Nevada OSHA issued no COVID-19 citations last week

Nevada OSHA reports that for the first time since it began checking compliance for COVID-19-related directives, no citations were issued last week. Thirty-six citations have been issued since entering the second phase of reopening on June 24. KVVU (Las Vegas)

Oregon can’t ban outdoor labor during poor air quality

Oregon OSHA is discouraging strenuous outdoor labor, including farmwork, while smoke from wildlife fills the air, but does not have authority to stop outdoor work because of smoke, according to to the agency. According to one winery owner in the Willamette Valley, some growers canceled picking this week, but others are planning to pick by machine rather than hand. Capital Press

$3M in counterfeit N95 masks from China seized in Chicago

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it seized 500,000 counterfeit N95 masks in Chicago in a shipment from China last week. An appraisal estimated the domestic value of the masks to be more than $3 million. According to CBP, various groups have tried to distribute counterfeit safety equipment, COVID-19 test kits and hygiene products. WKRG (Mobile, Ala.)

Investigations opened in Seattle pier collapse

Federal and state workplace safety inspectors have opened investigations into the partial collapse of a pier along Seattle’s waterfront during a demolition project on Sunday. City officials say seven employees were on the pier wearing flotation devices when it began to collapse. Two of them fell into the water while others were able to evacuate. Manistee News Advocate

Fed-OSHA cites four employers for COVID-19 violations

Fed-OSHA last week cited four employers—two meat processing companies, a health system and a medical company—for coronavirus-related violations. The citations signal that companies in all sectors need to acquaint themselves with the rules that might be enforced against them for violations. FreightWaves

Four ways to help employees feel safe when returning to work

Business leaders this year have emphasized how much they worry on behalf of their employees. Protecting employee health in the COVID-19 era was the No. 2 concern among businesses nationwide in the latest Principal Financial Well-Being Index™. Here are some tips on how to effectively manage employees’ concerns about a safe and stress-free return to the workplace. Fast Company