Agency could get more involved in sports
- The NLRB considers student-athletes at the country’s private and public institutions to be actual employees.
- This might open the door for OSHA to cover collegiate sports and athletic injuries.
- States are allowed to create so-called “state plans” that must offer no less protection than is afforded by federal OSHA.
- NLRB’s conclusion that student-athletes are employees may have pushed OSHA and other federal agencies into the arena of regulatory compliance.
A contractor dies at Massachusetts General Hospital
- A man working as a contractor died after falling from the roof of the main Massachusetts General Hospital campus building.
- Hospital officials confirmed an “accidental death” of a contractor occurred outside its main campus building.
- Hospital officials, Boston police, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the incident, a Massachusetts General Hospital spokesperson told Becker’s.
- OSHA is investigating the incident to determine if workplace safety standards were followed.
Michigan grant Helps fire department
- Graafschap Fire Department Training and Safety in Michigan received new equipment at the fire department, including rappelling and other rescue equipment to replace older models.
- The equipment was purchased through a state MIOSHA Workplace Improvement to Safety and Health Grant.
- The goal of the program is to create a safer and healthier work environment and reduce the risk of injury and illness to workers in Michigan.
- The $9,977.53 grant required a 50 percent match from the department.
Texas county now requires safety training
- Harris County in Texas is requiring contractors to provide and pay for safety training for their employees working on county projects.
- The county has an enormous amount of construction projects on roads, bridges and other infrastructure annually.
- Commissioners Court unanimously passed the policy at their first regular meeting of the new year and the first held under a new supermajority.
- Democrats now hold four seats on the five-member body.