worker safety News

Washington Roofers Face $1 Million-Plus in Fines for Reported Safety Violations

Two Washington roofing companies that landed on the Department of Labor & Industries’ severe violators list face large fines for reportedly allowing roofers to work on top of homes without using fall protection, among other alleged safety violations. L&I has …

Oregon Hospital Issued Workplace Safety Fines

The Oregon State Hospital is facing a $54,000 fine for failing to investigate workplace injuries. The citation, brought by the state’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleges that from January 2021 to June 2022 the hospital didn’t investigate every time …

California Lawmakers Pass Landmark Fast Food Workers Bill

California lawmakers this week approved a nation-leading measure that would give more than a half-million fast food workers more power and protections, over the objections of restaurant owners who warn it would drive up consumers’ costs. The bill will create …

Washington Regulators Fine Wireless Company After Fatal Fall

Washington state regulators fined a wireless company $12,000 for safety violations after the death of a cellphone tower worker near Arlington last year. Michael Vasquez was working on a Crown Castle cell tower on Dec. 4, 2021 when he fell …

Two Radiation Incidents Investigated at Oregon Hospital

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has issued two “event notifications” for incidents involving Salem Hospital’s radiation oncology department earlier this year. One incident involved hospital employees, while the other involved patients. Investigations to-date have shown no injuries, the Statesman Journal …

Cal/OSHA Issues Heat Warning to Protect Outdoor Workers

Cal/OSHA sent out heat warning for employers this week reminding them they are required to protect outdoor workers from heat illness following excessive heat watches being issued throughout California. The temperature is forecast to exceed 105 degrees in northern and …

Department of Labor Reopens Comment Period on Arizona’s OSHA Plan

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reopening the comment period for an additional 60 days on the proposal to reconsider and revoke the final approval of Arizona’s State Plan for Occupational Safety and Health. The …

AM Best Upgrades Ratings of Synergy Comp Insurance

AM Best has upgraded the ratings of workers’ compensation insurer Synergy Comp Insurance Co. based in Sharon Pennsylvania. The rating organization upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “a” …

Rat-Plagued Warehouse Winds Down as Family Dollar Faces Lawsuits

Six months after a Family Dollar distribution center in West Memphis, Arkansas, was fumigated and more than 1,000 rodent carcasses were removed, the rats are back. David Hernandez spotted three of the animals before 9 a.m. one recent morning. Davisha …

Oregon Business Groups Sue Over Heat and Smoke Worker Protections

Some Oregon business groups are suing over the state’s new job site rules mandating that employers take steps to protect workers from extreme heat and wildfire smoke. Regulations adopted by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division mandate that employers …