OSHA Heat Source Newsletter & Heat Illness Prevention Campaign

We wanted to make you aware that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published the first issue of The Heat Source, the newsletter of the Heat Illness Prevention Campaign. Please see below. To subscribe to the OSHA heat source newsletter, please visit OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention Campaign webpage, or click here.

Employers should be concerned about heat illness because it can have serious consequences for their workers and their business. Heat illness can lead to a range of health problems such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, and even death. These conditions can cause significant harm to workers, and can result in lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and potential legal liabilities for employers.

In addition to the direct health impacts on workers, heat illness can also have indirect impacts on a business. When workers are suffering from heat illness, they make more mistakes, and are at greater risk of injuries. This can lead to decreased efficiency, increased costs, and lost revenue for the business. Furthermore, employers who fail to protect their workers from heat illness may face penalties, lawsuits, and damage to their reputation.

OSHA’s Civil Penalty Amounts

The U.S. Department of Labor announced changes to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) civil penalty amounts based on cost-of-living adjustments for 2023.

In 2015, Congress passed the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act to advance the effectiveness of civil monetary penalties and to maintain their deterrent effect. Under the Act, agencies are required to publish “catch-up” rules that adjust the level of civil monetary penalties and make subsequent annual adjustments for inflation no later than January 15 of each year. This year, January 15 falls on a Sunday and January 16 is a federal holiday. Therefore, new OSHA penalty amounts will become effective Jan. 17, 2023.

OSHA’s maximum penalties for serious and other-than-serious violations will increase from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation. The maximum penalty for willful or repeated violations will increase from $145,027 per violation to $156,259 per violation.

Visit the OSHA Penalties page and read the final rule and press release for more information.

Please visit our Resources page for addition useful safety tools and information for employers.

Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown

What is the Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown?

The Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown is a competition that runs from January 9 to March 31, 2023, and is open to all Missouri employers with five or more employees. In order to be eligible for the Business Showdown, businesses must meet certain requirements. To participate in the Business Showdown, businesses must meet several requirements. First and foremost, they must have five or more employees. Then, they must register for the Showdown through the provided link. In addition, businesses must adopt a safe driving policy that provides a sample policy along with other communication and educational materials. Moreover, employers must request that their employees complete an online distracted driving training video and submit an online Buckle Up Phone Down pledge.

Businesses that have the highest percentage of employees completing the training and taking the Buckle Up Phone Down Pledge by March 31, 2023, can win cash prizes to use towards employee safety initiatives. Additionally, the judges will award cash prizes to the top three businesses, with first place receiving $7,500, second place receiving $6,000, and third place receiving $5,000. Moreover, the judges will invite the winning businesses to a recognition event at the Missouri State Capitol on April 26, 2023.

Upon completing the training video and taking the pledge, employees will become eligible for a chance to win a $25 gift card through a drawing. This provides an extra incentive for employees to participate and follow safe driving practices.

Accept the challenge!

So, businesses are encouraged to accept the challenge today and encourage their employees to drive like it’s their job, by buckling their seat belts and putting their phones down while driving! The creators of the BUPD Business Showdown aimed to spread the Buckle Up Phone Down message among employees and employers who drive for work. The Showdown is a competition, too, which means that businesses can compete and win $$$ for participating. Businesses can register on the Buckle Up Phone Down Business Showdown website and encourage employees to take the BUPD pledge.

Moreover, employees that take the BUPD pledge are committing to driving the speed limit, avoiding distracted driving, wearing seat belts, and avoiding impaired driving. It’s a great way to promote safe driving practices at the workplace and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, there’s also a “BUPD Policy” in the Employer Toolkit section of the Showdown website. Missouri companies with fleets / work-related driving are encouraged to participate!

If businesses have any questions, they can direct them to Mark Woodward at [email protected] or (573) 289-5990. For more ways to reduce injuries at the workplace, check out our Tools & Resources page.

OSHA Enforcement Guidance Issued  |  January 26, 2023

OSHA Enforcement Guidance Issued – Focus on Repeat Offenders

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a new enforcement guidance to make its penalties more effective in stopping employers from repeatedly exposing workers to life-threatening hazards or failing to comply with certain workplace safety and health requirements.

OSHA Regional Administrators and Area Office Directors now have the authority to cite certain types of violations as “instance-by-instance citations” for cases where the agency identifies “high-gravity” serious violations of OSHA standards specific to certain conditions where the language of the rule supports a citation for each instance of non-compliance. There are several conditions that need to be considered.  Firstly, lockout/tagout is one of the conditions that require attention. Secondly, machine guarding should also be given priority. Additionally, the condition of permit-required confined space needs to be addressed. Moreover, respiratory protection is another crucial aspect to be mindful of. Furthermore, falls should be taken into consideration when evaluating workplace safety. Trenching is yet another condition that requires careful attention. Lastly, it is important to note the specific recordkeeping violations applicable in cases of other-than-serious nature.

Discourage Non-Compliance

The change is intended to ensure OSHA personnel are applying the full authority of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA Act) where increased citations are needed to discourage non-compliance. The new guidance covers enforcement activity in general industry, agriculture, maritime and construction industries, and becomes effective 60 days from Jan. 26, 2023.

Issue Separate Citations

In a second action, OSHA reminded its Regional Administrators and Area Directors of their authority not to group violations, and instead cite them separately to more effectively encourage employers to comply with the intent of the OSHA Act.

The existing guidance on instance-by-instance citations are outlined in the OSHA Field Operations Manual, and CPL 02-00-080, “Handling of Cases to be Proposed for Violation-by-Violation Penalties.” In addition, for more information, please visit OSHA’s Enforcement website and press release.

Need Help Reducing Work-Related Injuries?

Peak Ergonomics has pioneered the field of early intervention. We have had thousands and thousands of successful cases; all we do is prevent injuries. Healthy employees are better employees. If we can keep your employees healthy and safe, it’s going to be good for everybody. This company’s focus drives us toward taking care of your employees. We have your best interest in mind. We will do anything and everything to help you in your business and your employees to prevent injuries and help you to have a well workforce. That’s all we do, and we want to help you.

Healthy Employees ARE the Bottom Line! – See the Numbers!

 

OSHA’s Cold Weather Resources

As we gear up for winter weather, you can find info using OSHA’s cold weather resources on safely using powered equipment like snow blowers, clearing snow from heights, winter driving, working around downed power lines, and more at https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather

• OSHA Winter Weather: Plan. Equip. Train.
• OSHA Cold Stress Guide
• Refrigerated Warehousing (listed under warehouse hazards)
• OSHA Safe Winter Driving

 

Remember the various hazards of shoveling snow, operating powered equipment like snow blowers and preventing slips on Snow and Ice. OSHA has resources available to help workers stay safe, including a new pamphlet on snow removal, a cold stress Quick Card in English and Spanish, and a Winter Weather web page.

Alliance participants resources include:

CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training Alliance products:

• Cold Weather Toolbox Talk. Also available in Spanish.
• Cold Weather Hazard Alert. Also available in Spanish.
• Cold Weather Infographics — Protect Yourself from the Cold (English attached)

Employers should assess their worksites and develop a plan prior to a winter weather emergency.  Please share this information, as appropriate.

Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Dress in layers: Wear warm layers of clothing, such as thermal underwear, wool or fleece sweaters, and a waterproof outer layer.
2. Cover your head, hands, and feet: The majority of your body’s heat is lost through your head, so wear a hat or head covering. Keep your hands and feet warm with gloves, mittens, and warm socks.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can lead to hypothermia.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to dehydration, which can increase your risk of hypothermia.
5. Check your heating system: Make sure your heating system is functioning properly and that your carbon monoxide detector is working.
6. Keep your home warm: Keep your home heated to a safe temperature and use space heaters with caution.
7. Be careful when shoveling snow: Cold weather can put extra stress on your heart, so be careful when shoveling snow. Take frequent breaks and don’t overexert yourself.
8. Be prepared for emergencies: Keep extra blankets, food, water, and a first aid kit in case of power outages or other emergencies.

By following these tips, you can stay safe and healthy during cold weather.

Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Worker Exposure Risk to COVID-19  |  Workplace Safety Resource

The State of Worker Exposure Risk to COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our daily lives, and one of the most critical aspects is how it affects the health and safety of workers. As the world continues to grapple with the virus, understanding the current state of worker exposure risk to COVID-19 is crucial. In this blog article, we will delve into the latest trends, safety measures, and best practices to protect employees from potential exposure to the virus.

Industries at Higher Risk

As of July 26, 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic remains a global concern, with varying infection rates across regions. New variants of the virus have emerged, influencing the overall exposure risk for workers. Employers and employees must stay vigilant and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances.

Certain industries face higher worker exposure risk due to the nature of their work. Healthcare, frontline services, hospitality, and transportation are among the sectors where workers are more vulnerable to the virus. Proper precautions and safety protocols are essential in these fields to protect workers and limit the spread of COVID-19.

Employer Responsibilities and Safety Measures

Employers play a pivotal role in safeguarding their workforce. They must adhere to government guidelines and implement rigorous safety measures. This includes:

• Social Distancing: Ensure workplaces are designed to facilitate social distancing, maintaining at least 6 feet of distance between employees whenever possible.
• Mask Mandates: Enforce the use of masks in indoor settings, especially when social distancing is not feasible.
• Regular Sanitization: Provide easy access to hand sanitizing stations and encourage employees to frequently sanitize their hands.
• Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: Regularly disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and communal areas.
• Remote Work Policies: Encourage remote work options for roles that allow it, reducing the number of employees present in the workplace.
• Vaccination Support: Encourage and support vaccination efforts among employees by providing information and facilitating access to vaccines.

Employee Responsibilities

Employees also have a crucial role to play in minimizing exposure risk. Encourage them to:

• Adhere to Safety Protocols: Comply with workplace safety guidelines and procedures to protect themselves and their colleagues.
• Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with the latest information from reliable sources about COVID-19 and its variants.
• Monitor Health: Employees should self-monitor for any symptoms and report any illness promptly to their supervisor.
• Vaccination: Encourage employees to get vaccinated, which significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and transmission.

The Future of Worker Exposure Risk

The future of worker exposure risk to COVID-19 remains uncertain, especially with new variants continually emerging. Employers must remain agile, updating safety protocols in line with evolving health guidelines. Investing in employee health and safety not only protects the workforce but also contributes to increased productivity and morale.

Things to Remember

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold, it is essential for employers and employees alike to remain vigilant and proactive in mitigating worker exposure risk. By adhering to safety guidelines, supporting vaccination efforts, and staying informed about the evolving landscape of the virus, we can protect the health and well-being of our workforce. Together, we can build a safer and healthier future for all.

More Tools & Resources from Peak Ergonomics

Contact Us About Reducing Workplace Injuries

Healthy Employees are the Bottom Line!

Related Resource Links:

Protecting Workers Guidance for COVID-19

(CDC) Understanding Exposure Risks

 

Reduction of Work Related Injuries by 96%

 

 

Click to Download