Search

Maryland Occupational Safety Agency Accused of COVID-19 Missteps

Posted on 11/9/2020 by Lauren Scott

A public interest law firm, Public Justice Center, is calling for an investigation at Maryland Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH). The law firm accuses MOSH of failing to follow its own policies and procedures for investigating health and safety complaints during the coronavirus pandemic.

In a Complaint About State Program Administration (CASPA) letter sent to US OSHA on October 16, Public Justice explains that MOSH received 492 coronavirus-related workplace safety complaints since March 1, 2020, but that the Agency only conducted an on-site inspection in 30 of these cases. The letter further explains that MOSH forwarded over 150 complaints to county health departments, rather than investigating the complaints itself.

Earlier this year, a coalition of non-profits and public interest groups petitioned Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to create an emergency temporary standard to address COVID-19 workplace safety concerns. In the most recent letter, dated August 11, 2020, the coalition cited coronavirus workplace safety standards enacted in Virginia and Oregon that guide the safe reopening of businesses in those states.

The Governor’s office and State OSHA representatives have yet to respond to the letter. Neither office has commented on whether or not the state would create its own emergency temporary standard.

Maryland is one of over 20 states that runs its own occupational safety agency, rather than relying on OSHA directly. States may do this as long as their program is as effective as OSHA at protecting workers.
 

Federal COVID-19 Enforcement Actions

As of October 29, OSHA issued 112 citations to 85 businesses for workplace safety violations related to COVID-19. As of yesterday, OSHA received 10,115 complaints, and State occupational safety agencies collectively received 32,289 coronavirus-related complaints. These numbers underscore the importance for employers to carefully follow CDC and OSHA recommendations as well as any State safety guidance that may be issued.

In Federal enforcement cases, OSHA inspectors cite four key 29 CFR Standards that play an outsized role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 at work: respiratory protection, bloodborne pathogens, general PPE requirements, and injury/illness reporting and recordkeeping.
 

COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training

Lion just launched the COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course to help US workplaces re-open safely. As facilities nationwide begin to re-open, it is crucial that employees know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.

The course prepares employees to:
  • Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19.
  • Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted.
  • Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure.
  •  Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required. 
Find more resources to help your facility protect employees from COVID-19 at Lion.com/COVID19
 

Tags: coronavirus training, COVID-19, Maryland, MOSH, osha, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

The instructor took a rather drab set of topics and brought them to life with realistic real-life examples.

Tom Berndt

HSE Coordinator

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Very good. I have always appreciated the way Lion Tech develops, presents and provides training and materials.

John Troy

Environmental Specialist

These are the best classes I attend each year. I always take something away and implement improvements at my sites.

Kim Racine

EH&S Manager

Lion's online training is more comprehensive, has better slides, and is a superior training experience than what I would get from other trainers.

Robert Brenner

District Environmental Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.