Restoration Roundup is a regular feature here on www.randrmagonline.com meant to help keep you abreast of headlines and news affected the restoration and remediation industry. You won't find it in your print or digital issue, so keep a close eye on our web-exclusive content!

Investigation Claims OSHA Failed to Protect Workers During Pandemic

State and federal workplace regulators have largely disregarded complaints from facilities that had been unsafe or lax with their COVID-19 protection measures, a Reuters special investigation found. Using Occupational Safety and Health Administration records, Reuters identified 106 workplaces in the US where employees complained about pandemic safety practices and found regulators either never inspected the facility or waited months to do so. 

An Uncertain Look Forward: Weather Threats, InsurTech Growth

It’s always amusing to read articles or postings about emerging trends or exposures that will affect the insurance industry. Some of them are accurate (but predictable), and other times, we really miss the mark — as with the COVID-19 pandemic. So, here is a look at two different concerns — one of which, if correct, can significantly impact the industry. The second, while seen as a disrupting threat by some, may make the industry more efficient and effective.

Wildfire smoke, A Potential Infectious Agent

Wildfires over the past 3 years have resulted in lengthy episodes of smoke inundation across major metropolitan areas in Australia, Brazil, and the United States. In 2020, air quality across the western United States reached and sustained extremely unhealthy to hazardous levels for successive weeks from August through November. Although the pulmonary and cardiovascular consequences of human exposure to smoke particulate matter are extensively researched, there remains little recognition or monitoring of a smoke component with potentially important health repercussions: microbes.

South Carolina School District Accused of Covering Up "Toxic Mold"

Horry County Schools knew about toxic mold in multiple schools but instead of quickly fixing the problem, the district covered it up and allowed students and teachers to get sick, according to a second lawsuit filed against the district. 

Weather Discussion Year in Review: Wildfire Smoke

The record fire season in California led to the Bay Area's all-time worst episode of consecutive Spare the Air days for unhealthy to at times very unhealthy to hazardous air quality. So, what did we learn about wildfire smoke pollution in 2020 and what better tools and technology are coming online to help the public gain better access to real-time air pollution information?

Asbestos: Federal Court Closes EPA Reporting Loophole

On December 22, 2020, the federal district court in the northern district of California ordered the EPA to make broad changes in its asbestos reporting requirements under the Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) rule.