News Digest 9-27-2021

 

Fed-OSHA expands heat-protection efforts

Fed-OSHA is implementing an enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards, developing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections, and launching a rulemaking process to develop a workplace heat standard. In October 2021, the agency plans to issue an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on heat injury and illness prevention in outdoor and indoor work settings. Security Magazine

 

Employee dies in zipline accident at Vermont ski resort

Vermont OSHA is investigating after a man collided with an anchoring platform on a zipline at the Stowe Mountain Resort on Thursday afternoon and subsequently died. officials said. Boston.com

 

Grad students file complaint with IOSH

An organized group of graduate students at the University of Iowa last week filed a complaint with Iowa OSHA, alleging a violation of health and safety policies at the university during the ongoing pandemic, the second COVID-related filing by a public university in Iowa this academic year. Daily Iowan

 

Cadmium spiked inside Tampa lead factory, but company failed to follow up

An investigation earlier this year chronicled a Tampa lead factory’s persistent problems with the neurotoxin lead and other poisonous chemicals. High readings of cadmium should have prompted the company to meticulously track and document the risk to employees, but a Tampa Bay Times investigation has found the company’s contracted doctor failed to flag abnormal test results and provide the required follow-up. Tampa Bay Times

 

Fed-OSHA springs surprise inspection on city of Anchorage

Longtime employees say a surprise inspection last week from state OSHA inspectors to Anchorage City Hall may be unprecedented and was spurred by a complaint from an aggrieved employee. MustReadAlaska

 

Violence against healthcare workers rising, staff tell Georgia officials

A veteran nurse who was attacked by a patient was one of several speakers Thursday before a Georgia Senate study committee formed to look into violence against healthcare employees. These employees are four times more likely to be assaulted than employees in private industry, according to the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The Current