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Mass. health boards overwhelmed, unready to protect workers

Mass. health boards overwhelmed, unready to protect workers Mass. health boards overwhelmed, unready to protect workers SHANNON IRIARTE, SHWETHA SURENDRAN AND MAGGIE MULVIHILL/The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism , The Howard Center for Investigative Journalism May 12, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail BOSTON (AP) With federal regulators missing from the field and state leaders scrambling to manage the COVID-19 crisis, Massachusetts’ 351 overtaxed local boards of health were unwittingly thrust into a new role last year overseers of workplace safety. The challenge created by forcing that responsibility on the municipal agencies, some staffed with only one or two people, may have contributed to at least one chairman’s heart attack and highlighted the fragility of the workplace-safety landscape in Massachusetts.

In tally of 2020 worker fatalities, a gaping hole: COVID deaths

In tally of 2020 worker fatalities, a gaping hole: COVID deaths Katie Johnston © David L. Ryan/Globe Staff An iron worker in Boston wore a face covering on the job last fall. A flurry of information detailing occupation-related deaths and illnesses was released this week, centered around Workers’ Memorial Day on April 28. But in the midst of a pandemic that has put those who come into contact with the public at risk and taken the lives of more than 570,000 Americans there’s a gaping hole in the data: no deaths from COVID-19 are included, because no government agency tracks workplace exposure to the virus.

Lenox middle and high school students return — full time — after asbestos cleanup

LENOX — After an extended shutdown required by an asbestos cleanup project, the Lenox Memorial Middle and High School building reopened on Tuesday with full, all-day classroom learning for all grades. The school had been operating with a hybrid model until it was closed on March 16 after a fierce windstorm caused small quantities of debris containing the fire-retardant substance to fall from the ceiling into a number of classrooms and offices, as well as part of the cafeteria. Remote-only education continued until this week, when school officials got the all-clear following completion of the work by Gem Environmental of North Adams. EcoGenesis Corp., a Pittsfield environmental consultant, tested the air on Sunday and gave an all-clear.

Brimfield Flea Market: Brimfield Barn, one field operator will open during May show; majority opt to wait for July

MassCOSH, National COSH, 100+ Worker Groups Release 2021 "Agenda for Worker Safety and Health"

02/04/21 WorkersCompensation.com Boston, MA (WorkersCompensation.com) - Nearly one year into a deadly pandemic, too many Massachusetts workers are sick, dying, and broke. Around the country, and here in Massachusetts, there have been multiple COVID-19 outbreaks among retail, food processing, childcare, and nursing home workers, and many others. But the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been missing in action. No new workplace rules, not enough inspections, and often only minimal fines for employers who completely failed to protect workers. Today, MassCOSH is proud to stand with workers, unions, and occupational health and safety organizations as we jointly release a National Agenda for Worker Safety and Health. The Biden-Harris Administration has taken positive first steps, but more needs to be done. The National Agenda, endorsed by 100 worker groups and based on real workplace experiences, provides ideas, tools, and resources for a bold plan to build w