Hazards

Washington — Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) are among six legislators calling on the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General to investigate OSHA’s “handling of inspections and citations” during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as DOL’s decision not to issue an emergency temporary standard on infectious diseases.

Lansing, MI — Michigan OSHA’s Consultation Education and Training Division has published guidance intended to prevent and control manufacturing worker exposure to COVID-19.

Washington — An infectious diseases standard won’t be coming anytime soon, acting OSHA administrator Loren Sweatt indicated during a May 26 hearing convened by the House Workforce Protections Subcommittee, adding that “the regulatory agenda speaks for itself.”

Richmond, VA — Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) has directed the state’s Department of Labor and Industry to develop emergency temporary standards to “control, prevent and mitigate” the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

Silver Spring, MD — The Solid Waste Association of North America is asking the public to take simple steps to help protect sanitation workers from exposure to COVID-19. That includes holding off on cleaning projects that generate large amounts of trash.

Washington — A new safety alert from OSHA lists steps that owners of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should take to reduce worker exposure and potential transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hamilton, Ontario — A series of free guidance documents from the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety is intended to help workers and employers in essential or high-risk occupations and industries reduce their exposure to COVID-19 and curb the spread of infection.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency has moved to June 8-11 a Toxic Substances Control Act Science Advisory Committee on Chemicals virtual peer review of an EPA draft risk evaluation that states asbestos, a known human carcinogen, presents an unreasonable health risk to workers under certain conditions.

Minneapolis — Recently released guidance from the state of Minnesota details steps employers in the meatpacking industry should take to reduce worker exposure to COVID-19.

Los Angeles — To help ensure the safety of people returning to work – as well as those already on the job – during the COVID-pandemic, the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health has released guidelines for workplace safety; worker participation; and compensation for sick, injured and at-risk workers.