OSHA Expands Guidance for Slaughterhouse, Processing Inspections

• OSHA on Tuesday released what it described as “expanded guidance” for animal slaughtering and processing industry inspections, replacing what previously only applied to poultry facilities.
• The agency said that because it has seen an uptick in hazards across the country, it is encouraging state inspection plans to follow the federal guidance.
• Among the changes, OSHA said it would conduct inspections during off-shift times to ensure that second and third-shift operations, such as sanitation services, are covered. 
• Contractors and temporary workers who provide on-site sanitation services at an animal slaughtering and processing facility must be included in the inspection
• It also said inspectors would be using interview strategies that ensure sufficient translation services are provided and that accommodate workers with off-shift or off-site worker interviews, particularly for workers who may fear retaliation from an employer, when there is a specific need to document hazardous working conditions.
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Mississippi Bridge Collapse Called ‘Work Site Accident’

• A Mississippi bridge collapse on Wednesday that killed three people and injured at least four others is being described as a “work site accident” by the state’s Department of Transportation.
• The accident occurred as workers were readying the aged bridge for demolition.
• The department said T.L. Wallace Construction, the contractor for the project, was in the process of demolishing it before the collapse occurred.
• Seven men were using heavy machinery on the bridge to tear it down when it gave away and fell nearly 40 feet, according to authorities.
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