Let’s not forget that OSHA’s Heat Illness Nation Emphasis Program (NEP) is still going strong. On days that the National Weather Service issues a heat warning or advisory for certain areas, expect OSHA to be making rounds and doing inspections in 70+ indoor and outdoor industry settings that are considered high risk for heat illness.
A study was recently published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health using data reported to OSHA. The research team found that 3% of all injuries and fatalities were exertion related – and of those, a staggering 89% were heat-related. Unsurprisingly, industries associated with outdoor work like construction, agriculture, and farming show heat as being a significant occupational danger – but the stats are also high for assembly line workers. Even today, many indoor industrial environments like warehousing, and production and assembly lines, don’t have A/C throughout their entire facility. Office areas will typically be cooled - but where most of the workers are concentrated, they rely on large ceiling fans, air circulation provided by open windows and loading docks, as well as personal cooling devices brought by the employees themselves.
Much like work-related falls, heat illnesses are preventable. As an employer, you have a responsibility to provide rest, water, and shade to employees, allow new workers to acclimate to the heat in short bursts, monitor staff for signs of heat illness, plan for emergencies, and train your team to do the same and look out for one another. If any employee shows signs of heat illness, you should act right away. Remove the worker from the sun and heat immediately and take first aid steps to cool them down, and do not leave them alone. Heat illnesses are stealthy, and can progress rapidly with the potential to lead to a fatality. If the worker is showing signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, slurred speech or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately.
If you have questions or concerns about your company’s heat illness prevention and protection programs, please reach out to our safety team at (440) 249-5284. OSHA has plenty of information and posters available on their website as well.
Posted By Brandy King
September 24, 2024
Category: 2018 Group Retro, Retro Refunds, Ohio Bwc, Missing Refunds
You may have received, or will soon receive a letter from Ohio BWC stating that they are “unable to approve your request” to issue premium refunds based on 2018 Group Retrospective Rating. To recap, BWC chose to withhold 2018 Group Retro refunds from Ohio employers in light of the large dividend that was released to employers in 2020. Spooner appealed that decision on behalf of our clients with the intent of getting those Group Retro refunds paid out to participating employers, like your business. Spooner has maintained our stance and our fight over the last three years as the hearings and appeals process has continued to play out. Why did we receive this letter? These letters are a response to the protests we filed on behalf of Spooner clients who participated in 2018 Group Retro. We filed these requests to preserve our appeal rights, should we continue to be successful with the legal action that is now before the Court of Common Pleas. We have concerns that if we prevail in the legal proceedings, BWC may attempt to pay only the lead plaintiff in the case, as opposed to all Group Retro members. Why now? The final snapshot to determine refunds for the 2018 group retro program was on June 30, 2022. We filed the appeals at the end of June 2024 to comply with the two-year statute for filing protests with BWC. What should we do now? There is nothing that employers need to do at this time. If it becomes apparent that action is needed
Posted By Brandy King
September 24, 2024
Category: Ohio Bwc, True Up
With the filing deadline over a month behind us now, hopefully your policy’s 2023-2024 BWC True Up has been completed. The reporting period has historically been July 1through August 15, with a grace period of 30 days. Spooner’s team has been notified that for the current and coming policy years, the True Up period for reporting payroll and paying any remaining balances will be July 1 through August 31, with no grace period. It’s important to note that failure to True Up can impact your eligibility for Group Rating and Group Retro, which can translate to thousands of dollars in lost
Posted By Brandy King
September 24, 2024
Category: Hazcom, Osha, Ghs, Compliance, DOT, Safety Update
OSHA Issues Final Rule on HazCom Standard to Align with Revised GHS In July, OSHA’s final rule on the Hazard Communication Standard for classifying and labeling chemicals went into effect, and will be phased in over a four year period. Changes were made to the standard so that it will align with the 7th revision of the UN’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS), and will impact chemical manufacturers, importers, distributors and employers utilizing hazardous chemicals. The updated standard includes changes to definitions that will impact labeling, handling and classification of hazardous chemicals. Here are some high points: • Additions the definition of Bulk shipment, Combustible dust, Gas, Immediate outer package, Liquid, Physician or other licensed health-care professional (PLHCP), Released for shipment, and Solids. • Clarifications to the definition of Exposure or Exposed, Pyrophoric gas • An addition to Section (f)(5) Transportation clarifying labeling for bulk shipments and pictograms to align with Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. This solves the issue of having to use both HCS and DOT pictograms for the same hazard. • Smaller containers may utilize special labelling. Capacities under 100 ml will have minimum labeling requirements of a product identifier, applicable pictograms, signal word, manufacturer’s name and phone numb
28605 Ranney Parkway
Westlake, Ohio 44145
Phone: 440-249-5260 ext. 153
Hours: 8AM to 5PM