Matthew Thibault, Construction Dive
In the second quarter of the year, state and federal worker safety agencies fined contractors for safety violations across the United States.
Contractors were fined for issues such as a failure to issue fall protection and a failure to provide respiratory equipment. The biggest fines combined to reach $1.2 million for one contractor.
Lisa Nagele-Piazza, J.D., SHRM
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends that vaccinated workers in certain COVID-19 hot spots and high-risk settings wear masks to protect unvaccinated and immunocompromised workers, according to recently updated guidelines.
Sebastian Obando, Construction Dive
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh made a case to boost OSHA staffing during a Senate subcommittee hearing last week, in a request that would increase both the number of safety inspectors and wage-hour investigators who scrutinize employer payroll records by 2024.
OSHA's Heat Illness Prevention campaign, launched in 2011, educates employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. Through training sessions, outreach events, informational sessions, publications, social media messaging and media appearances, millions of workers and employers have learned how to protect workers from heat. OSHA’s safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.
Dangers of Working in the Heat
David Sparkman, EHS Today
OSHA has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the use of N95 facemasks in the workplace with the intention of reducing the potential for workers of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
The agency also has addressed its standards regarding respirators and particle size and explained how N95 respirators effectively protect wearers from coronavirus exposure.
Jonathan H. Schaefer and Megan E. Baroni, Construction Executive
There are a number of best practices that an employer may wish to follow when faced with any Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection, including:
Kathryn Moody, Construction Dive
Until new guidance is complete, OSHA has directed employers to follow the guidelines set out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding mask use and social distancing for fully vaccinated workers.
In the last year of pandemic and loss, essential workers have kept Ohio and our nation strong. From healthcare workers, to grocery and delivery drivers, to construction workers, the sacrifice and commitment of these workers has been tremendous (see Pres. Biden’s Workers Memorial Day Proclamation).
On April 26, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) submitted its draft COVID-19 ETS to the White House for final review. The review process generally takes a few weeks to no more than 90 days. Given the pressure the White House is under from organized labor, worker advocacy groups and Democrats, it is expected that the review process will be expedited.
