Penn State researchers find tree-felling most dangerous job in two industries

Tree felling by professional loggers in a forest setting or by landscapers in urban and rural landscapes, is the most dangerous job in what are two of the most dangerous industries, according to Penn State researchers in a new study. The researchers analyzed a Fed-OSHA database to identify occupational tree-felling fatalities in the United States from 2010 through the first half of 2020 in order to reach their conclusions. Penn State News

California: Riverside County Sheriff not requiring vaccine for employees

Riverside County, California Sheriff Chad Bianco recently said he would not enforce Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom’s vaccine mandate on officers and that new employees in his department would not be asked for proof of vaccination. Bianco said he believed taking a vaccine should be a private medical choice. OANN

OR-OSHA investigating school district over mask complaints

Oregon OSHA has opened an inspection at the Winston-Dillard School District after receiving multiple complaints alleging the district has failed to properly enforce the state’s mask mandate on multiple occasions. One complaint alleges the district is not enforcing the use of face masks by employees and that the employer is holding outdoor meetings where mask wearing is not being enforced. KEZI

Labor Department awards $6.7M in workplace safety grants

Fed-OSHA has announced the award of more than $6.7 million in grants to 37 nonprofit organizations nationwide to fund education and training programs to help workers and employers recognize infectious diseases, including coronavirus health hazards, and identify preventive measures. Security

Pennsylvania: Northampton Community College receives $151K for COVID education

Northampton Community College announced on Monday that it was one of 37 nonprofit organizations to receive grant funding from Fed-OSHA that will go toward a proposed plan from the college to provide three to four hours of COVID-19 training to 700 employers and employees in the healthcare industry, specifically focused on limited-English speaking, those with a low literacy rate, youth, at-risk workers and small businesses. lehighvalleylive.com

This is Vermont’s inaugural Workplace Safety Week

Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott has proclaimed September 12–18 the inaugural Vermont Workplace Safety Week, celebrating safe workplaces and promoting participation in workplace safety programs. The Vermont Department of Labor and VOSHA will hold in-person and virtual events related to the week. Vermontbiz