Archive for 2020
Oakland McDonald’s worker alleges attack by customer refusing to wear mask
A worker at a McDonald’s in Oakland has filed a complaint with Cal/OSHA alleging a customer at the drive-thru attacked her after she refused him service for not wearing a mask, as well as claiming prior incidents of worker abuse by customers and management’s lack of concern for worker security, according to CBS San Fransico.…
Read MoreGov. Sisolak: Number of businesses in noncompliance of mask directive is ‘disappointing and unacceptable’
Nevada Gov. Sisolak said Friday that the number of businesses found to be in noncompliance of the face covering directive is “disappointing and unacceptable,” according to Fox New 5. According to a news release, the Division of Industrial Relations Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) observed 204 businesses on July 2. Of these businesses, 49%…
Read MoreNew Dates for TOS+H Expo: May 2022
Following the postponement of TOS+H EXPO due to the effects of COVID-19, Messe Düsseldorf and its local partner Tezulaş Fuar have announced new dates: the fourth edition of the leading trade fair for Turkish Occupational Safety and Health will take place from May 14 – 17, 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey. The 10th International Congress on…
Read MoreSafety guidance for fireworks display workers
Pyrotechnics include many devices to launch, detonate, or initiate an explosive material. OSHA has compiled the following list of safety guidelines designed to advise display fireworks operators and other affected employers of some procedures that may be followed to help ensure that display fireworks are used safely. It is important to understand that due to…
Read MoreOSHA issues guidance to ensure uniform enforcement of silica standards
OSHA recently issued a compliance directive designed to ensure uniformity in inspection and enforcement procedures when addressing respirable crystalline silica exposures in general industry, maritime, and construction. The new directive provides OSHA compliance safety and health officers with guidance on how to enforce the silica standards’ requirements, including: Methods of compliance Table 1 tasks and specified exposure…
Read MoreOSHA reminds employers of important protections for working safely in summer heat
Throughout much of the U.S., high temperatures and humidity in the summer season can create hot and hazardous working conditions, both outdoors and indoors. OSHA reminds employers of their duty to protect employees from the risks and dangers of heat exposure. OSHA reminds employers of the following ways to mitigate heat hazards: Rest. Shade. Employers…
Read MoreWatchdog will evaluate how EPA reopening offices amid pandemic
The EPA’s Office of the Inspector General will examine how the agency plans to safeguard employees during the pandemic as some of them start to return to the workplace, according to Bloomberg News. The independent watchdog said in a memo Wednesday that it was initiating the evaluation as part of its review of how the pandemic is…
Read MoreCalifornia creates “strike teams” to enforce virus limits
California is creating “strike teams” from 10 state agencies to enforce guidelines designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. He said the teams would “go after people that are thumbing their nose, that are particularly being aggressive, reticent to do anything.” He singled out…
Read MoreEPA’s pandemic-related enforcement relaxation to end in August (1)
The EPA will end its relaxed enforcement policy in response to the coronavirus pandemic on Aug. 31, according to a publicly released memo. Since the policy was put in place, new federal guidelines have been issued to support the public health response and economic recovery efforts, Susan Parker Bodine, the EPA’s assistant administrator for enforcement and…
Read MoreMissouri contractor fined $224k after trench collapse, employee injuries
A Missouri contractor has been cited by federal workplace safety officials for trenching and excavation violations after an employee suffered severe injuries when a 20-foot trench collapsed during excavation of Creve Coeur Sanitary Sewer Trunk in Creve Coeur, Missouri. OSHA has cited Unnerstall Contracting Company LLC, based in Pacific, Missouri, for three willful and four…
Read More