coronavirus safety News

Australia Detains Cargo Ships for Alleged Labor Violations Related to COVID Lockdowns

Australian authorities detained at least two cargo ships for alleged labor violations related to demands from seafarers to be sent home, some of whom have spent more than a year at sea. The ships, which are or will be carrying …

New Risk to Global Supply Chains Emerges as Weary Crews, Stuck Offshore, Halt Work

A new risk to global supply chains is emerging as exhausted seafarers stuck offshore for months halt work, a breaking point caused by restrictions on crew changes amid coronavirus precautions. Three vessels are idled in Australia after crews who worked …

Japan Government Urges Firms to Aim for 70% Telecommuting as COVID Cases Surge

Japan’s economy minister said on Monday [July 27] the government would urge businesses to aim for 70% telecommuting and enhance other social distancing measures amid a rise in coronavirus cases among workers, some infected during after-work socializing. Though Japan has …

London Expects Only Half of Bankers to Return to Their Offices by Year-End

London’s normally buzzing financial districts will still be a pale shadow by the end of the year, as banks plan for no more than half their staff, who have mostly worked from home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, to come to …

California Scrutinizing Amazon’s Treatment of Workers During Coronavirus Outbreak

California’s attorney general and state and local agencies are investigating whether Amazon.com Inc. has taken adequate steps to protect its workers from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a court filing on Monday. Attorney General Xavier Becerra’s office, California’s Division of …

Robots Gain as Pandemic Lockdowns, Safety Issues Cause Factories to Automate

While a resurgence in coronavirus cases in Texas has brought many businesses to a screeching halt, eight robots have kept All Axis Machining’s metal fabrication facility in Dallas humming. The small, nimble robots perform multiple jobs, such as machine-tending, sanding, …

Risk of Airborne Coronavirus Adds to Challenge of Making Workspaces Safe

U.S. companies are raising new questions about how they can make workplaces safe after the world’s top public health agency acknowledged the risk that tiny airborne droplets of the novel coronavirus may contribute to its spread, industry healthcare consultants said. …

Shipping Losses at Record Lows, but COVID-19 Impact Could Threaten Safety: Allianz

Large shipping losses dropped by 20% last year, in a continuation of decade-long trend when losses declined by almost 70%, according to a report published by Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS). However, the report warned that the coronavirus crisis …

Face Masks Will Be Mandatory in English Shops as PM Johnson Responds to Pressure

Face coverings will be compulsory in all shops in England from July 24 as part of attempts to stop the spread of coronavirus, Health Secretary Matt Hancock will announce Tuesday. The move, which will be enforced by fines, comes after …

Some Churches, Officials Struggle to Balance Right to Worship with Coronavirus Risk

Crowded bars and house parties have been identified as culprits in spreading the coronavirus. Meat packing plants, prisons and nursing homes are known hot spots. Then there’s the complicated case of America’s churches. The vast majority of these churches have …