With a revised definition of “close contact” for potential COVID exposure in the workplace, Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health is cautioning employers to pay attention to the change and the potential for more COVID cases. The revision could significantly increase those considered close contacts, according to David Wesley, assistant deputy chief for enforcement …
Here are the results of some recently settled Cal/OSHA citations after injury incidents. Most settled with significant penalty reductions. Sylvester Roofing Co., Escondido: This employer has agreed to pay 100% of a $23,425 proposed penalty after an employee suffered a serious leg injury on a roofing operation. The employee was operating a portable saw to …
There are three new workplace fatalities. In Rosemead, an employee of Yu Cake, a bakery with a dessert franchise, was crushed to death by an industrial refrigerator door. Compline reports the bakery’s first and only X-Mod (EMR) is 107 for 2021. In West Hollywood, an employee of Swinerton Builders was killed after falling from a …
California’s wildfire season is in full swing, with major fires in the far north and the central part of the state. If past years are any indication, more are coming. The thick, heavy smoke that gave our urban areas an apocalyptic pall in recent seasons hasn’t descended, and hopefully, we’ll avoid the worst of that …
Four pieces of legislation related to occupational safety and health are facing final votes in the state legislature and could soon be on the governor’s desk. AB 2693, by Eloise Reyes (D-San Bernardino), extends Cal/OSHA’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s authority for two years to issue an Order Prohibiting Use over COVID hazards. Current …
A 22-year-old farm laborer assigned to mulch almond branches with a brush shredder was killed in February 2021 when he tried to clear a jam and became entangled in the machine. His legs were amputated, and he bled to death in the Selma orchard. His supervisor found his body the following day. His employer, Yosemite …
Cal/OSHA and employers have resolved citations in seven fatality and injury cases. Consolidated Disposal Services: In the completion of a multi-employer case, this company will pay $30,935 of a proposed $71,435 for the death of a security guard. It happened at the Bel-Art Transfer Station in Gardena in October 2017. The guard was working in …