July Academy of Risk

Thanks for reading the July Academy of Risk. Did you know OSHA can show up and perform an inspection based on an anonymous complaint? Typically this would be from a disgruntled employee calling them and making up allegations. But by law, OSHA will come and do an in person audit. Here is a free toolkit to prepare for and manage OSHA inspections. Toolkit

Also we have plenty of free resources to walk through and make sure you are prepared before OSHA shows up at your door. Email me back if you want to see if we can help. 

As always our goal is to provide information that will help you and your organizations stay safer, healthier and more profitable by improving compliance & overall insurance costs for your company. Thanks for reading this months Academy of Risk email!

July Academy of Risk Articles:

Employers beware: Prepare now for a more aggressive OSHA inspection 

More inspections, higher fines, and new tools to proactively inspect workplaces present minefields for even the most conscientious employers. Learn how to be prepared for an inspection…

Seven ways to shore up your hand safety program 

Fingers and hands account for more than 23 percent of all injuries and they ranked second to back and neck injuries in terms of lost workdays. Here are seven ways to address common pitfalls…

 Key takeaways from the ASSP’s annual conference, Safety 2023 

Learn what some of the top OSH professionals think about mental health, training, and managing fall risks in the workplace…

 HR Tip: DOL issues guidance on calculating FMLA interim leave during a holiday week 

In a technical bulletin, the DOL clarifies how to handle FMLA leave when a holiday falls during a week when an employee is taking less than a full workweek of leave…

 OSHA Watch 

• New Local Emphasis Program targets New England seafood processors
• National Emphasis Program on Warehousing imminent
• Lockout/Tagout pushed back to long-term actions in latest regulatory agenda
• Landscaping industry urged to stay focused on protecting workers
• Employers need a plan to protect workers from hazards of poor air quality
• CSB video on refinery explosion highlights hazards of transient operations
• New resources
• Host employers reminded to protect temporary workers
• Safe + Sound Week – August 7 - 13
• State OSHA – MIOSHA, MNOSHA, North Carolina OSHA, Oregon OSHA
• Recent fines and awards

 Legal Corner 

ADA

• Eleventh Circuit Court rules failure-to-accommodate claim must have an adverse effect

Workers Compensation

• WCAB clarifies role of vocational experts in apportionment - California
• Court clarifies use of the 120-day “pay and investigate” to deny claims - Florida
• Negligence suit against co-worker for parking lot injury barred by exclusive remedy - Georgia
• City loses appeal to deny PTSD award to police officer - Missouri
• Worker entitled to benefits despite drinking and other infractions - New York
• ‘Untimely notice’ denial of trucker’s claim overturned by high court - North Carolina
• Appeal by city denied in firefighter’s cancer claim - Pennsylvania
• Benefits awarded to worker who clocked out, played lottery, went to restroom, and subsequently fell - Virginia

Things you should know 

• NLRB: Employee - independent contractors classification, Supreme Court ruling on intentional property damage
• A new challenge for Minnesota employers: legalized recreational marijuana
• CMS releases Section 111 NGHP User Guide (Version 7.2, June 5, 2023)
• CVSA Annual Brake Safety Week August 20 – 26
• State news

For a more in depth look at our tools and services including a free experience modification analysis schedule a quick online demo with me. Or just message me . I can review how we utilize technology in our risk management process to save your staff time and ensure you remain compliant and reduce insurance costs. Complimentary software include:

• ThinkHR
• Osha logs
• Automate Safety
• Employee Navigator
• Wellness Programs

Note: The material in this eBulletin is provided as general information and is not a substitute for legal or other professional advice.