State News

Richmond, VA — The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry has issued a hazard alert warning of the potential dangers of unsafe materials handling and storage in the beverage distribution and retail industry.

The Centers of Occupational Health and Education program – part of the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – is designed to get injured workers back on the job while curbing long-term disability rates.

Honolulu — Four workers in Hawaii were killed and seven were seriously injured during a 20-day span in May, according to the state’s Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, prompting further investigation from the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Division.

Oakland, CA — California’s Office of Administrative Law on March 9 approved a workplace health and safety standard for the state’s hospitality workers, completing a multiyear push by hospitality workers union UNITE HERE.

Frankfort, KY — A measure to abolish the Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board and give the 13-member body’s authority to the state’s secretary of labor – who chairs the board – was unanimously approved by the state House on Feb. 12.

Santa Ana, CA — California law permits prosecutors to seek civil penalties against employers facing accusations of workplace safety violations under the California Occupational Safety and Health Act, the state’s Supreme Court has ruled.

Columbus, OH — Ohio workers in high-risk industries now have access to free health and wellness resources and services through a new program funded by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

Ames, IA — Iowa’s truck parking information management system is slated to be fully operational by Jan. 4, 2019 – providing commercial truck drivers with “real-time, in-cab information on truck parking availability at public rest areas and private truck stops” along Interstate 80 – the state’s Department of Transportation announced Dec. 7.

Salem, OR – The Oregon Young Employee Safety Coalition is hosting a video contest intended to inspire the state’s high school students to raise awareness about on-the-job safety among young workers.

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released a toolkit and video to help medical and dental offices comply with state health standards.