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OSHA’s new silica rule for the general industry recently went into effect, which lowered the permissible exposure limit for the substance to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m3) and requires employers to take other steps to protect employees. Now, the agency has released new tools to help employers comply with the new standard.

Many of the new materials focus on silica risks that are specific to the construction industry, which has had to adhere to the new standard since last year. Here’s an overview of the new OSHA resources:

• An informational video on the hazards associated with respirable silica

• A series of shorter videos on control methods for specific tasks in the construction industry

• A customizable presentation to help train construction employees on the dangers of silica exposure and how to protect themselves

• An FAQ webpage on the new standard

Your experience modification factor, or mod, is an important component used in calculating your workers’ compensation premium. If you can control your mod, you can lower your price — so we’ve gathered top tips to help you impact your bottom line.

1. Investigate accidents immediately and thoroughly; take corrective action to eliminate hazards, and be aware of fraud.
2. Report all claims immediately. Alert your Keevily claims team to any serious, potentially serious or suspect claims. Frequently monitor the status of the claim, and communicate with your Keevily claims team to resolve them as quickly as possible.
3. Take an aggressive approach to providing modified duty to all injured employees upon their release from treatment. Supervise modified duty employees to ensure their conformance with restrictions.
4. In serious cases that involve lost time, communicate with the claims adjuster to demonstrate your interest in returning the injured employee back to gainful employment.
5. Set safety performance goals for those with supervisory responsibility. Success in achieving safety goals should be used as one measure during performance appraisals.
6. Develop a written safety program, and train employees in their responsibilities for safety. Incorporate a disciplinary policy into the program that holds employees accountable for breaking rules or rewards them for correctly following safety procedures.
7. Frequently communicate with employees, both formally and informally, regarding the importance of safety.
8. Make safety a priority – senior management must be visible in the safety effort and must support improvement.
9. Evaluate accident history and near-misses at least monthly. Look for trends in experience, and take corrective action on the worst problems first.
10. Take advantage of safety classes and training offered by Keevily. Utilize your access to the Keevily portal for training materials and resources.

During winter, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is more prevalent than at any other time of the year. CO is found in many businesses, and workers can be exposed to it by industrial and chemical processes that lack proper ventilation.

Symptoms of exposure include headache, fatigue, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness. High concentrations cause unconsciousness, coma and death. Concentration, length of exposure and rate of breathing determine amount of poisoning. Fifty parts per million (ppm) is the permissible OSHA 8-hour time-weighted average; the NIOSH recommended exposure level is 35 ppm.

The chief cause of exposure is exhaust from combustion engines. Propane-powered forklifts, and cars and trucks idling in unvented areas are likely causes. Proper ventilation and exhaust systems must be provided in such locations.

Unvented heating appliances and even outdoor exposure from improperly exhausted equipment have caused CO poisoning. All portable heaters should be operated according to manufacturer’s specifications, with appropriate ventilation provided.

Gasoline-fueled electrical generators, diesel-powered equipment and similar machines have sickened workers. Generators should be placed outside away from windows or air intakes.

When workers perform strenuous tasks in cold weather, such as shoveling snow, overexertion can lead to sore muscles, back strain and possible heart attacks.

Consider the physical condition of anyone doing stressful outdoor work before assigning them. Diabetics, heart patients and persons with vascular and thyroid problems are more susceptible to cold-weather stress.

● Use mechanical or motorized equipment to minimize demanding tasks such as shoveling snow; use hand shovels with ergonomic handles.

● Workers must follow all safety guidelines and procedures when clearing or un-jamming powered snow removal equipment.

● Make sure workers know how to perform assigned tasks safely, and use the proper tools.

● Employees should know the symptoms of cold-related stress, and monitor themselves – and coworkers. A “buddy system” helps workers keep track of each other.

Driving is a task that requires constant attention to changing conditions. Many factors lead to vehicular accidents, including road conditions, weather, distractions (cell phones) and failure to follow basic safe driving rules. Winter drivers also can including treacherous “black ice” that cannot easily be detected until it’s too late. Especially watch for icy patches on bridges and in the shade.

● Winterize vehicles. Check batteries, tires, windshield wipers, washer fluid and antifreeze. Keep cell phones charged.

● Drivers should stay below posted speed limits in bad weather and keep a safe distance from the next vehicle.

● Be ready to reduce speed in case of sudden stops.

● Keep your lights on. Make sure other vehicles can see you.

● Use safe braking techniques to avoid skidding. Ease off the accelerator. If your vehicle has antilock brakes (ABS), brake firmly and steer. Without ABS, pump the brakes to avoid wheel lock-up. Always gently steer into a skid to regain control of the vehicle.

These accidents are among the most frequent causes of injury. They occur frequently in wet weather, and especially during winter when residual snow and ice keep floor surfaces wet. Keep floors dry and paths clear. Avoid slipping on wet, icy and slippery walking surfaces. Consider these questions…..

● Has the snow, ice or rainwater removed?
● Do employees wear appropriate footwear for the weather?
● Are highly-polished floors slippery?
● Are there any “wet floor” warning signs?
● Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries, and train workers how to protect themselves.
● Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves.
● Take frequent short breaks to allow the body to warm up.
● Perform work during the warmest part of the day.
● Use the buddy system (work in pairs).
● Drink warm beverages. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

Frostbite and hypothermia are serious risks in weather like today. In frostbite, freezing occurs in the deep layers of skin and tissue. Skin becomes pale, and waxy-white, hard and numb. Frostbite normally affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears and nose. Hypothermia is more serious and is a medical emergency. You can spot signs of hypothermia if body temperature drops to or below 95°F causing fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech.

Electronic Reporting Link:
https://www.osha.gov/injuryreporting/index.html

EMPLOYERS WITH 20 OR MORE EMPLOYEES in certain industries employers must also annually file the OSHA 300a through OSHA.gov….

Employers with 20 or more employees per establishment (see definitions below for establishment) and are in OSHA’s list of high-risk industries are required to electronically file their OSHA 300a forms annually.  The high-risk industry list includes construction, manufacturing, utilities, department stores, general merchandise stores, general freight trucking, warehouse and storage, waste management services, and other high-risk industries.  A complete list of OHSA’s high-risk industries can be found at this link: HIGH-RISK INDUSTRIES

Deadline: 2021 data must be submitted by March 2, 2022

1- When determining the number of employees what type of employees do I include?

All employees at your establishment need to be included, for example, all part-time, seasonal, clerical, principles, etc.

2- I have over 20 employees and I am in construction, do I need to electronically file with OSHA?

Yes, all construction NAICS codes are included in the high-risk industry list. View high-risk industry list (NAICS code 23 Construction includes all codes that start with 23). 

3- I have 20 or more employees but I am NOT in construction, do I need to electronically file with OSHA?

Manufacturing, utilities, department stores, general merchandise stores, general freight trucking, warehouse and storage, and waste management services are considered high-risk industries and are required to file electronically.  A complete list of OSHA’s high-risk industries can be found on this link: high-risk industry list 

4- How do I find my NAICS code?

Use NAICS Keyword Search and enter keywords that describe your operation. 

5- If I have less than 20 employees do any of the OSHA recordkeeping rules apply?

 Yes, all employers are required to report serious injuries by contacting OSHA within 8 hours of a work-related fatality and within 24 hours of work-related in-patient hospitalization, amputation, or loss of eye (see Severe Injury Reporting ).  You may also be required to keep OSHA logs if you have over 10 employees and you are not on the partially exempt list  Watch this OSHA 15 minute video to learn more about how to maintain your OSHA logs. 

6- If I file electronically do I need to keep OSHA logs?

Yes.  Watch this OSHA 15 minute video to learn more. 

7- What year data is being electronically filed by 3/2/2022?

You will be filing your 2021 data

8- When will the 2020 data be due?

2021 data will be due no later than 3/2/2022.  Be sure to file early!

9- If an employee in my establishment is a contractor’s employee, must I record an injury or illness occurring to that employee?

If the contractor’s employee is under the day-to-day supervision of the contractor, the contractor is responsible for recording the injury or illness. If you supervise the contractor employee’s work on a day-to-day basis, you must record the injury or illness.

10- Must the personnel supply service, temporary help service, employee leasing service, or contractor also record the injuries or illnesses occurring to temporary, leased, or contract employees that I supervise on a day-to-day basis?

 No, you and the temporary help service, employee leasing service, personnel supply service, or contractor should coordinate your efforts to make sure that each injury and illness is recorded only once: either on your OSHA 300 Log (if you provide day-to-day supervision) or on the other employer’s OSHA 300 Log (if that company provides day-to-day supervision).

11- If I had no losses do I still need to electronically file?

Yes if you fall into the requirement you must still file “0” losses

Additional OSHA electronically filing questions. 

Still need assistance? 

Email: Claims@keevily.com or call 1-800-523-5516.