State News

Portland, OR – Logging and construction industry deaths in Oregon continue to occur despite widely known preventive measures, according to the State Plan state’s administrator.

Oakland, CA – California’s occupational safety and health agency has launched a campaign aimed at protecting roofers from falls and other hazardous conditions.

Augusta, ME – Occupational injuries from falls and illnesses due to chemical hazards can cost thousands of dollars in workers’ compensation, according to two reports released Feb. 25 by the Maine Department of Labor’s Research and Statistics Unit.

Lansing, MI – Michigan OSHA will conduct targeted inspections in the wholesale, non-durable goods industry this year in an effort to lower the business sector’s higher-than-average injury and illness rate.

As expected, OSHA has rejected Arizona’s fall protection standards for residential construction, meaning the state’s employers must immediately comply with federal standards.

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry needs to more effectively implement a law intended to protect meatpacking workers, and the legislature should make changes to clarify the law, according to a report from the Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor.

The landscaping industry has a new resource to help workers stay safe on the job. A 28-page publication from Oregon OSHA covers best practices regarding lawn care equipment, ladders, noise exposure, pesticides, personal protective equipment, trenching and more.

Sacramento, CA – Juliann Sum has been named chief of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA. California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) made the appointment on Dec. 3.

Washington – California should strengthen its process safety management regulations for refineries, the Chemical Safety Board stated in a final report on a fire at a Chevron refinery in 2012.

Phoenix – The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health believes OSHA will reject the state’s residential construction fall protection standard, and has scheduled free classes on complying with federal fall protection requirements.