[Source: Bob Evnen & Kelly Ekler, Woods & Aitken LLC, 11.2016 | Keywords: OSHA, EEO-1 Reporting, Safety] Dealers across the country will be updating their internal practices in the next month to comply with new requirements imposed under anti-discrimination and workplace safety laws. The changes in workplace safety rules stem from a 273-page Final Rule published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on May 11, 2016. Private dealers are subject to OSHA’s jurisdiction. Dealers in Nebraska are covered directly through federal OSHA, where Iowa dealers are covered through Iowa OSHA. The new EEO-1 reporting requirements apply to dealers… Read More »
[2013 | Keywords: Regulatory Compliance, OSHA] According to Ralph Nader (consumer advocate) there are no such things as “accidents.” Every “incident” can be traced back to a cause. I’m not sure whether I agree with Ralph entirely, but he does make a good point. Looking around your plant, warehouse or office, how many “incidents” do you see waiting to happen? How many do you not see? If one “incident” could be prevented, what would be the ensuing value in terms of less loss time, lower insurance premiums, saving a friend’s or co-worker’s life? Take this quick test to see if… Read More »
[2013 | Keywords: Regulatory Compliance, OSHA] Under the OSHA Recordkeeping regulation (29 CFR 1904), covered employers are required to prepare and maintain records of serious occupational injuries and illnesses, using the OSHA 300 Log. This information is important for employers, workers and OSHA in evaluating the safety of a workplace, understanding industry hazards, and implementing worker protections to reduce and eliminate hazards. What am I required to report? All employers covered by the OSH Act must orally report to OSHA the death of any employee from a work-related incident or the in-patient hospitalization of three or more employees as a… Read More »
[2013 | Keywords: Regulatory Compliance, OSHA] The following are selected OSHA requirements that apply to many general industry employers. Hazard Communication Standard. This standard is designed to ensure that employers and employees know about hazardous chemicals in the workplace and how to protect themselves. Employers with employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in the workplace must prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication Program and comply with other requirements of the standard. Read a fact sheet on the 2012 revisions to the Hazard Communication Standard. OSHA Fact Sheet: Hazard Communication Standard Final Rule See a sample program. Model… Read More »
[2013 | Keywords: Regulatory Compliance, OSHA] In addition to the OSHA requirements covered in Steps 1, a number of other OSHA standards may apply to your workplace. The following checklist can help you identify other key OSHA standards that may apply and point you to information to help you comply with those standards. 1) If you have employees who operate machinery (e.g., saws, slicers, shears, slitters, power presses, etc.), you may be subject to OSHA’s Machine Guarding requirements. Review a checklist. OSHA Publication: Concepts and Techniques of Machine Safeguarding Download a Quick Card. Amputations Also available as a 349 KB… Read More »
[2013 | Keywords: Regulatory Compliance, OSHA] We have had a few clients call recently because OSHA is there visiting, had just stopped by to visit, or will be returning in the next few days to visit when the manager is back in town. Many reasons for the visits were due to a random selection, but some visits were due to an accident that had occurred where one employee was injured and hospitalized for a short time. The employers don’t know how OSHA found out about the accidents and it really doesn’t matter when the inspectors are at your door. What… Read More »
