Severe flu season could merit a shot
- The U.S. is enduring the start of the most severe flu season in over a decade, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- This raises the question of whether companies should require flu vaccines.
- OSHA allows most private employers to mandate flu shots.
- However, “employees need to be properly informed of the benefits of the vaccinations,” and courts have ruled workers with medical conditions or sincerely held religious beliefs can prevent inoculation.
Understanding the impact of client violence on child-protection workers
- Researchers at Florida State University received a $150,000 grant from NIOSH to study the impact of client violence on child-protection services workers in Florida.
- There has been a high incidence of client violence, or verbal abuse and physical violence aimed at child-protection services workers while they provide services
- Researchers will use data to examine a group of newly hired Florida child-protection services workers through three years on the job and track how the experience of client violence impacts worker health.
- “The toll can be economic, physical and psychological,” Social Work Professor Dina Wilke said.
Investigation after firefighters injured
- The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry opened an investigation into the Hampton Fire Department after eight firefighters were injured in a four-alarm fire in Hampton.
- Investigators are trying to determine if any occupational safety and health regulations were violated.
- The agency could issue citations to the fire department if violations are found.
- The Hampton Fire Department said it will cooperate fully and welcomes assessments from independent agencies.
More investigations into Dollar General
- Several Dollar General stores in North Dakota are under investigation by OSHA after complaints of safety hazards.
- Stores in Casselton, Tioga, and Garrison are being investigated.
- No violations have been listed, but the cases remain open.
- “I’m hoping that Dollar General sees the situation that they have and changes their business plan to address some of these issues because they are important to these communities,” Commissioner Paul Geray said.