Three out of the top 10 largest OSHA fines in 2020 were above $1 million. All ten were above $470,000. Retailers accounted for four of the top 10. Here are the 10 largest OSHA fines in 2020: BB Frame, Cliffside Park, NJ, $2,004,225. OSHA fined this New Jersey framing contractor for exposing workers to multiple […]
Twelve months ago, we were just beginning to hear about a new, deadly virus in China. A lot has changed in safety in 2020. Here’s a look back: Jan. 20: Maximum OSHA fines increase due to annual inflation adjustment. The top fine for a willful violation is now almost $135,000. March 4: Coronavirus outbreak causing […]
The American Industrial Hygiene Association unveiled its new brand today at the start of the Virtual AIHce EXP 2020. The organization says the new brand reflects its diverse membership and looks toward the future of the profession. “AIHA” is now the new name of the occupational safety group, with its main slogan, “Healthier Workplaces. A […]
Is six feet really the limit for person-to-person COVID-19 transmission? Unfortunately for businesses, the answer to that question seems to depend on who you ask. Recently, it may also have depended on when you ask. On Sept. 18, the CDC posted on its website that the coronavirus is transmitted mainly through the air. This would […]
The family of a railroad worker who was crushed to death in a train coupling incident can’t move forward with its lawsuit since the worker failed to follow safety rules, an appeals court determined. Because the worker failed to follow safety protocols for walking between rail cars and there was no evidence of liability on […]
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) is moving its annual conference to September and expects it to be a hybrid virtual/in-person event. Safety 2021 had been scheduled for June in Denver. After analyzing public health factors and projections, the ASSP decided to move its event to September, with exact dates and location to be […]
The Biden administration has told OSHA to look into an emergency COVID-19 regulation for businesses but doesn’t mandate one as part of its overall plan. In a 200-page document, National Strategy for the COVID-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness, a section on protecting workers says: “The President issued Executive Order Protecting Worker Health and Safety which […]
After looking at thousands of employers, one state OSHA has found the vast majority comply with coronavirus mask rules. The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) says since mid-July, it’s looked into complaints concerning more than 4,200 retailers, restaurants and other businesses. L&I says “thousands” of businesses that were the subject of complaints […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated disinfecting and social distancing guidance in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The organization provided new guidance regarding workplace cleaning, disinfecting, social distancing and ventilation in response to the evolving COVID-19 situation in the U.S. Social distancing When it comes to social distancing, the CDC recommends establishing […]
OSHA now permits use of tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators used as protection against the coronavirus when fit testing can’t be accomplished due to supply shortages. The agency released new guidance Oct. 2 allowing use of tight-fitting powered air-purifying respirators approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) if initial or annual fit […]
An OSHA citation against Walmart involving a warehouse employee struck by falling product was vacated by the Occupational Safety and Health Commission because of a misinterpretation of the definition of “tier.” The citation – which was for failing to safely block product stacked in tiers – was initially upheld by an administrative law judge, but […]
A coalition of safety groups, businesses and government agencies, led by the National Safety Council, has released a framework for employers during re-opening in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The recommendations are from the SAFER (Safe Actions for Employee Returns) task force. The six focus areas in the framework are: Physical environments: building maintenance, requiring […]
Are you confused by federal OSHA’s reporting requirements for coronavirus cases? You’re not alone. The law firm Baker Hostetler says in a blog post it’s been hearing from employers that they’re confused by OSHA‘s reporting guidance on what to do if an employee gets the coronavirus. Baker Hostetler says OSHA published guidance on its website […]
As of mid-July, federal OSHA received more than 6,800 coronavirus-related complaints. Which industries and regions received the most? An analysis by the Nexsen Pruet law firm, using data as of July 16, 2020, showed federal OSHA is receiving the most complaints from the healthcare industry. Here’s the industry breakdown: Healthcare, including hospitals and nursing and […]
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns supplies of N95 respirators can become depleted during pandemics. Signs are here that, due to the coronavirus, this may already be the case. Prestige Ameritech was producing 600,000 masks each day and already struggling to meet demand. Then came calls from the Hong Kong government and […]
Workers employed by two McDonald’s franchises in Chicago now have more protection against the coronavirus thanks to a court order forcing the restaurants to comply with state mask and social distancing requirements. The June 24 court order was the result of a class action lawsuit brought against several franchise owners by employees concerned for their […]
