Bureau of Labor releases disturbing statistics
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a devastating increase of 8.9% from 2020 when there were 4,764 fatal work injuries recorded in the U.S.
- In 2021, there were 5,190. Data show a fatal occupational injury rate of 3.6 in 2021, reflecting the highest annual rate since 2016.
- The fatal work injury rate was 3.6 fatalities per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers, up from 3.4 per 100,000 FTE in 2020 and up from the 2019 pre-pandemic rate of 3.5.
- Workers in transportation and material-moving occupations experienced 1,523 fatal work injuries in 2021.
Ohio brewers committed to safety
- OSHA and organizations representing many of Ohio’s craft brewers have renewed their alliance to improve workplace safety in the industry.
- The original alliance was signed in October 2018 and renewed in December 2020.
- The alliance wants to continue its development of effective safety and health training and education programs for brewery employees of all levels.
- This includes web-based training programs for brewery processes such as grain handling, mashing, transfer and boiling, whirlpool and cooling, fermentation cleaning, and sanitizing.
Firm is fined for the 16th time.
- The owner of Genesis Framing Construction in Snohomish County, Washington, is facing nearly $400,000 in fines for dangerous working conditions.
- He allegedly allowed crew members to work more than 26 feet above the ground without fall protection — the same violation he’s been cited and fined for 15 times in the past.
- Inspectors with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries found one worker using a hand-made scaffold and another walking on a steep roof without fall protection.
- The company faces $396,847.00 in fines.
Oregon changes workers comp law
- Oregon lawmakers made changes to the state’s workers’ compensation laws by broadening the definition of a beneficiary and a dependent for eligibility of benefits.
- Under the new law, the dependent is broadened to include individuals whose close association with a worker is equivalent to a family relationship.
- Dependents who are noncitizens living outside the United States and spouses “living in a state of abandonment” are also no longer excluded from being beneficiaries, either.
- The legislation passed 48-6 in the House and 23-4 in the Senate.