards
A Texas countertop manufacturer faces nearly $220,000 in Fed-OSHA fines for cited violations, including repeat concerning forklift operation, about a year after a workplace fatality. Bloomberg Law [may require registration]
How tape is a simple, economical and versatile social distancing tool
How do facility managers and safety officers keep people six feet apart in retail settings, healthcare environments, schools, offices and other workplaces? One of the most reliable, economical and versatile ways of reminding individuals to adhere to safe social distancing practices is through the use of tape. Supply & Demand Chain Executive
Pandemic-related complaints burden Fed-OSHA investigators: IG
An Inspector General report concludes the numbers of whistleblower retaliation complaints Fed-OSHA has received has increased by nearly a third due to the pandemic. At the same time, employment in Fed-OSHA’s whistleblower program has decreased over the last year from 126 to 120, according to the report. FedWeek