Violence at Calif. mental hospitals: ‘This is the norm’
Thousands of assaults occur each year at California’s state psychiatric hospitals. Last October, a patient allegedly murdered a staffer at Napa State Hospital. Employees there demonstrated, demanding greater safety. Now, the protests have spread to Metropolitan State Hospital near Los Angeles, where about 100 workers recently spent a broiling hot lunch hour marching in front of the place where they work.
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/21/137856157/violence-at-calif-mental-hospitals-this-is-the-norm
NFL lets the fans fight out the concussion lawsuit
The Associated Press reported on July 19 that 75 former NFL players were suing the league for concealing information about the danger of concussions. For decades, the plaintiffs allege in the suit, the National Football League buried research that only in recent years has come to light.
http://www.prnewsonline.com/free/NFL-Lets-the-Fans-Fight-Out-the-Concussion-Lawsuit_15150.html
ATF whistleblower case triggers retaliation inquiry
The Justice Department’s Inspector General has opened an investigation into possible retaliation against a whistle-blowing agent at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, according to two people briefed on the inquiry. Watchdogs are examining whether anyone at the Justice Department improperly released internal correspondence to try to smear ATF agent John Dodson, who told the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee last month that he repeatedly warned supervisors about what he called a reckless law enforcement operation known as “Fast and Furious.”
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/21/138574291/watchdogs-examine-smear-against-atf-agent
Court grants MSHA request for preliminary injunction against anthracite mine operator in Lykens, Pa.
A federal judge with the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania has issued a preliminary injunction ordering Darryl Koperna, doing business as S&M Coal Co., to stop mining at the Buck Mountain Slope Mine in Lykens, Pa., due to Koperna’s violation of a closure order previously issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration. MSHA issued the closure order as a result of S&M’s continued failure to purchase and install a wireless tracking and communication system as required by its emergency response plan as well as the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response Act of 2006. A wireless tracking and communication system would provide a means to easily locate miners and enable them to communicate with rescuers and each other in an emergency situation.
http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/msha/MSHA20111070.htm
Results of state’s investigation into Jayme Biendl’s death expected Friday
State prison leaders are expected on Friday to release findings from an internal investigation into what happened the night corrections officer Jayme Biendl was killed at the Washington State Reformatory in Monroe.
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20110719/NEWS01/707199858/1004
OSHA website takes the guesswork out of recordkeeping rule
Called the OSHA Recordkeeping Advisor, the site simulates an employer’s interaction with a recordkeeping rules expert. It is one of OSHA’s Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses Advisors, or elaws. Employers go on the site and begin clicking on the appropriate answers to various questions.
http://www.riskandinsurance.com/story.jsp?storyId=533340140
