Steps can be taken to avoid injuries
- There are several ways employers can limit the risk of fatigue and injuries to their workers.
- NIOSH suggests evaluating schedules, namely with the amount of rest or days off workers get, the predictability of shifts, and the overall time of the shift.
- The best time to schedule demanding tasks is in the early part of the day to avoid fatigue and potential mistakes.
- Make sure employees are aware of their surroundings and potential hazards, and if possible, firms should offer on-site mental and health care in case their schedules preclude them from going offsite.
Safety webinar offered
- The Illinois Department of Labor’s On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program is partnering with the Downstate Illinois Occupational Safety and Health to offer a four-part safety series webinar.
- OSHA will discuss the topics of OSHA recordkeeping and reporting, national and regional emphasis programs, safety hazards, and health hazards throughout the month of January.
- Registration for the webinar, along with the complete schedule, is free and must be done through the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center.
Marijuana company reaches settlement after death
- Florida marijuana company Trulieve reached a settlement with federal workplace safety regulators over the death of a worker at its cultivation and processing facility in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
- OSHA has already fined Trulieve more than $35,200 for several violations related to the death of an employee, Lorna McMurrey.
- The victim was filling pre-rolled joints with ground marijuana when she told coworkers she couldn’t breathe and collapsed.
- OSHA attributed her death to “occupational asthma due to exposure to ground cannabis” dust, but also exonerated Trulieve of direct responsibility.
Amazon faces fines for bookkeeping violations
- OSHA issued citations to Amazon for 14 recordkeeping violations at six warehouse facilities in five states for failing to properly record work-related injuries and illnesses. Investigations are ongoing.
- The Amazon locations are located in Deltona, Florida; Waukegan, Illinois; and New Windsor, New York, as well as on August 1 at locations in Aurora, Colorado; Nampa, Idaho; and Castleton, New York.
- Violations included failing to record injuries and illnesses, misclassifying injuries and illnesses, not recording injuries and illnesses within the required time, and not providing OSHA with timely injury and illness records.
- OSHA proposed penalties totaling $29,008.