Safety Matters

Supreme Court Rules Against Emergency Vaccination Standard, OSHA Ends Enforcement

On January 13, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the stay on implementation of OSHA’s emergency temporary standard on COVID-19 vaccination and testing. Officially, this meant that the rule could not be enforced while lower courts considered challenges to the standard. Practically, this decision shows that the Court majority believes OSHA exceeded its statutory authority in issuing the standard. As a result, OSHA has withdrawn the ETS as an enforceable standard and there are no regulatory obligations for employers to meet.

OSHA has announced that will not be withdrawing the ETS as proposed rule, however, as it proceeds to develop a permanent COVID-19 workplace safety standard. This also does not prevent OSHA from using its other existing authorities to enforce workplace standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19. OSHA has stated it will continue actions under the COVID-19 National Emphasis Program and General Duty Clause.  

Accidents in the News

Through 12/31/21

Grady County, OK – A 55-year-old woman died as the result of a crash with a garbage truck. MORE

Springfield, IL – A 58-year-old man who was homeless was crushed to death by a garbage truck. MORE

Monroe, LA – A 17-year-old driver failed to yield at a stop sign and was then struck on the driver’s side by a garbage truck, killing him and injuring his passenger. MORE

Grapevine, TX – A collection worker was struck and killed by the hydraulic arm of his vehicle while it was being serviced in the field. MORE

Austin, TX – A 27-year-old woman was killed in a collision with a truck carrying solid waste that was forced over a concrete divider after being struck by a pickup truck. MORE

OSHA Violation Penalties Increase

Effective January 15, OSHA is implementing new civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2022. Under U.S. law, all agencies must adjust penalty amounts to keep up with inflation each year. Penalty maximums were increased by about 6.2 percent compared to 2021.

OSHA Form 300A Due by March 2

March 2, 2022, is the deadline for electronically reporting OSHA Form 300A data for calendar year 2021. A Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses is required from establishments with 250 or more employees that are required to keep OSHA injury and illness records, and establishments with 20 to 249 employees in certain industries. This includes waste collection (NAICS 5621) and waste treatment and disposal (NAICS 5622). Submit injury and illness data electronically at www.osha.gov/300A.

Upcoming Safety Events

National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls
National
May 2 – 6, 2022
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National Safety Month
National
June 2022
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