Agriculture, forestry and fishing

RSS

Washington — OSHA is developing an emergency rule that will require employers with at least 100 workers to “ensure their workforces are fully vaccinated or show a negative test at least once a week,” President Joe Biden announced Sept. 9.

Washington — The Environmental Protection Agency on Aug. 1 reapproved the use of the toxic herbicide paraquat in limited aerial applications, reigniting debate over the controversial, restricted-use substance that has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease among agricultural workers.

College Station, PA — Nonfatal on-the-job injuries in the agriculture industry may be undercounted by as much as 78% and are especially prevalent among young workers, results of a recent study by researchers from Pennsylvania State University and the University of Florida suggest.

Washington — In response to new data and updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, OSHA has updated its COVID-19 guidance in an effort to help employers protect at-risk or unvaccinated workers.

Washington — OSHA has updated its enforcement guidance for tree care and tree removal operations.

Peosta, IA — In response to a variety of stressors that continue to affect farmers and ranchers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit AgriSafe Network has developed a mental health initiative intended to distribute resources and training materials aimed at mitigating stress.

Carson City, NV — A new Nevada law requires cannabis industry workers to take up to 30 hours of occupational safety and health training.

Washington — Citing “continued concerns regarding personal protective equipment shortages in the agricultural sector,” the Environmental Protection Agency has extended until Sept. 30 the provision on “annual fit test delay” in temporary guidance intended to help protect workers who handle agricultural pesticides against exposure to COVID-19.

West Lafayette, IN — At least 64 incidents involving confined spaces in the agriculture industry were documented in 2020, and half were fatal, according to an annual report recently released by Purdue University.