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Three Principles of a Fall Prevention Plan

5/11/2022

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Falls have continued to be the leading cause of occupational deaths in the United States for over 10 years accounting for nearly 1,000 deaths yearly. The unfortunate part, all falls are preventable. Multiple organizations partner with OSHA each year to have both educational and promotional campaigns to help prevent falls and save lives in their industry. One thing is clear, training and employer provided resources are key in helping prevent falls in the workplace. 
OSHA has two primary fall prevention standards:
  • 1910.29 for General Industry
  • 1926.500 for Construction
Each focus on the three principles of Plan, Provide, and Train. These principles assist in the prevention of falls within the industry in addition to providing a more well-rounded worker.

Plan
Proper planning through a Job Hazard Analysis or Job Safety Analysis (JHA/JSA) is the acceptable method of identifying hazards on a jobsite or facility. Through the use of JHAs, workers collaborate and communicate to come up with a safe way to perform the task at hand. While providing the safest process, recording the information for estimators will also allow for safety equipment to be included for future work. As each day begins, the JHA should be reviewed in a morning huddle or pre-task plan to make sure that conditions have not changed or that additional equipment, personnel, or tools are not necessary to complete the day’s work. Creating a plan and adjusting the plan as new conditions arise are a vital part of getting the job done safely.

Provide
Providing the right tools and equipment is the second most important component of ensuring worker safety. Before the project begins while using the JHA and past experience, the employers or supervisors should identify what tools or equipment are needed to get the job done. Once that happens a valiant effort should be made to provide all possible means to ensure worker safety. Is a lift required? Is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS) needed? Do you need guardrails or floor coverings? All these questions need answered before any work begins. As an employer, it is your responsibility to provide the equipment and resources needed to complete the work in the safest manner possible.

Train
Understanding how and when to perform certain tasks is key to preventing falls in the industry.  Training on how to use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS), ladders, scaffolds, and guardrails are critical components of a fall prevention program. Not only should workers be trained on how to use a specific tool or piece of equipment, they should also know how to recognize and mitigate hazards as they are made apparent. Supervisors should verify worker training and their competency to make sure employees can identify and mitigate hazards as they work. If a worker fails to complete a task or has a near miss then retraining may be necessary to make sure that there is not an accident in the future.

It is a proven fact that with proper knowledge, equipment, and collaboration all falls are preventable.  Planning for tasks, Providing proper equipment, and Training your employees are critical parts to fall prevention plans that will save lives. To keep the conversation going, download the General Fall Protection Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.
General Fall Protection TBT
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Distracted Driving

4/6/2022

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Each year there are an estimated 400,000 injuries and 3,000 fatalities due to crashes from distracted drivers. As technology has advanced and safety features are standard, it appears as though drivers have become even more distracted as they rely too much on phones and features. In this blog we will look at the main distractions drivers face and how to help prevent them from causing an accident.

Cell Phones
The largest contributor to distracted drivers and the main cause of fatalities. Now with smart phones, drivers are not only tempted by calls and texts but with videos, emails, web surfing, and many other apps. When it comes to cell phones the best policy is Out of Sight, Out of Mind. Some ways to keep your cell phone from becoming a distraction include:
  • Turn your phone off or on silent so the driver is not disturbed
  • Keep your phone out of reach to avoid the temptation of using while driving
  • Let it go to voicemail. Calls and texts can be returned once you are at your destination
  • When using Bluetooth keep conversations short. Hands-free does not mean distraction-free

Other Electronics
Radios and GPS are other types of electronics normally used when operating a vehicle. These audible distractions are dangerous as they can take your focus away from the road and onto something unseen. Some tips to keep these electronics from becoming a distraction are:
  • Type in your directions before you begin driving. If your destination changes, pull over and correct it
  • Keep the volume at a lower level. Make sure you can hear emergency sirens and signals
  • Do not adjust controls as you are moving. Wait until you are stopped and can take your eyes off the road
  • Do not read maps as you are driving. Turn on audible directions and stay focused on the road

Eating, Drinking, and Smoking
When you’re on the go, all aspects of your life sometimes need to be as well. This can include eating, drinking, and smoking while driving. While they may help you stay focused long-term, they also preoccupy your hands from the wheel and eyes from the road. When on the go, some tips to remember are:
  • Take a moment to eat before you begin to drive. If you are driving and eating, stay away from food that is difficult to handle
  • Make sure all beverages have lids to prevent spills
  • When eating or smoking, keep both hands on the wheel as much as possible
  • Do not discard of trash near your feet or pedals

Driving is the main mode of transportation for many Americans and will likely stay that way for years to come. As drivers, it is your responsibility to stay focused on the road and to avoid distractions for your safety and for those around you. Remember to keep your eyes on the road and if tasks can be done before your car leaves park, make sure they are done. To keep the conversation going, download the Distracted Driving Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.
Distracted Driving TBT
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Construction Equipment

3/16/2022

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Equipment is all around us. It’s used to pave the roadways we drive on, assemble the cars we drive in, and manufacture the phones we so desperately can’t live without. Equipment can be extremely helpful in our daily jobs, but also extremely dangerous if not utilized correctly. So what does OSHA say about construction equipment? Standard 1926.20(b)(4) states “The employer shall permit only those employees qualified by training or experience to operate equipment and machinery.” What type of training do you need? What qualifies as experience? We will explore these questions for the many different types of equipment you will find on a jobsite.
 
Construction Equipment
Excavators, bull dozers, graders, milling machines, skid steers, loaders, and other outdoor equipment are required to follow the basic OSHA standard as mentioned above. Qualified means one who, by possession of a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing, or who by extensive knowledge, training, and experience, has successfully demonstrated his ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter, the work, or the project. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers states to be qualified, you must understand the written instructions supplied by the manufacturer, have training including actual operation of the equipment, and know the safety rules and regulations for the jobsite. So what do they all have in common? Three basic principles:
  • Written instruction/training
  • Understand safety rules of the piece of equipment
  • Have actual operation of the equipment, typically supervised at first by someone who has used it
Some of the best practices also include testing for comprehension, performing a pre-start inspection/checklist and requiring operator evaluations about every three years.
 
Forklifts / Powered Industrial Trucks
Do forklifts fall in the same category as construction equipment? The short answer is No. Forklifts have their own OSHA standard and are one of the few types of equipment that have additional regulations associated with using a powered industrial vehicle. Powered Industrial Trucks (forklifts) require specified training depending on the classification of the forklift, which is in close relation with the type of fuel source the forklift utilizes to power the engine. It is important to understand the differences between passenger vehicles and forklifts as the center of gravity, stability, and weight vary greatly. Forklifts require operators to be certified to run the equipment and the certification must be renewed every 3 years. The specific requirements can be found in OSHA standard 1910.178(I).
 
Aerial Lifts / Scissor Lifts / Mobile Elevated Work Platforms
Traditionally Aerial Lifts and Scissor Lifts were found under the mobile scaffold standard, but this has begun to change with new industry best practices and associations implemented in 2021. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) released a new standard, A92, which recategorizes lifts into 2 Groups and 3 types. It also mandates newer safety features from manufacturers to assist in safe operation of the lifts and avoid tip overs while working from heights. With these changes, the goal is to align more closely to a globally recognized standard, yet requires retraining for all employees that use any type of lift on a jobsite. Since these standards were applied by ANSI and OSHA references ANSI in standard 1926.453, it by reference becomes an OSHA standard required under law. Very similar to forklifts, the Mobile Elevated Work Platform standard requires classroom and operation to be considered qualified to operate the MEWP equipment.

​There are various other types of equipment found on jobsites or in manufacturing facilities, yet all of them require safety training prior to use. Make sure you know and understand the operation manual and perform a visual or written inspection prior to operating each shift. Don’t forget a refresher will be required every few years to confirm safe operation and review any new safety features available or in operation. 
To keep the conversation going, download the Aerial Lift Toolbox Talk (TBT) below or comment below.
Aerial Lifts TBT
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Slips, Trips, and Falls

2/16/2022

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​According to the National Safety Council, nearly 250,000 work-related injuries are due to falls each year. Coupling this with slips and trips, these become the most dangerous in the workplace accounting for nearly 30% of all injuries each year. How can you help reduce slips, trips, and falls in your workplace? We will review three main ways to help you and your employees prevent these workplace injuries.
 
Proper Housekeeping
What is the single, most important step in preventing slips and falls? Proper Housekeeping. Keeping your floors clean, dry, and free of obstructions are the best way to provide a safe working environment for your employees. Some things to remember when it comes to housekeeping:
  • Spills, Grease Spots, and Dust – make sure areas are clean and free of these things. Hazard signs are helpful in warning people of potentially dangerous conditions
  • Use Floor Markings – when there is a change in elevation or a natural break, use floor markings to identify potential trip hazards
  • Require Proper Footwear – have employees wear slip-resistant boots and shoes when entering potential areas of concern
 
Choose the Right Equipment
What height are you working at? What types of activities are being done? What training have you completed? These are all questions that should be answered before you begin working in heights above the floor. Once answered, choosing the right equipment will help you assess the risk and find the best way to complete the task safely. Here are some types of equipment for heights and the best way to use them:
  • Ladders
    • The most common when working from shorter heights and also the most dangerous
    • Make sure the ground is level and the ladder is locked in place
    • Always keep three points of contact on the ladder when in use (2 hands and 1 foot or 2 feet and 1 hand)
    • Do not lean, overreach, or stand higher than the third rung to keep proper balance and center of gravity
  • Scaffolding
    • The most cost effective when working higher than normal reach for long periods of time
    • Make sure all components are level, sound, and free of rust/cracks/holes
    • Overlap planks on supports and make sure working platforms are fully decked
    • Inspect scaffold and scaffold parts daily and before each shift. Do not use if not properly tagged safe
  • Lifts
    • An economical way to work on multiple things overhead
    • Do not operate unless you have been trained and are authorized by a competent person
    • Check for hazards, review all safety devices, and inspect operation and emergency controls before using
    • Stay in the basket or lift platform at all times. Do not lean, reach, or climb over the basket
 
Use a Fall Protection System
Protection systems allow workers to move freely at heights while either preventing them from reaching fall hazards or preventing a free fall. Common types of fall protection systems include:
  • Restraint System – allows workers to move freely in the work area while preventing the worker from reaching a potential fall hazard or leading edge
  • Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS) – a system that prevents an employee from free falling more than 6 feet. Parts of the system include an anchor, connector, and body harness. Proper training and a rescue plan are required for use
 
While slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury and citations in the workplace, we need to remember that all are preventable. Proper housekeeping, choosing the right equipment, and using a fall protection system are all great ways to help prevent these injuries, but a proper plan, risk assessment, and finding the best way to complete the task are the most important. To keep the conversation going, download the General Fall Protection Toolbox Talk (TBT) below or comment below.
Fall Protection TBT
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OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard

11/10/2021

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​Since November 5th, OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) on COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing is the latest push to minimize COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. With nearly 750,000 reported deaths in the U.S. from COVID-19, the ETS is requiring employers with 100 or more employees to develop, implement, and enforce policies that either require mandatory vaccinations or require weekly COVID-19 testing for those who do not wish to be vaccinated. This blog will help walk you through the summary of OSHA’s ETS to give both employers and employees a look at what will be required of them in 2022.

Who Does This ETS Impact

​The ETS generally applies to all employers that are under OSHA’s authority and jurisdiction and currently have more than 100 employees firm-wide/corporate-wide. Employers who are exempt from this standard include:
  • Employers with less than 100 employees
  • Employers covered under the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force COVID-19 Workplace Safety
  • Healthcare services and support services subject to the Healthcare ETS (29 CFR 1910.502)
  • Employee exemptions including:
    • Employees who do not report to a workplace (work from home)
    • Employees who work exclusively outdoors

​For those employers who are not exempt from the ETS, a policy regarding vaccination or testing will be required.

What is Required in the Employer Policy

For employers who decide to enforce a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy, they will be required to:
  • Determine the vaccination status of each employee
  • Obtain proof of vaccination and maintain a record and roster of each employee’s vaccination status
  • For employees who have yet to be vaccinated:
    • Support vaccination by providing reasonable time (up to four hours paid) to receive each vaccination
    • Provide reasonable time and paid sick leave to recover from side effects
 
For employers who permit non-vaccinated employees to work, they will be required to:
  • Adhere to the policies set forth above (for those who wish to be vaccinated)
  • Require weekly testing or within the last 7-days before returning to work
  • Require employees to wear face coverings when indoors or when occupying vehicles with others

​When implementing either policy, employers will be required to:
  • Require employees to promptly provide notice of a positive COVID-19 test or diagnosis (regardless of vaccination status)
  • Immediately remove employee from the workplace and keep them removed until proper criteria are met for return

What Additional Requirements Must Employers Meet

Alongside implementing the policies above, employers will be required to:
  • Provide employees important information in a language and literacy level they understand including:
    • ETS requirements and workplace policies and procedures
    • CDC documentation – Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
    • Information about protections, retaliation, and discrimination
    • Information about laws regarding criminal penalties for falsifying statements/documentation on vaccination
  • Report workplace COVID-19 fatalities and hospitalizations to OSHA
    • Fatalities must be reported within 8 hours of learning about them
    • In-Patient hospitalizations must be reported within 24 hours of learning about them
  • Make records available to employees and employee representatives including
    • Employee’s COVID-19 vaccination documentation and test results
    • Reports regarding the aggregate number of fully vaccinated employees at a workplace and the total number of employees at said workplace

When Does This Emergency Standard Take Effect

The ETS, officially published on November 5th, will take effect 30 days from publication (December 5th). Once effective, all requirements (besides testing employees) will be required. Testing for employees who have not received any or all vaccinations will be in effect 60 days from publication (January 4th). While this standard is set to take effect next month, multiple states have currently filed suit in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay (halt) the enforcement until further review from the court.

With the ETS looming, employers should prepare themselves for this standard becoming effective. If you are looking for help maintaining and reporting employee records, STAC is here to be your solution. With our unique QR coded stickers and ID badges, you will be able to adhere to the ETS standards while also providing other important training information for your employees with a simple scan from your phone. For more information regarding the ETS, visit https://www.osha.gov/coronavirus/ets2
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Emergency Action Planning

10/6/2021

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​Benjamin Franklin very accurately stated that “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Emergency Action Planning is planning not to fail in the event of an emergency evacuation, severe weather event, fire, or other emergency. A great Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will reduce confusion, result in fewer and less severe injuries, and produce less damage if executed effectively. OSHA requires that every employer have an EAP for each workplace. To successfully develop an EAP, a workplace assessment should be done to identify all potential and likely threats and emergencies at your workplace.

​The purpose of an EAP is to facilitate and organize employer and employee actions during workplace emergencies. The written plan shall be kept at the workplace and made available for employee review. The EAP plan should cover at a minimum:
  • A preferred method for reporting fires and other emergencies
  • An evacuation policy and procedure
  • Emergency escape procedures and route assignments (maps and visuals are most effective here)
  • Names, titles, departments, and telephone numbers of individuals both within and outside your company
  • Procedures for employees who remain to perform or shut down critical plant operations, operate fire extinguishers, or perform other essential services
  • Rescue and medical duties for any workers designated to perform them
 
Upon initial assignment, the employer must review the plan with each employee. The most common method is during an employee orientation. As conditions or roles change the employer is required to review the EAP and determine if responsibilities, or requirements need to change as well. It is best practice to also review annually to make sure something was not missed throughout the year.

Before implementing the EAP, the employer is responsible for designating and training a sufficient number of employees to assist in the safe and orderly emergency evacuation of employees. Examples of employee roles in an emergency evacuation could include: fire brigade, medical team, emergency action coordinator, chemical response team, etc. Reasons for evacuation could include: fire, severe weather, acts of violence, chemical spills, or civil disturbance. The employer shall designate what signal will be used to warn employees and to designate rally points throughout the jobsite. Likewise, employees are responsible to know their role and all tasks associated with that role. When the EAP signal has been given (horn, strobe light, siren, etc.) employees must calmly proceed to the rally point or evacuate quickly. 

Good Emergency Action Plans will have an associated Fire Prevention Plan, but great EAPs will also have detailed plans for explosions, toxic releases, civil disturbances, and workplace violence. Depending on where in the country you may be located, plans for additional natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, and winter weather should be considered.

For more information on EAPs, OSHA standards can be found in CFR 1926.35(e) alongside a designated page for EAPs and different situations
(https://www.osha.gov/emergency-preparedness). To keep the conversation going, download the Emergency Action Plan Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.
Emergency Action Plan TBT
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Excavation Safety - Measurements to Remember

9/8/2021

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On average, 54 fatalities occur from trenching and excavation work each year. OSHA standards
require, before any worker entry, that employers have a competent person inspect trenches daily and as conditions change to ensure elimination of excavation hazards. When working around excavations here are some safety measures to remember:

2 FEET – SPOIL PILES
Keep excavated soil (spoils) and other materials at least 2 feet (0.6 meters) from trench edges.

3 FEET - LADDER
When portable ladders are used for access in and out of the excavation, the ladder side rails shall
extend at least 3 feet (.9 m) above the upper landing surface of the excavation.

4 FEET - ACCESS
OSHA requires employers to provide ladders, steps, ramps, or other safe means of egress for workers working in trench excavations 4 feet (1.22 meters) or deeper. The means of egress must be located so as not to require workers to travel more than 25 feet (7.62 meters) laterally within the trench.

5 FEET – PROTECTIVE SYSTEM
Trenches 5 feet (1.5 meters) deep or greater require a protective system (sloping, benching, shoring, or shielding) unless the excavation is made entirely in stable rock. If less than 5 feet deep, a competent person may determine that a protective system is not required. A protective system needs to be appropriate for the soil type (as determined by the competent person). It could be stable rock, Type A, Type B, or Type C soil.

6 FEET – FALL PROTECTION
When working, each employee who is constructing a leading edge 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower
levels shall be protected from falling by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest
systems.

When working in and around excavations, cave-ins are a serious threat to everyone. Remember the safety measures above and if any conditions change, be sure to reinspect the trench.
To keep the conversation going, download the Excavation Safety Toolbox Talk (TBT) or comment below.
Excavation Safety TBT
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Six Elements to a Health & Safety Plan

8/4/2021

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​When it comes to employer Health & Safety Plans, the minimum requirements for an accident prevention program should include inspections of the workplace for potential hazards, training and evaluation of employees for tools and equipment on the job, and personal protective equipment (PPE) training and use practices. While these three components are important, many safety and health managers will agree that there are additional elements that should be included. Here are STAC’s six elements to a proper Health & Safety Plan:
 
Leadership Involvement
An effective prevention program must start from the top. With C-Suite and managing directors actively participating, tracking, and committing time and resources to your plan, this will leave a lasting impression for all employees involved and help reinforce positive behaviors mirrored in your plan. Studies have shown that management involvement in your program have a direct impact on reducing your DART and TRIR rates.
 
Worker Participation
Once management has helped create and implement the safety plan, it is up to the employees to participate in processes to help identify workplace hazards. Types of employee participation can include:
  • Accident, Illness, Injury, and Near-Miss tracking and investigations
  • Hazard Monitoring and Employee Exposure Reports
  • Creating a Process to plan, evaluate, and implement Hazard Controls
  • Conduct Workplace Inspections and Investigations
  • Conduct Surveys of Work-Related Health Problems
  • Make Recommendations for Workplace Improvement (ex. Stop Work)
 
Hazard Identification & Assessment
With employees actively participating in identifying workplace hazards, an assessment can be made with a Job Hazard Analysis to help identify ways to prevent and control the hazards. An example of a Job Hazard Analysis can be found here: OSHA JHA Sample Form
 
Hazard Prevention & Control
Once hazards are identified, employers can look to eliminate or control the hazards using OSHA’s Hierarchy of Controls:
  • Eliminate Hazard – the most effective and efficient way to control hazards, but can be the most difficult to implement
  • Substitute Hazard – if designing a process, substitute hazards out by changing equipment or changing procedures
  • Engineering Controls – eliminate the hazard at its source by removing the hazardous condition with equipment/tools or by placing a barrier between the hazard and the employee
  • Administrative Controls – while less effective than the controls above, administrative controls can include changes in work policies, schedules, or rules to help reduce the exposure to hazards
  • PPE – the last type of control aimed at directly protecting the worker from hazards
 
Education & Training
Providing employees with the proper education about the workplace hazards and specific training on how to prevent, eliminate, and control these hazards are pivotal to keeping employees safe. Education can include orientation, safety manuals, and SDS sheets for the different chemicals and materials they will be handling. Workplace specific training should be done by a qualified employee and be given to those who operate equipment and machinery for their job.
 
Program Evaluation
The final element in the program is to evaluate how well your plan eliminates, prevents, and controls hazards. Different types of evaluations can include:
  • Workplace Inspections and Training – frequent inspections of the jobsite, materials, and equipment from competent employees can help identify hazards not being controlled by the program
  • Measurements and Tests of Worker Exposure – monitoring the health of your employees will identify if acceptable levels of hazards are found in your workplace
  • Record Accidents, Illnesses, Injuries, and Near Misses – recording all types of incidents will help you review where and how employees are getting hurt to identify any changes that need to be made
  • Record Hazard Identification and Removal/Control of Hazards – keeping a record of the hazards eliminated will help you see if any hazards continue to persist after controls have been implemented
  • Compliance with Federal and State Law – staying compliant helps reduce the risk of OSHA inspections, fines, and shutdowns.
 
While Health & Safety Plans can have many different elements, the goal of all plans are to help keep employees safe and reduce the risk of injuries in your workplace. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility. To keep the conversation going, download the Health & Safety Plan Toolbox Talk (TBT) below or click on the QR code to see how STAC can be part of your plan.
Safety Plan TBT
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Essential Employee Worker Badges

4/19/2020

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With the recent coronavirus pandemic, identifying and screening your employees is more important than ever. For the safety and security of your workforce and workplace, employees should be easily identified. As of the beginning of April, nearly 95% of Americans have been given stay at home orders except for essential businesses. As these essential businesses remain open, it is crucial that each employee be screened for COVID-19 symptoms and that additional protocols are enacted. Some states require letters for those essential employees and identification while in route and at their respective jobs. 
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One way that companies are keeping this controlled include specialized employee badges with a color-coded sticker for that day of the week. As a badge is something that can be easily produced, replaced and changed, it is something that is also very visible and can be utilized for multiple items.  Some items an employee badge can be utilized for include:
  • employee, department, or company specific data
  • access and entry to specific areas of a building or location
  • identify and remind protocols, code alerts, and company policies
  • training management/attendance to meetings/training classes
  • loyalty programs/member only codes​​
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An important piece to the ongoing safety of your customers and coworkers includes asking the recommended Coronavirus questionnaire and checking temperatures and symptoms each shift. Once this is completed prior to entry into the workplace, a visual identifier is a great way to let people know this person is assumed safe for the day. Stickers placed on a badge that are changed every shift or every day is an easy, affordable solution in this time of need. If your organization is looking for individuals to perform screening, look towards a local safety or staffing agency. If your company is looking to purchase essential employee badges or purchase a printer contact us today to lead you in the right direction. 

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Construction Recordkeeping Compliance

10/24/2019

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Training in the construction industry is a LEADING INDICATOR AND PREVENTION OF INJURY AND DEATH IN THE WORKPLACE. Not only is proper training good practice, it is also one of OHSA’s most common citations. Proper training and the documentation of that training can save thousands of dollars in fees, lost time and insurance claims.
OSHA requires recordkeeping in two areas; Injuries & Illnesses and Safety Training.
 
Injury & Illness Reporting Requirements
OSHA requires construction employers with 10 and more employees to keep a record of serious work-related injuries and illnesses.

What is considered a recordable injury?
  • Any work-related fatality
  • Any work-related severe injury
  • Any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job
  • Any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums
  • There are also special recording criteria for work-related cases involving: needlesticks and sharps injuries; medical removal; hearing loss; and tuberculosis
  • Any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid
 
What is considered First Aid?
  • Using a non-prescription medication at non-prescription strength
  • Administering tetanus immunizations
  • Cleaning, flushing or soaking wounds on the surface of the skin
  • Using wound coverings such as bandages, Band-Aids™, gauze pads, etc.
  • Using hot or cold therapy
  • Using any non-rigid means of support, such as elastic bandages, wraps, non-rigid back belts, etc. that does not immobilize the injured area
  • Using temporary immobilization devices while transporting an accident victim
  • Drilling of a fingernail or toenail to relieve pressure, or draining fluid from a blister
  • Using eye patches
  • Removing foreign bodies from the eye using only irrigation or a cotton swab
  • Removing splinters or foreign material from areas other than the eye by irrigation, tweezers, cotton swabs or other simple means
  • Using finger guards
  • Using massages
  • Drinking fluids for relief of heat stress
 
What does OSHA consider a severe injury?
A severe injury includes a fatality, amputation, loss of eye, or hospitalization (formal admission to hospital for treatment). In the case of a fatality, OSHA must be notified within (8) hours of the incident. In the cases of amputation, loss of eye, or hospitalization, OSHA must be notified within (24) hours of the incident.
 
How do you record these injuries and illnesses?
  • OSHA 300 Form – Log of Work-Related Injuries & Illnesses
  • OSHA 300A Form – Summary of Work-Related Injuries & Illnesses
  • OSHA 301 Form – Injury & Illness Incident Report
Construction is considered a high hazard industry by OSHA therefore companies with 10 or more employees are required to maintain the forms listed above. The OSHA 300, 300A and 301 forms must be updated each year and posted by location. OSHA requires these forms to be kept for a minimum of (5) years after their expiration.

​*A recent update (2/25/2019) now does not require companies with more than 250 employees to electronically submit their OSHA 300/301 forms. They are still required to maintain these records each year and continue posting by location.
 

​Training Reporting Requirements (29 CFR 1910/1926)

It is the employer’s responsibility to initiate and maintain programs for accident prevention.
Training is both task and hazard specific. Below is an example of when training is required:
  • Prior to beginning work (orientation) to recognize unsafe conditions, hazards, and potential injuries/illnesses
  • Prior to operating machinery
  • Prior to handling hazardous materials and/or flammable liquids
  • Working within a confined space

​How often in training required?
OSHA requires that some trainings be repeated after a certain period of time. Below are several of those trainings. 
Training Name
Renewal Period
Bloodborne Pathogens
Every Year
Confined Space
Every Year
Hazardous Waste
​Every Year
Occupational Noise
​Every Year
Respiratory Protection
Every Year
Training Name
Renewal Period
First Aid
Every 2 Years
Process Safety Management
Every 3 Years
Powered Industrial Trucks
Every 3 Years
Aerial Lift
Every 4 Years
Here is a complete list of Training Standards
 
When are refresher trainings required?
Refresher trainings are required to reiterate the most important aspects of a training and also to incorporate any changes made pertaining to the specific topic. Refresher trainings should be implemented when one of the following instances occur:
  • Post-Accident or Injury
  • When an employee is observed using equipment improperly
  • Upon failing an annual equipment evaluation
  • When new equipment is implemented
  • When workplace conditions change
Companies can also provide their own refresher requirements as long as they meet or exceed OSHA standards.
 
What kind of information should be recorded for training?
Training documentation should include:
  • Name/Signature of trainer
  • Trainee Name
  • Date of training
  • Subject of training
  • Proof of competency (written exam or practical evaluation)
  • Date of evaluation
OSHA requires these documents be available to employees upon request.
 
The best ways to keep your employees safe in the workplace is to provide them with the proper tools and training to get the job done correctly without putting them in danger. STAC emphasizes this by assisting in recording injuries & illnesses and tracking your employee safety trainings and certifications. By having real-time access to these important records, you can have the peace of mind knowing your employees have been given the proper training that is up to date with current standards.
 
Additional Resources:
PART 1904 - RECORDING AND REPORTING OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND ILLNESSES
PART 1926 - SAFETY AND HEALTH REGULATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION
Training Requirements in OSHA Standards
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