Corporations sue OSHA over wildfire smoke and heat rules
- Oregon OSHA filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Oregon Manufacturers and Commerce Association, Associated Oregon Loggers and the Oregon Forest and Industry Council over the agency’s wildfire smoke and heat work rules.
- The lawsuit alleged that rules regarding the safety of employees who work outside in high temperatures and wildfire smoke were “vague, unconstitutional and would place an undue burden on employers.”
- OSHA’s attorneys claim the agency cannot sue the state in federal court because of immunity laws.
- The state has also argued the rules regarding wildfire smoke and heat are clear and can be interpreted.
Man killed in grain elevator accident
- A Hastings, Nebraska, man was killed in a grain silo accident at CHS Agri Services Center in nearby Roseland.
- The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said 34-year-old Travis Thelander was pronounced dead upon recovery after becoming trapped inside a corn silo on the CHS property.
- Thelander was a worker for CHS, and since it is a workplace death, OSHA has been notified.
- How Thelander became trapped remains unknown, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Hospital cited by OSHA
- The Oregon State Hospital has been cited for three workplace safety violations by OSHA.
- The infractions involved the way the hospital has responded to workplace violence and injuries.
- Staff members at the state-run psychiatric facility have been repeatedly assaulted by patients.
- Director Patrick Allen said in a statement that any violence towards employees is unacceptable and that the agency is working hard to reduce rates of workplace violence.
Ten workers injured in barn collapse
- Officials in South Dakota are investigating the partial collapse of a barn that injured 10 workers.
- The barn at Blooming Valley Dairy near Summit, S.D., was under construction when the rafters buckled, according to Grant County Emergency Management.
- The workers were injured and taken by ambulance for medical care in Watertown, Milbank, Webster and Ortonville.
- Their conditions were not released.