Labor

Portland, OR – The forestry and logging industry in Oregon, together with the transportation industry, accounted for 30 of the 62 worker fatalities recorded by the Oregon Occupational Fatality and Assessment and Control Evaluation Program in 2014, according to OR-FACE’s recently published annual report.

Washington – Community and social services, along with transportation and material moving, are among the industries with the highest prevalence of workers whose cardiovascular health is “not ideal,” according to recent research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Several industry groups have filed a legal challenge to block OSHA’s recently released recordkeeping rule requiring certain employers to electronically submit on an annual basis worker injury and illness information, which will then be made publicly available. Among their concerns are the rule’s anti-retaliation provisions.

San Francisco – OSHA has launched a pilot program in its Western region that allows whistleblowers protected by certain statutes to request that the agency stop an investigation and release findings to the Office of Administrative Law Judges.

Washington – The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health’s subcommittee on Emergency Response and Preparedness has scheduled a meeting for Sept. 7-9 in Washington.

Birmingham, AL – Hitting the gym after a mentally demanding workday may help you eat less, according to a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Washington – OSHA is warning workers of the dangers of methylene chloride after a temporary worker died from exposure to the chemical.

Indianapolis – A recent spike in targeted attacks against public safety officers, including one in his home state, has prompted an Indiana lawmaker to take action.

Dearborn, MI – Protective clothing company Carhartt has issued a voluntary recall of nine styles of flame-resistant sweatshirts manufactured from 2014 to 2016.

Raleigh, NC – More than two dozen pesticides – including the most commonly used herbicide – are associated with respiratory wheeze among male farmers, according to a recent study from North Carolina State University.