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Feb 08 2019
Safety and Health

OSHA launches new inspection initiative based on 2016 data

Employers who reported high injury and illness rates in 2016, or who failed to report at all, will be targeted for inspections by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Site-Specific Targeting The agency announced the directive, “Site-Specific Targeting 2016,” on October 16, 2018. States with their own safety programs, such as California, Oregon,…

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Feb 08 2019
Safety and Health

OSHA cites employer after forklift crushes employee during maintenance

A forklift maintenance procedure at a Kansas drywall contractor turned tragic when a hydraulic cylinder in the process of being swapped out fatally crushed an employee. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently issued a press release announcing that it had cited the company for seven serious safety violations, with proposed penalties totaling…

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Aug 17 2018
DisabilityLeave LawsQ&A

Q&A: No FMLA notice required unless employee asks for time off

Answer: A practical initial approach may be to explore whether there are any ergonomic changes that could be made to the workstation to reduce or eliminate the pain, such as a cushioned standing mat, a foot rest, or a stool. If that doesn’t help, you’re welcome to let him know about the availability of protected…

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Aug 06 2018
DisabilityHarassment & DiscriminationQ&A

Q&A: “100-percent healed” return-to-work policy violates ADA

Answer: Yes, we recommend changing your policy. The federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires employers to reasonably accommodate an employee with a disability, and that may include an employee with temporary or ongoing medical limitations or restrictions. According to guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a medical certification or doctor’s note…

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Jun 26 2018
Safety and HealthWashington

New workers have a higher risk of on-the-job injuries

Studies show that new workers are more likely to be involved in a work-related lost time injury within the first three months of work compared to workers who have been on the job for more than one year. Knowing this information, what can you do to help lower the risk of injuries to new employees?…

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May 30 2018
Harassment & DiscriminationHiringSafety and Health

New domestic violence law expands protections in Washington

Washington has significantly revised its Domestic Violence Leave law to prohibit discrimination against applicants or employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The new law applies to all employers as of June 7, 2018, and prohibits employers from: Refusing to hire an actual or perceived victim of domestic violence, sexual assault,…

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May 09 2018
Q&ASafety and Health

Use a numerical rating system to prioritize safety in busy times

Because deficient safety processes are the underlying causes of accidents, it is important to administer the most critical ones effectively. Here’s how employers can prioritize safety objectives when under a time crunch: Create a weighted scale for “prevention” and one for “compliance” (1-5 for effectiveness at “prevention” and 1-3 for effectiveness at “compliance,” where 1…

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Apr 11 2018
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

OSHA citations upheld against fab shop that improperly rigged load from crane

A federal court of appeals has confirmed two serious citations from the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) against a fabrication shop when a 5,000 lb. pipe assembly was improperly rigged to an overhead crane. A pipefitter in the shop was a journey worker with 12 years of experience. While the supervisor was in…

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Mar 20 2018
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Raise hazard awareness and reduce workplace accidents

What’s a good way to ensure that employees are aware of the hazards associated with an unfamiliar task or upset condition they are about to address? Card ‘em!   More specifically, have them complete a checklist of potential hazards and controls before they begin, along with assessing their own mental state. It’s a key tool…

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Feb 23 2018
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Finger amputation leads to safety investigation; Washington manufacturer fined $92K

Hazardous moving machinery poses some of the most serious safety challenges to both workers and manufacturers. If a company overlooks or fails to monitor safety procedures, how can it expect its workers to safely operate dangerous equipment that could potentially cause severe injury? A company could face steep fines but workers risk much more—the amputation…

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Feb 13 2018
Safety and HealthTermination & Resignation

Q&A: What to do when a fired employee makes a threat on the way out

A: Employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for their employees. Unfortunately, workplace violence is a modern reality. Don’t write off a threat because you think the employee is simply venting his or her frustration at being fired. Refer to your workplace violence prevention program and procedures. You may need to secure…

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Jan 12 2018
Safety and HealthWashingtonWorkers’ Comp

Reducing workers’ comp premiums takes a team effort

Your company is probably paying thousands of dollars every year for workers’ compensation insurance through the Department of Labor & Industries. If you’re serious about reducing those expenses, then stop considering that annual premium to be just another cost of doing business. Focus on the things impacting those costs and you can reduce premiums and…

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