State News

Oakland, CA – Two new fact sheets from the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA, outline worker safety rights and employer requirements for protecting temporary workers.

Harrisburg, PA – Hundreds of workplaces in Pennsylvania have taken advantage of a state-sanctioned program that promotes safety and reduces workers’ compensation costs through the establishment of safety committees, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

Richmond, VA – Virginia’s occupational safety and health program (VOSH) is cracking down on employers who misclassify some workers as independent contractors.

Columbus, OH – Ohio has launched a program to help injured workers learn new skills and return to the workforce.

Washington – Maine could become the 28th U.S. state or territory to operate its own occupational safety and health plan.

Salem, OR – Lorenzo was a typical young adult struggling to find a job. When he did find employment, he faced a hazardous environment and threats from his boss to work faster or be fired.

Sacramento, CA – The California Department of Industrial Relations has issued a new guidance document to help familiarize employers on the state’s updated heat illness prevention rules, which are set to go into effect May 1.

Frankfort, KY – Heart attacks are the No. 1 killer of workers in Kentucky, prompting the state to encourage employers to promote good health among employees.

Washington – A new database represents the first comprehensive collection of all unique state occupational safety and health rules and laws.

Oakland, CA – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health’s heat illness prevention Special Emphasis Program led to 3,575 inspections in 2014 – about one-third of which resulted in heat-related citations – the agency has announced.