More People are Using Their Phones While Working, Says Survey
56% of people polled said they feel it is their right to use their phones while they are working.
By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
Feb 05, 2021
A survey that was conducted by TRUCE Software reports that employees believe having technology such as mobile phones or tablets increases their productivity.
1,500 American adults were polled for the survey. To contextualize their responses, they were asked to classify their work as either essential, remote, office-based or deskless (meaning not office-based). Sixty-two percent of respondents said those devices specifically “play a key role” in them being productive at work.
A Jan. 28 nitrogen gas leak killed six people and injured 12 others.
By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
Feb 03, 2021
OSHA is actively investigating a fatal nitrogen gas leak that occured at a Georgia poultry processing plant on Jan. 28, according to NPR.
The nitrogen gas leak at the Foundation Food Group in Gainesville, Ga. caused 130 workers to be evacuated from the facility, while six people were killed and 12 others were seriously injured. The leak happened as the result of “unplanned maintenance.” It was reported by the New York Times that the leak was caused by a ruptured line that was carrying liquid nitrogen, a component to freezing chicken.
The Jan. 22 executive order instructs OSHA to clarify and update COVID-19 safety recommendations.
By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
Jan 27, 2021
President Biden signed an executive order that instructs OSHA to revise its COVID-19 safety recommendations on Jan. 22, according to The Washington Post.
The order, which is called the “Executive Order on Protecting Health and Safety,” requires OSHA to publish the updated recommendations within two weeks. There will need to be a guidance that informs employers on how to maintain safety in the workplace during the pandemic. The order also instructs OSHA to consider whether an emergency temporary standard on coronavirus needs to be passed. If it is determined that this is the case, then such guidance must be issued by March 15.
Former United Steelworkers safety official Jim Frederick will act as OSHAâs Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor.
By Nikki Johnson-Bolden
Jan 22, 2021
Jim Frederick, a former safety official at United Steelworkers, has been named Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA by President Biden, according to Bloomberg Law.
Frederick began serving in this interim position on Jan. 20. He previously served as the assistant health and safety director at United Steelworkers for 24 years. It is reported that Frederick will help steer OSHA into a new direction that prioritizes worker protection.
“There is no stronger advocate for worker safety in this country than Jim Frederick,” said Tom Conway, International President of United Steelworkers. “He brings to OSHA not just a deep commitment to safer workplaces for all Americans, but the expertise and experience to get the job done right.”