Firm sued by worker following OSHA penalties

• A construction worker in Iowa won a $19 million jury verdict in his lawsuit against D.R. Horton for injuries he suffered in a trench collapse.
• Timothy Kono was in a 10- to 11-foot-deep trench when the collapse occurred. He was buried and later rescued. Kono worked for Royal Plumbing, a subcontractor to D.R. Horton on a housing project.
• Kono suffered injuries to his hips, legs, knees, ankles, and lower back, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression, according to court records.
• Royal Plumbing, which paid Kono’s worker’s compensation claim for medical treatment, was cited by OSHA for providing inadequate protection to employees from loose rock or soil that could fall into an excavation and the company was fined $7,467.
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Wisconsin joins Amazon lawsuit

• Wisconsin is among 17 states, along with the Federal Trade Commission, suing Amazon for using unfair strategies to maintain monopoly power, as the company continues to expand its presence in the state.
• The suit comes as Amazon expands its presence in the Badger State. Amazon has faced criticism in recent years for alleged unsafe working practices in its warehouses. Earlier this year, Fed-OSHA cited Amazon warehouses in Colorado, Idaho, and New York for exposing workers to hazards.
• An Amazon spokesman said the company disagrees with OSHA’s characterization of safety at it sites, and the company appealing the citations. She said Amazon is making progress to improve workplace safety.
• Amazon announced plans to build a new distribution center in Weston, Wisconsin, that will provide up to 100 local jobs.
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Nevada continues to push for safer heat laws

• The Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration is seeking new regulations aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and ensuring the well-being of workers in the state.
• While this regulation did not pass during the 2023 legislative session, it may still be brought during a special session.
• Nevada OSHA may still issue citations related to heat-related illnesses under its general duty clause.
• The proposed regulation requires employers to develop and implement written heat illness prevention plans.
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Mining companies honored

• Four mining companies and an engineering firm from Somerset County, Pennsylvania were honored for their outstanding safety records and reclamation efforts at coal mine sites by the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance (PCA).
• The Keystone Mine Safety Awards were presented to Heritage Coal & Natural Resources and Wilson Creek Energy LLC. Rox Coal and PBS Coals were awarded the PCA Reclamation Awards, and Musser Engineering received the Keystone Field Service Award.
• The Keystone Mine Safety Awards, based on safety data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration and the OSHA, recognized companies with outstanding safety records.
• These awards highlight the commitment of these companies to ensuring the safety of their employees and their dedication to environmental reclamation efforts.
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