OSHA watch
COVID-19
Federal
- New Temporary Enforcement Guidance - Tight-Fitting Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Used During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic loosens respiratory gear requirements that certain workers be fit-tested and issued personal protective equipment approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
- Guidance on using cloth face coverings while working in hot and humid conditions indoors and outdoors
- New resource to help employers understand and comply with OSHA's Respiratory Protection Standard during the pandemic
- Fish and Seafood processing and packaging facilities poster
- COVID-19 response summary provides up to date information on complaints, referrals, inspections, and closed cases. As of September 27, there were 9,076 federal complaints, 1,217 referrals, 27,925 state complaints, and 3,273 state referrals. 8,516 federal cases and 21,119 state cases were closed
For more COVID-19 information
Cal/OSHA
- AB 685 authorizes the Cal/OSHA to close worksites due to COVID-19 hazards and issue citations for serious violations related to COVID-19 without giving employers a 15-day notice before issuance, as well as other requirements.
Michigan OSHA
- There is a new webpage that lists companies that have been cited for a serious violation of the general duty clause related to COVID-19.
Work-related injury and illness data released for CY 2016-2018
The release of the electronic injury and illness annual summaries under the beleaguered injury reporting rule comes after two court decisions involving the freedom of Information Act in June. The webpage notes, "Recording or reporting a work-related injury, illness, or fatality does not mean that the employer or employee was at fault, that an OSHA rule has been violated, or that the employee is eligible for workers' compensation or other benefits."
Final rule on cranes and derricks used in railroad roadway work
The final rule adds certain exemptions and clarifications to recognize the unique equipment and circumstances in railway roadway work. The rule also reflects that some requirements are preempted by Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.
Recent fines and awards
COVID-19 related citations
Federal:
- Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, $13,494 under the general duty clause
- Christus Shreveport-Bossier Health System, Louisiana $13,494 for alleged PPE violations
- JBS Foods operating as Swift Beef Co., a meatpacking company in Colorado, $15,615 under the general duty clause
- CarePlus Bergen Inc. d/b/a Bergen New Bridge Medical Center in New Jersey, $9,639, for allegedly violating respiratory protection standards
- Hackensack Meridian Health Residential Care Inc., North Bergen, New Jersey, $28,070, for failure to provide respirators to resident-care employees and other related violations
- Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indiana, for failing to provide appropriate PPE and failing to protect employees from COVID-19
- Georgetown Dental LLC in Georgetown, Massachusetts, $9,500, for failing to provide medical evaluations and fit testing for employees required to wear N-95 respirators as protection against coronavirus and more
Cal/OSHA
- Six health care facilities, including two nursing homes, and the Santa Rosa Police Department were cited for failing to take precautions to protect their employees from COVID-19 and face fines from $2,060 to $32,000. Those cited:
- Santa Rosa Police Department - $32,000
- Gateway Care & Rehabilitation Center, Hayward - $23,430
- Sutter Bay Hospitals dba CPMC Davies Campus, San Francisco - $15,000
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, (North Jackson Ave.) San Jose - $7,650
- Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, (South Bascom Ave.) San Jose - $2,060
- Canyon Springs Post-Acute, San Jose - $13,500
- The Ridge Post-Acute, San Jose - $15,400
Michigan OSHA(MIOSHA)
- MIOSHA has cited 25 companies for violations related to COVID-19 under its general duty clause. Fines range from $1,500 to $7,000.
Nevada OSHA
- Has issued over 25 citations with penalties ranging from $2000 to $12,617.
Oregon OSHA
- 18 citations have been issued to employers for violating requirements to protect workers from COVID-19. Penalties for non-willful violations ranged from $100 to $2,000, while penalties for willful violations ranged from $8,900 to $14,000. For more information.
Non-COVID-19 related citations
Florida
- In response to a complaint, Mayo Fertilizer in Lake City was inspected and faces $66,795 in penalties, including a repeat citation for violations related to ladders.
Indiana
- Land Construction Corp of Fort Wayne faces initial penalties of $191,398 related to trench violations.
Illinois
- Rana Meal Solutions of Bartlett faces over $222,000 in penalties, including one willful violation for lockout/tagout.
For additional information.