Several States Sidestep Feds, Set Up Worker Safety Rules
U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia says OSHA’s industry-specific safety recommendations go far enough during the pandemic. Media outlets report on news from Virginia, California, Oregon, Ohio and Maryland.
Stateline:
These States Aren't Waiting For The Feds To Create COVID-19 Worker Safety Rules
In the absence of federal action, some left-leaning states are creating safety rules to protect workers from catching the coronavirus while on the job. Rules went into effect in Virginia last month, and regulators in California and Oregon are now debating a similar move. Unions and labor advocates have implored states to create coronavirus-specific safety standards. They say employers must be forced to provide protective equipment, create socially distanced break rooms, tell sick workers to stay home and take other steps to reduce infection risk. (Quinton, 8/19)
The Baltimore Sun:
Here Are The Baltimore Bars And Restaurants That Have Been Penalized By The City For Coronavirus-Related Violations So Far
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, several Baltimore City businesses have been fined or shut down due to overcrowding concerns or allegations that they served customers indoors before that was allowed. At city liquor licence board hearings, restaurant owners and commissioners alike have repeatedly cited “confusion” about the city and state regulations. The liquor board has not fined any one establishment more than $200. (Condon, 8/18)
In news from California —
Los Angeles Times:
Slowing COVID-19 Has California Weighing Next Reopening Steps
California health officials are beginning to mull what the next phase of reopening may look like, offering a glimmer of hope for places like Los Angeles County. For more than a month, the bulk of the state’s 58 counties have been on a watchlist of municipalities with worrisome COVID-19 statistics. Health officials weigh key metrics to gauge the virus’ spread in the community and the county’s ability to respond to it. Counties that don’t meet the state’s criteria are restricted from fulling opening all parts of the economy. (Serna, 8/18)
Los Angeles Times:
More Than 30 Fires Burning In California Amid Heat Wave
Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a statewide emergency in order to help California respond to the fires burning across the state amid an extreme heat wave that brought more warnings about power outages on Tuesday. More than 30 wildfires are burning across California, including nearly a dozen that started in the last two days, according to officials with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and a Times analysis. (Shalby, Miller and Lin II, 8/18)
