worker safety News

Department of Labor Expands Grain Handling Safety Program in Midwest

The U.S. Department of Labor announced this month that its Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched a regional emphasis program to address worker safety in the highly hazardous grain handling industry as preventable injuries and unchecked hazards continue to be …

Washington Paper Mill Fined Nearly $650K in Machine Operator Death

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined a mill operator in Camas following an investigation into the death of a worker who was crushed by a packing machine that had no safety guards in place. The …

Cal/OSHA Cautioning Employers to Protect Workers From Wildfire Smoke

Cal/OSHA is urging employers to protect workers from unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke. The Line Fire is impacting air quality in areas around San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Employers are required to monitor air quality, adjust work practices, and …

Officials Identify 2 Men Killed in Idaho Gas Station Explosion

Authorities have identified two people killed when a gas station exploded and started a fire in a remote Idaho town last week. The Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office said Brandon Cook, 53, of Orofino and Wesley Lineberry, 62, of Pierce were …

Wisconsin Food Processor Fined $161K for Exposing Workers to Dangers

A Wisconsin animal food producer exposed employees to the risks of explosions, fires and long-term respiratory illnesses from excessive amounts of airborne dust, federal workplace inspectors found. The findings follow an inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety …

Washington Cabinet Shop Fined $187K for Safety Violations

A Ridgefield, Washington cabinet company has been cited for numerous safety violations including unguarded saw blades, spraying flammable glue next to ignition sources and not taking steps to lock down dangerous machinery. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries …

Two Workers Die in Accident at South Dakota Farm Silo

VOLGA, S.D. (AP) — Two people have died in an accident at a farm silo in South Dakota. The Brookings County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post that the accident happened just before noon Saturday on a farm near …

Washington Contractor Fined for Using a Crane to Lift Workers After Elevator Breaks

A Seattle, Washington construction company is facing more than $150,000 in fines for putting workers at risk. Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined Lane Construction Corporation in July for workers riding a crane lift to get …

California Lawmakers Approve Legislation to Ban Deepfakes, Regulate AI

California lawmakers approved a host of proposals aiming to regulate the artificial intelligence industry, combat deepfakes and protect workers from exploitation by the rapidly evolving technology. The California Legislature, which is controlled by Democrats, is voting on hundreds of bills …

Washington Marble Contractor Fined $300K for Exposing Workers to Silica Dust

A Skagit County was fined nearly $330,000 for exposing workers to crystalline silica dust from cutting, grinding and polishing stone countertops. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries cited and fined A+ Marble & Granite LLC in July after …