Coronavirus: Meatpackers sue OSHA for failing to keep workers safe amid COVID-19 pandemic

Three meatpacking employees have sued the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for ignoring hazardous conditions created for workers by the novel coronavirus pandemic.

According to The Washington Post, the lawsuit is based on a complaint the workers’ attorneys filed with the agency in May, was filed Thursday by employees of a Pennsylvania factory run by Maid-Rite Specialty Foods, and accuses OSHA of failure to:

• Ensure Maid-Rite provided adequate protective equipment

• Ensure Maid-Rite imposed effective social distancing measures

• Separate sick employees

• Inform employees about facility infections

• Respond adequately to complaints

According to The Hill, OSHA has declined to impose a nationwide COVID-19 work safety standard, despite calls to do so from unions, Democrats and worker advocates.

Cox Media Group