There are 15 new workplace fatalities under investigation in recent weeks. One is reported as being from COVID. Many of the fatalities are classified as “unknown” at present. Two of the deaths are from falls. In Elk Grove, an employee of an as-yet unidentified employer fell while performing tree trimming when a branch broke. In …
Employers cited by Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health have so far paid less than 50 cents on the dollar for COVID-related Injury and Illness Prevention Program violations in settlements. The 39 settlements reached at the time of this writing in COVID cases represent 17% of the 230 cases brought by DOSH so far. …
Fed-OSHA is taking applications for more than $21 million in training grants, including the traditional Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, and a new program intended for infectious disease education. The Harwood grants will total almost $12 million and California organizations typically receive at least 10% of those grants. This year’s grants include targeted topics, training …
Three significant occupational safety and health bills are moving forward in the California legislature. The most significant of them – SB 606 – has been amended again. The bill by Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) was previously approved by the state Senate and is in the Assembly, where it recently passed the Labor and Employment …
Four years ago the Cal/OSHA Standards Board rejected a petition to eliminate yearly tuberculosis testing for healthcare employees. Now, the issue is back before the board. Registered dietitian Kevin Schwanz of Porterville has submitted a new petition, based on updated federal guidelines that say the tests aren’t necessary in most cases. The nursing community, which …
There are 14 new reported workplace fatalities. None of them are related to the COVID pandemic. The new incidents include four fatal falls; four cases of harmful exposure, one massive explosion; two struck-bys, one crushing, one vehicle encounter, and two deaths from unknown causes. The explosion was in Lemoore, where an employee of contractor J.R. …
A Cal/OSHA Standards Board subcommittee will start discussions on further revisions to the COVID Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) – even a repeal – and it will be a public process. Those on the employer side are advocating for freedom and an “end date” from to the controversial and burdensome regulation, while labor seeks restoration of …
The Cal/OSHA Standards Board has denied a special interest petition from a manufacturer seeking to require specific lighting for portable restrooms used in agriculture. The Indiana-based company produces solar-powered restroom lights and vent fans. It sought requirements in General Industry Safety Orders §3449 that such facilities feature 2.9 foot-candles at 34 inches from the floor, …