Tag: workplace safety

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Updated Hazard Communication Standard Set to Take Effect

OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace.

Updated Hazard Communication Standard Effective July 19, 2024

With a significant revision to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) OSHA aims to better inform employees about chemical hazards in the workplace. The rule does this by improving the quality and accessibility of information on chemical labels and safety data sheets (SDS). Further, OSHA seeks to better align the HCS with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification, primarily Revision 7 (GHS), and improve alignment with other federal agencies and international trading partners.

History of the Hazard Communication Standard

The Hazard Communication Standard in 1983 gave the workers the ‘right to know,’ and the 2012 Globally Harmonized System ensured workers had the ‘right to understand.’ The original standard allowed chemical manufacturers and importers to convey hazard information on labels and material safety data sheets in whatever format they chose. However, the modified 2012 standard provided a single set of harmonized criteria for classifying chemicals according to their health and physical hazards and specifies hazard communication elements for labeling and safety data sheets. The updated Hazard Communication Standard tackles concerns identified since the 2012 update by addressing past issues and promoting alignment. Additionally, it fosters better alignment with other federal agencies and Canada, promoting a more unified approach to workplace chemical safety across North America.

Highlights of the Changes

  • Enhanced Information on Labels and SDS
  • Clearer Hazard Classification
  • Improved Physical Hazard Classes
  • Streamlined Precautionary Statements

With these changes, even labels on small containers will be more comprehensive and readable, so that workers have crucial hazard information easily available. The update also addresses trade secret concerns, while also ensuring critical safety information remains accessible on SDS. OSHA revised the classification process to provide complete and accurate hazard information on labels and SDS so that workers understand the chemicals they handle and make informed decisions. Updates to physical hazard classifications will better inform workers on the safe handling of explosives, aerosols, and chemicals under pressure. In addition, updated precautionary statements will provide clearer instructions on handling, storing, and disposing of hazardous chemicals. The updated standards are effective July 19, 2024, however, OSHA has established a phased set of deadlines for compliance.

Timeframe for Implementing Compliance

Compliance DateRequirementWho
January 19, 2026Update labels and SDSs for substancesChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers
July 20, 2026Update workplace labels, hazard communication program, and training as necessary for substancesEmployers
July 19, 2027Update labels and SDSs for mixturesChemical manufacturers, importers, distributors, and employers
January 19, 2028Update workplace labels, hazard communication program, and training as necessary for mixturesEmployers

At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of Hazard Communication products to help businesses keep workers safe while handling hazardous materials including several video training courses, SDS binders, HAZCOM booklets, and several posters.

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Preventing Violence in the Workplace

California leads the nation in efforts to prevent workplace violence.

In a historic move, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 553 creating the first general industry workplace violence prevention safety requirements in the United States. This groundbreaking legislation mandates a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP) for nearly all employers in California. The required WVPP can be built into an existing injury and illness prevention plan (IIPP). Employers are required to create or adopt, implement and train employees on the WVPP.

Effective July 1, 2024, this law is likely to be a landmark legislative move, as it is the first law of its kind nationwide to be applicable across various industries. Further, there is speculation it will be used as a template for similar laws across the country in coming years. The law incorporates many aspects beginning with developing the plan in cooperation with employees and others, regular training on workplace violence hazards, procedures for each element of the prevention plan, maintaining a detailed violent incident log, and conducting regular reviews of the WVPP. The enforcement of these requirements fall under the jurisdiction of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA).

What is “workplace violence”?

Labor Code Section 6401.9 defines workplace violence as “any act of violence or threat of violence that occurs in a place of employment,” but does not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others.

Workplace violence specifically includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • The threat or use of physical force against an employee that results in, or has a high likelihood of resulting in, injury, psychological trauma, or stress, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.
  • An incident involving a threat or use of a firearm or other dangerous weapon, including the use of common objects as weapons, regardless of whether the employee sustains an injury.
  • Any of the following four types of workplace violence.

What are the Four Types of Workplace Violence?

  1. Type 1 violence: workplace violence committed by a person who has no legitimate business at the worksite and includes violent acts by anyone who enters the workplace or approaches employees with the intent to commit a crime.
  2. Type 2 violence: workplace violence directed at employees by customers, clients, patients, students, inmates, or visitors.
  3. Type 3 violence: workplace violence against an employee by a present or former employee, supervisor, or manager.
  4. Type 4 violence: workplace violence committed in the workplace by a person who does not work there but has or is known to have had a personal relationship with an employee.

What are the Essential Elements of a WVPP?

  • Responsible Personnel: Designate individuals responsible for the WVPP, recommending more than one person for this role. 
  • Employee Input and Enforcement: Develop procedures for obtaining input from employees on the plan and its enforcement. 
  • Training Procedures: Establish comprehensive training procedures covering all aspects of the WVPP. 
  • Incident Reporting: Create procedures for reporting both potential and actual workplace violence incidents. 
  • Incident Investigation: Implement procedures for investigating potential workplace violence incidents and issues. 
  • Plan Implementation: Set procedures for the plan’s implementation, including periodic inspections, annual reviews, and ensuring comprehensive training for all employees. 
  • Anti-Retaliation Clause: Incorporate an anti-retaliation clause to protect employees who report workplace violence. 
  • Role Coordination: Develop procedures for coordinating roles between supervisors and management. 
  • Interdepartmental Communication: Establish communication procedures between departments or shifts, as necessary for specific job positions. 
  • Training Development: Focus on developing effective training procedures. 
  • Risk Identification: Identify environmental and other risk factors, including considerations for contingent workers, temporary staff, and remote employees. 
  • Risk Evaluation and Control Development: Create procedures for evaluating specific work-related risks (e.g., customer interactions, security roles) and developing appropriate controls, including engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment. 
  • Recordkeeping: Implement procedures for maintaining records, including workplace violence incident logs. 
  • Post-Incident Response and Investigation: Establish emergency response procedures and investigation protocols for incidents that occur. 

Employers are required to train employees on the WVPP when the program is first established, and then every year thereafter. The employee training required under the new law must cover particular subjects, allow for “interactive questions and answers,” and be in “vocabulary appropriate to the educational level, literacy, and language of the employees.” Further, as part of the training, employers also must provide employees with an opportunity for interactive questions and answers with a person knowledgeable about the WVPP. Additional training must take place when a new or previously unrecognized workplace violence hazard has been identified and when changes are made to the WVPP for clarity, this training may be limited to addressing the new hazard or change. 

Training requirements

  • The employer’s plan, how to obtain a copy, and how to participate in development and implementation of the WVPP.
  • The definition of workplace violence and requirements of Labor Code Section 6401.9.
  • How to report workplace violence incidents to the employer or law enforcement.
  • Workplace violence hazards specific to the employer’s industry, corrective measures the employer has implemented, and strategies on how to prevent or respond to violence.
  • The violence log required by the Labor Code and how to obtain a copy.
  • An opportunity for interactive questions with a person knowledgeable about the plan.

What are employer responsibilities? Employers are required to take reasonable care to prevent and correct harassment. This includes having a comprehensive Workplace Violence Prevention Plan (WVPP). Key steps to demonstrating reasonable care include: Having a broadly disseminated policy. Establishing an effective complaint process. Providing regular training to ensure employees and supervisors and managers. Understand their rights and responsibilities. Monitoring the workplace to ensure adherence to the employer’s policy.

To help California employers meet this new regulation, and other employers throughout the country, NSC has updated its Workplace Violence Training Program to include the following:

  • Impact of Workplace Violence
  • Types of Workplace Violence
  • OSHA and State Requirements for Workplace Violence (*NEW)
  • Developing a Written Workplace Violence Plan (*NEW)
  • Risk Factors for Workplace Violence
  • Warning Signs of Workplace Violence
  • Preventing/Reducing Workplace Violence
  • Response Actions
  • Training Employees on Workplace Violence (*NEW)

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National Photo Contest to Raise Heat Danger Awareness

OSHA is again sponsoring a photo contest to help raise awareness of the dangers of heat exposure. Excessive heat exposure, both indoors and outdoors, can be deadly. The goal is to highlight many effective strategies that protect workers from heat. OSHA hopes that seeing heat safety in action will encourage others to follow suit and protect workers.

Participation is open to any industry. Practically anyone can compete, including private citizens, associations, trade groups, individual businesses educational institutions, research organizations, non-profits, and unions. Each participant may submit up to five photos related to heat safety in the workplace.

Photo Ideas Include:

  • Photos of controls being used to protect workers.
  • Photos of shade structures that workers may be using for protection.
  • Photos that show workers using shade structures during the workday.
  • Photos of training and engagement around the topic of heat.
  • Photos of innovative ways workplaces are cooling workers (i.e., air-conditioned rooms, etc.). 
  • Photos of workers utilizing controls.
  • Photos of how employers are ensuring cold water access outdoors.

Participation Requirements:

  • Must promote heat safety in the workplace.
  • Must be original creations, not copied from OSHA.gov or any other source, and under the submitter’s ownership and control. Contestant is responsible for getting authorization from the people captured in the photo to use and submit their image in OSHA’s contest and for OSHA’s use. See Written Consent from Personal Identifiable Information under Terms and Conditions below.
  • Photographs must not depict a violation of an OSHA standard, uncontrolled hazard, or any unsafe procedure or practice.
  • Photographs must not endorse or be perceived to endorse a commercial product or service. This includes but is not limited to the display of brand names or trademarks on any people, equipment, or other objects visible in the photograph. Note: OSHA reserves the right to alter any submitted image by blurring identifying brand names, trademarks and other third-party intellectual property.
  • Must submit web form.
  • Entries must be in one of the following formats (weblink, JPG, PNG, Word, PPT).
  • Contestants must acknowledge contest rules and provide contact information.

Contest Categories (2023):

  • Strongest Message
  • Most Innovative
  • Most Creative
  • Highlighting Indoor Heat Hazards
  • Best Non-English Submission

Judging Criteria:

  • Quality of photograph.
  • Suitability for possible use in OSHA publications.
  • Clarity of the safety and health information or “message” conveyed.
  • Originality 
  • Creativity 
  • Inclusion of workers, employer, or workplace imagery.

The photo contest is open now and will close on July 19, 2024. Submissions will be reviewed and announced in the summer. Sign up here to participate.

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Help Prevent Falls In Construction

In construction, falls have been the leading cause of workplace fatalities for many years. According to BLS data, 395 workers lost their lives due to falls in 2022. Falls are preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries. This year the event will be held May 6-19, 2024.

A Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event for employers to talk directly to employees about safety. Any workplace can hold a Stand-Down by taking a break to focus on fall hazards and reinforcing the importance of fall prevention. Anyone who wants to prevent hazards in the workplace can participate in the Stand-Down.

OSHA is partnering with key groups to assist with this effort:

  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
  • National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
  • OSHA-approved State Plans
  • State consultation programs
  • Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR)
  • American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)
  • National Safety Council, the National Construction Safety Executives (NCSE)
  • U.S. Air Force
  • OSHA Training Institute (OTI) Education Centers

Companies have many options for conducting a Safety Stand-Down, for example, taking a break to have a toolbox talk. Other safety activities include conducting safety equipment inspections, developing rescue plans, or discussing job-specific hazards. Managers are encouraged to plan a Stand-Down that works best for their workplace. OSHA’s website hosts an Events page to help employers and employees find events in your area. Additionally, OSHA offers suggestions to prepare for a successful “Stand-Down” and highlights from past “Stand-Downs.”

At NSC we offer a Fall Protection Training Course that has everything you need to equip employees to be safe at work and prevent falls. Our Fall Protection Bundle is an all-in-one resource for fall prevention and awareness in the workplace. It includes our Fall Protection Training and Booklets, which can inform your employees on the existence and use of industry-regulated fall prevention systems. We will also include our Fall Protection Standards & Regulations Manual, an easy-to-read resource on federal fall prevention regulations.

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Working to Make Work Zones Safer for Everyone

Work Zone

National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The key message is for drivers to use extra caution in work zones. An event that started with a local campaign in Bristol, Virginia to raise awareness for work zone safety has grown into an annual national event for 24 years. This year it is hosted by the Maryland Department of Transportation, April 15-19.

In 1999 VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation), the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials began working in collaboration to launch the first NWZAW in 2000. Together they outlined goals for the campaign.

National Work Zone Awareness Week Goals:

  • Initiate efforts to raise awareness of the need for more caution when driving through work zones to decrease fatalities and injuries;
  • Establish and promote a uniform set of safety tips;
  • The value of training and importance of best practices in regard to work zone safety would be promoted among individuals in the private sector, industry, and roadway workers;
  • Reach out to both roadway workers and contractors to communicate possible effects of motorists’ behavior in response to traffic delays, and advise on what steps might possibly be taken to lessen negative behavior; and
  • Outreach efforts would be made to work with entities involved with work zone safety and to form partnerships.

The initial national kickoff event was held in Springfield, Virginia. Every other year, the kickoff event is hosted in the Washington, D.C. area and in the alternate years it travels to cities around the country. In 2004, NWZAW’s fifth year, the executive committee decided to incorporate a theme with the event to better promote work zone safety. The first theme was, “The Worker’s Office Is the Roadway.” This year the theme is, “Work Zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

In 2016 National Go Orange Day was introduced as a new element of NWZAW. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to wear orange to show support for work zone safety. Posting to social media using #Orange4Safety and # NWZAW is another way to to spread the message.

Thankfully, National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW) has been successful in spreading awareness for work zone safety across the country. It is easy to get involved and help bring awareness to this responsibility we all share. It is everyone’s duty to be alert, obey the signs, and keep workers and other drivers safe in work zones.

Nationwide events include:

  • Work Zone Safety Training Day – April 15
  • National kickoff event – April 16
  • Go Orange Day – April 17
  • Social media storm – April 18
  • Moment of Silence – April 19. The moment of silence was started in 2022 to remember the men and women whose lives were lost in a work zone incident.

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Preventing Ladder Accidents and Injuries- March is National Ladder Safety Month

The American Ladder Institute (ALI) has announced March as National Ladder Safety Month. It is designed to raise awareness of ladder safety and to decrease the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. ALI believes ladder accidents are preventable. Beginning with thorough safety planning, proper training, and finally continuous innovation in product design. The more people learn about proper ladder safety, the wider the message spreads and accidents are prevented.

Themes of Ladder Safety Month

  • Week One: Training and Awareness
  • Week Two: Inspection and Maintenance
  • Week Three: Stabilization, Setup, and Accessories
  • Week Four: Safe Climbing and Positioning

Nearly every home and workplace has at least one ladder. While ladders are great pieces of equipment, they pose a serious threat to safety if not used correctly. They should mainly be used for simple access jobs for a short duration. If at all possible, an alternative can be used in place of a ladder, such as scaffolding or an elevated work platform. However, if ladders are the only option, ladder safety tips and precautions should be taken.

Goals of Ladder Safety Month

  • Decrease number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities
  • Increase the number of ladder safety training certificates issued by ALI
  • Increase the frequency that ladder safety training modules are viewed on www.laddersafetytraining.org
  • Lower the rankings of ladder-related safety citations on OSHA’s yearly “Top 10 Citations List”
  • Increase the number of in-person ladder trainings
  • Increase the number of companies and individuals that inspect and properly dispose of old, damaged or obsolete ladders

OSHA offers three steps: “Plan.Provide.Train.” to prevent falls from ladders. Plan ahead to Get the job done safely. Provide the right extension ladder for the job with the proper load capacity. Train workers to use extension ladders safely. In addition OSHA recommends a list of “dos” and “do nots” for safe ladder use.

Safe Ladder Use—DO:

  • Maintain a 3-point contact (two hands and a foot, or two feet and a hand) when climbing/descending a ladder.
  • Face the ladder when climbing up or descending.
  • Keep the body inside the side rails.
  • Use extra care when getting on or off the ladder at the top or bottom.
  • Avoid tipping the ladder over sideways or causing the ladder base to slide out.
  • Carry tools in a tool belt or raise tools up using a hand line.
  • Extend the top of the ladder three feet above the landing.
  • Keep ladders free of any slippery materials.

Safe Ladder Use—DO NOT:

  • Place a ladder on boxes, barrels, or unstable bases.
  • Use a ladder on soft ground or unstable footing.
  • Exceed the ladder’s maximum load rating.
  • Tie two ladders together to make them longer.
  • Ignore nearby overhead power lines.
  • Move or shift a ladder with a person or equipment on the ladder.
  • Lean out beyond the ladder’s side rails.
  • Use an extension ladder horizontally like a platform.

There are many ways for your company to participate in National Ladder Safety Month this March. Ideas include hosting a ladder safety training event, using the hashtag #LadderSafetyMonth on social media, and becoming a National Ladder Safety Month sponsor. At National Safety Compliance we have a variety of training materials and posters to help equip workers to stay safe while using ladders.

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OSHA Injury and Illness Reports Due

Injury Report

March is here and for many businesses, that means it’s time to get those 2023 injury and illness reports submitted to OSHA. Find out if you are required to submit data here: ITA Coverage Application | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov). As we reported back in November, OSHA has recently updated the recordkeeping rules. The new rules went into effect January 1, 2024 and the final rule is available on OSHA’s website.

Under the new rules, establishments with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries are still required to submit Form 300A annual summary and must now submit Forms 300 and 301. Form 300 is simply a log of injuries and illnesses. However, Form 301 includes incident reports for each corresponding entry.

The previous requirements for electronic submission of Form 300A Annual Summary from establishments with 20-249 employees in certain high-hazard industries and establishments with 250 or more employees in industries that must routinely keep OSHA injury and illness records are still in effect.

Benefits of the New Requirements

Benefits to OSHA:

  • Access to establishment specific, case-specific injury and illness data will help the agency identify establishments with specific hazards.
  • This will enable the agency to interact directly with these establishments, through enforcement and/or outreach activities, to address and abate the hazards and improve worker safety and health.
  • These same data will also allow OSHA to better analyze injury trends related to specific industries, processes or hazards.
  • The collection and publication of data from Forms 300 and 301 will not only increase the amount of information available for analysis but will also result in more accurate statistics regarding work-related injuries and illnesses, including more detailed statistics on injuries and illnesses for specific occupations and industries.

Benefits to interested parties:

  • Public access to establishment-specific, case-specific injury and illness data will allow employers, employees, potential employees, employee representatives, customers, potential customers, and the general public to make more informed decisions about workplace safety and health at a given establishment.
  • In addition, researchers will be better able to identify patterns of injuries, illnesses, and hazardous conditions in workplaces.
  • OSHA believes this access will ultimately result in the reduction of occupational injuries and illnesses.

Keeping Workers Identity Secure

OSHA will make most of the data submitted under these new requirements available to the public. Additionally, OSHA will take multiple steps to protect the identity of injured or ill workers, including:

  • OSHA will not collect worker names and addresses
  • OSHA will convert birth dates to age and discard birth dates
  • OSHA will remind employers not to submit information that could directly identify workers, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers
  • OSHA will withhold from publication the information on age, gender & date hired
  • OSHA will withhold from publication whether the worker was treated in an emergency room and/or hospitalized overnight as an in-patient
  • OSHA will use automated information technology to detect and remove any remaining information that could directly identify workers

Maintaining Compliance with OSHA Reporting Requirements

Keeping up with OSHA reporting requirements is a key component of responsible business management. It is every employer’s duty to ensure that they abide by these regulations, for the well-being of their workforce and for the sake of compliance. Ultimately, OSHA’s stringent standards are in place to ensure workplace incidents are reported and analyzed to prevent future occurrences.  

It is absolutely vital for employers to take the necessary steps to understand and implement OSHA’s reporting requirements. Compliance with these requirements is essential, and failing to do so can lead to severe consequences. Further, neglecting proper reporting can compromise the health and safety of your employees. 

At National Safety Compliance , we recognize the importance of OSHA compliance and provide valuable resources to assist employers in meeting these requirements. These resources include comprehensive training materials designed to help employers, managers, and supervisors understand and fulfill OSHA’s recordkeeping requirements. Our OSHA Recordkeeping for Managers and Supervisors course offers a thorough training program to equip employers and their staff with the knowledge necessary to ensure full OSHA recordkeeping compliance. 

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OSHA is Switching From Traditional Hard Hats to Safety Helmets

OSHA announces switch from traditional hard hats to safety helmets. The goal is to better protect agency employees from head injuries.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that the agency is replacing traditional hard hats used by its employees with more modern safety helmets to protect them better when they are on inspection sites.

In 2020, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports head injuries accounted for nearly 6 percent of non-fatal occupational injuries involving days away from work. Almost half of those injuries occurred when workers were struck by an object or equipment and about 20 percent were caused by slips, trips and falls.

Traditional Hard Hats Need an Upgrade

Dating back to the 1960s, traditional hard hats protect the top of a worker’s head but have minimal side impact protection and do not have chin straps. Without the straps, traditional hard hats can easily fall off a worker’s head if they slip or trip, leaving them unprotected. In addition, traditional hard hats lack vents and trap heat inside.

Along with this announcement, OSHA published a Safety and Health Information Bulletin detailing key differences between traditional hard hats and more modern safety helmets. The bulletin highlights advancements in design, materials, and other features that help protect workers’ entire heads better. Additionally, today’s safety helmets may also offer face shields or goggles to protect against projectiles, dust, and chemical splashes. In fact, some more advanced helmets even offer built-in hearing protection and/or communication systems to enable clear communication in noisy environments.

The agency recommends safety helmets be used by people working in the construction industry and the oil and gas industry; in high-temperature, specialized work and low-risk environments; performing tasks involving electrical work and working from heights; and when required by regulations or industry standards.

Recommended Uses for Safety Helmets Instead of Hard Hats

  • Construction Sites: Especially those with high risks of falling objects and debris, impacts from equipment, or slips, trips, and falls.
  • Oil and Gas Industry: In these sectors where workers face multiple hazards, including potential exposure to chemicals and severe impacts.
  • Working from Heights: For tasks or jobs that involve working from heights.
  • Electrical Work: For tasks involving electrical work or proximity to electrical hazards.
  • High-Temperature Environments: In high temperatures or where there is exposure to molten materials.
  • Specialized Work Environments: Jobs that require integrated face shields, hearing protection or communication devices benefit from safety helmets designed with these features or the ability to add them on.
  • Specific Regulatory Requirements: Where safety helmets are mandated by regulations or industry standards, employers must comply with these requirements to ensure worker safety compliance.
  • Low-Risk Environments: Even in settings with no overhead hazards, safety helmets provide comprehensive protection.

In OSHA’s Safety and Health Information Bulletin they present the key differences between safety helmets and traditional hard hats. Including the advancements in design, materials, and protective features that help to protect the worker’s entire head. As well as providing instructions for properly inspecting and storing both safety helmets and traditional hard hats.

Properly storing head protection is crucial to maintain its structural integrity and to prevent damage. It is important to inspect head protection before each use. This will identify signs of wear, damage, or expiration. Always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for care, use, and storage.

Recommendations on How to Properly Care for Head Protection:

  • Clean and dry head protection before storing.
  • Inspect shell and suspension system for cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Examine the headband and chin strap for wear and tear ensuring it is free from any signs of damage.
  • Check for labels and certification marks. Make sure that the labels are legible and not tampered with.
  • Verify date of manufacture and refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lifespan of your specific head protection model.
  • Examine accessories and attachments. If your head protection has additional accessories or attachments inspect them for damage or signs of wear. Make sure they are securely fastened to the head protection and functioning correctly.
  • Check for proper fit. Adjust the suspension system to achieve a snug fit without excessive pressure points. Head protection should not be too loose or too tight.
  • Evaluate for damaged or loose parts by gently shaking your head (with the head gear on) to check for any loose or rattling components.
  • Inspect interior cushioning for wear or compression. If it shows signs of deterioration, contact the manufacturer for replacement options.
  • Assess previous impact damage. If your head protection has experienced an impact or has been subjected to a significant force, retire it immediately. Head protection is designed for single-use impact protection and may not retain its full effectiveness after an incident.
  • Keep records: Maintain a record of each inspection, noting the date, any findings, and actions taken. Regularly document the date of purchase and any relevant information about the head protection to track its lifespan accurately.

At National Safety Compliance we offer everything you need for safety training compliance. A thorough understanding of both types of head protection options allows employers and workers to make informed decisions on which type to use. OSHA wants employers to make safety and health a core value in their workplaces and is committed to doing the same by leading by example and embracing the evolution of head protection.

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Safeguarding Compliance: The Importance of Keeping Labor Law Posters Up-to-Date 

In the fast-paced world of business, compliance with labor laws is not just an ethical responsibility; it’s a legal necessity. One often-overlooked aspect of this compliance is the role of labor law posters. These seemingly simple displays serve as crucial tools for businesses to inform employees about their rights and ensure adherence to labor regulations. In this comprehensive exploration, we’ll delve into the significance of labor law posters and why keeping them up-to-date is paramount for businesses. 

The Basics: Labor Law Posters 

Labor law posters are not mere office decorations; they are a legal mandate. These posters consolidate essential information about federal, state and local labor laws, presenting it in a clear and accessible manner for employees. For instance, they may cover minimum wage requirements, workplace safety guidelines and anti-discrimination laws, offering a comprehensive guide for both employers and employees. 

Key Elements Covered by Labor Law Posters 

Minimum Wage Requirements 

  • State-specific minimum wage rates 
  • Any recent changes or upcoming adjustments 
  • Information on tipped employees and applicable wage rates 

Workplace Safety Guidelines 

  • Emergency contact information and procedures 
  • Safety protocols for specific job roles or hazardous conditions 
  • OSHA regulations pertinent to the industry 

Anti-Discrimination Laws 

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies 
  • Guidelines against workplace discrimination based on gender, race or disability 
  • Contact information for relevant agencies to report discrimination 

Customization Based on Locale is Critical 

  • Different states have unique labor laws, and posters must reflect these distinctions. 
  • Tailoring posters to the specific industry helps employees understand regulations relevant to their work. 
  • Regular updates ensure that any changes in laws are accurately communicated to employees. 
     

Why Up-to-Date Posters Matter 

Labor laws are dynamic and subject to change. Businesses must adapt swiftly to remain compliant. Outdated posters not only pose legal risks but also compromise employee awareness and protection. Changes in minimum wage, safety protocols or other regulations may occur, and businesses need to reflect these adjustments promptly. 

Consider a scenario where there’s an update to a workplace safety regulation. Without a timely update to the corresponding labor law poster, employees might remain unaware of critical safety procedures, exposing both the workforce and the business to unnecessary risks. This underlines the urgency of ensuring that posters are consistently up-to-date. 

Expanding on the consequences of non-compliance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plays a pivotal role in enforcing workplace safety standards. OSHA mandates that certain businesses display specific posters to inform employees of their rights and ensure a safe working environment. Failure to comply with OSHA requirements can result in significant penalties, including fines that could potentially cripple a business financially. 

In the Trenches: Understanding the True Cost of Non-Compliance 

There are many reasons not to let non-compliance happen, particularly when it comes to labor law posters. Penalties for not displaying the required workplace posters can include hefty fines, which often vary based on the size of a business and whether the violation is a repeated offense. 

Broader Implications of Non-Compliance 

Beyond financial penalties, the repercussions of non-compliance extend to the very fabric of a business. An unsafe or non-compliant workplace can also lead to: 

Employee Dissatisfaction 

  • Employees may feel unprotected or undervalued when workplace regulations are not prioritized. 
  • Dissatisfaction can result in decreased morale and productivity. 

High Turnover Rates 

  • Non-compliance contributes to an unfavorable work environment, prompting valuable employees to seek alternative employment. 
  • High turnover rates disrupt business continuity and strain resources. 

Negative Public Image 

  • The public perceives businesses as stewards of ethical practices. 
  • A negative image due to non-compliance can impact customer trust and loyalty. 

 
By emphasizing these broader implications, businesses gain a more comprehensive understanding of the holistic importance of labor law poster compliance. It transcends avoiding fines – it’s about fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being and contributes to long-term organizational success. 

NSC: Your Convenient Compliance Partner 

National Safety Compliance recognizes the challenges businesses face in staying abreast of labor law poster compliance. With a pre-order option for 2024 posters and a convenient yearly subscription, NSC simplifies the often cumbersome task of poster management. An NSC subscription not only guarantees up-to-date posters but also provides an added layer of security through poster “insurance.” 

In the event of any mandatory labor law changes, NSC takes a proactive approach, promptly shipping a new, updated poster for free. This not only saves businesses the effort of monitoring legislative changes but also ensures that compliance is maintained without any additional financial burden. 

With the pre-order option for 2024 posters, businesses can plan ahead and seamlessly integrate compliance efforts into their operational strategies. This forward-thinking approach aligns with OSHA’s emphasis on preventive measures, reinforcing NSC’s commitment to helping businesses avoid penalties and legal issues. 

Don’t just meet the minimum requirements; exceed them with NSC’s commitment to accuracy, convenience and proactive support. 

Choose NSC for your labor law poster needs. 

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Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and safety hazards don’t take a vacation. Keeping workers safe is everyone’s responsibility all year long. In a helpful video the US Department of Labor offers nine tips for protecting workers during the holidays. Additionally, OSHA provides resources on their website to help with holiday workplace safety.

Employers must ensure that all workers are trained to recognize and prevent job hazards and implement safe work practices. Making safety a priority begins with excellent training and education. These elements of a strong injury prevention program help employers find and fix workplace hazards before workers get hurt. During the holidays, when the number of temporary workers is typically higher, it is important to ensure that new workers have the required skills and knowledge to safely do their work. Evidence shows that those who are new on the job have a higher rate of injuries than more experienced workers.

9 tips to protect workers this holiday season:

provided by the DOL
  • Train workers in a language they speak and understand.
  • Provide hands-on training on properly using equipment.
  • Wear bright, visible clothing for delivery and warehousing workers.
  • Proper stack materials and making sure workers stand clear when doors are opened.
  • Create a staffing plan that reduces workplace stress.
  • Have an emergency plan for crowds.
  • Mark entrance and exit locations clearly.
  • Encourage workers to report safety and health concerns.
  • Remember that seasonal workers have the same rights as full-time workers.

OSHA’s website features guidance for specific industries as well as resources that are applicable to any industry. These include warehousing safety, forklift safety, package delivery, trucking, crowd management, and temporary or seasonal workers. The most important thing to remember is that all employees have the right to a safe workplace and as employers, it is our responsibility to provide that safe workplace.

Proper training is the starting place and at National Safety Compliance, we offer many training courses and resources to help you provide the training needed.