OSHA to Extend Electronic Recordkeeping Compliance Date

Matt OlphinRisk Management

OSHA announced in an email on May 17th that it intends to delay the July 1, 2017 compliance date for the electronic submission of the 2016 Form 300A. As part of the final rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses issued in May 2016, employers had a phased-in compliance deadline for the electronic submission of recordkeeping forms. For 2017, employers with establishments with 250 or more employees and establishments with less than 250 employees but 20 or more in certain high-risk industries were required to electronically submit their 2016 Form 300A by July 1, 2017. However, the secure website that OSHA intended to use for the submission of these recordkeeping forms has not been made available. Further, OSHA stated …

OSHA’s Top 10 Safety Violations

Matt OlphinRisk Management

OSHA has released the top 10 safety violations for the last fiscal year. If they look familiar – they should! They could have just said “See last year’s list” because it is the same ten violations. The troubling thing is that, even though these violations don’t change from year to year, there is little improvement being made. Last year 4500 workers were killed in the workplace and another 3 million were injured. The list Here is the list of these top 10 violations: 501 – Fall Protection 1200 – Hazard Communication 451 – Scaffolding 134 – Respiratory Protection 147 – Lockout/Tagout 178 – Powered Industrial Trucks 1053 – Ladders 305 – Electrical, Wiring Methods 212 – Machine Guarding 303 – …

Workplace Violence

Angela MackleyHuman Resources, Risk Management

Workplace violence has emerged as an important workplace safety and health issue. It is defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as “any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site”. Although there is not a single risk factor that can predict when a workplace violence situation may arise, companies need to be aware of behaviors and job tasks that may increase employee exposure. When it comes to employee behavior, managers need to be on the lookout for tell-tale signs that a staff member might go down a darker path. Some examples of these behaviors include becoming increasingly belligerent, threatening colleagues, displaying outbursts of anger, and being …

As Opioid Epidemic Rages, Worksite Policies Overlook Prescribed Drugs

Matt OlphinHealth Benefits, Human Resources, Large Group Benefits (100+), Risk Management, Small Group Benefits (2-50)

Opioid use in our communities, is an issue that is exploding at an exponential level.  As opioid abuse becomes more prevalent, it’s presence in the workplace is an increasing concern for all employers.  As stated below, most employers want to be part of the solution, meaning that they want to help employees return to work at the appropriate time in their recovery process.  Having the appropriate policies in place is critical to the success of that effort.  Please contact us if you would like assistance modifying your existing drug and alcohol policy, or creating a new policy to deal with these issues. Questions? Contact Matt Pfeiffenberger, Vice President, Health Benefits Solutions, or Matt Olphin, CPCU, CSP, ARM, Vice President, Risk Control …

Is Everyone on Your Team Using the Same Cybersecurity Playbook?

Amy MitchellBusiness Insurance, Insurance, Risk Management

According to an article on the website, “Leader’s Edge”…Everyone is concerned about cybersecurity, but are key players on the same page about how to protect your company and its customers? Evidently not. A survey by BAE Systems shows that C-suite-level managers and their top IT people often have different ideas about what the cost of a cyber attack on their company would be and who would largely be to blame, top executives or the IT team, Computerworld reports.   Read the full article >>> For more information, email Amy Mitchell, CIC, CISR, Vice President, Commercial Solutions.

Homeland Security – Emergency Services Sector Cybersecurity Best Practices

Jason GouldnerInsurance, Risk Management

Cybersecurity is one of the most important security considerations for Emergency Services Sector (ESS) organizations. From targeted incidents, such as ransomware attacks, to unintentional acts, such as failure to properly install security updates, poor cybersecurity practices can cause severe operational problems and the needless expenditure of funds. Many cybersecurity incidents can be prevented with a few simple, low cost protective measures. To read the full article >>> If you have questions, email Jason Gouldner, CSP, Risk Control Consultant, Risk Management Solutions.