Fed-OSHA cites Colorado meat processing plant following fatality

Fed-OSHA has cited JBS Foods Inc. and fined it $175,000 for various violations the agency says it identified in connection with the death of an employee at the company’s Greeley, Colorado facilities in late March. The incident occurred as an employee tried to install a paddlewheel used to churn chemicals to process animal hides. The paddlewheel, and a trolley and hoist being used to lift it, dropped, causing the employee to fall into a vat that contained the chemicals. Loveland Reporter-Herald

Trench collapse kills Twin Cities-area construction worker

A 48-year-old construction worker died Tuesday after he was caught in the partial collapse of an excavation trench in Lindstrom, Minnesota. MNOSHA is investigating. WCCO

South Carolina OSHA closes fatality investigation into grain bin fatality

A North Carolina-based company has paid more than $17,000 in fines to South Carolina OSHA following the agency’s investigation into the 2019 death of a facilities manager in a grain silo in Lake City. The investigation reportedly found the facility had a body harness, but not a lifeline, and that an assistant manager was not trained in rescue procedures in case someone became buried in the bin. WBTW

Following Tampa Bay Times investigation, health officials urge lower lead limits

A national public health organization is pushing for sweeping changes to the federal rules designed to keep employees safe after a Tampa Bay Times investigation into a Florida lead smelter. Tampa Bay Times [may require registration]

Fed-OSHA holds public hearing on proposed amendments to HCS

Fed-OSHA concluded last week a three-day informal public hearing on its February 16, 2021, notice of proposed rulemaking to amend the Hazard Communication Standard, the federal regulation that sets forth the classification, labeling, Safety Data Sheet, and training requirements for hazardous chemicals intended to be used, handled, or stored in workplaces. JD Supra

Fed-OSHA awards over $11.6M in workplace safety, health grants

Fed-OSHA has awarded more than $11.6 million in grants to 93 nonprofit organizations nationwide to fund education and training on hazard recognition and prevention, and on rights to safe workplaces and the responsibilities of employers to provide them. The grants are in the Targeted Topic Training, Training and Educational Materials Development, and Capacity Building categories, derived from the Susan Harwood Workplace Safety and Health Training program. Facility Executive

Fed-OSHA fines Ohio roofer for willful fall protection violation

An Orwell, Ohio roofing contractor has continued to put employees at risk due to failure to comply with fall protection regulations, including having protective equipment readily available on jobsites, according to Fed-OSHA, which issued it two willful violations and proposed $253,556 in penalties. Inspectors also found the crew allegedly working without required eye protection. Highland County Press (Hillsboro, Ohio)