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Safety/Health

Protect workers from summer heat hazards

05/28/2024
According to the federal National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, working in hot environments puts employees at risk for heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rashes. Heat also increases the risk of injuries resulting from sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces.

Think twice before blaming injury on the injured worker

05/24/2024
It’s rarely a good idea to blame an employee for getting hurt on the job. Adding insult to injury—literally—could prompt the worker to complain to OSHA, which could decide to sue you.

Strangers on your shop floor: What you need to know about OSHA’s new walkaround rule

05/13/2024
OSHA’s recently issued final rule on who may represent employees during safety and health inspections has employers worried. As a practical matter, the “walkaround rule”—which takes effect May 31—means employers have little opportunity to object to third parties who employees choose to accompany OSHA inspectors as they check for unsafe working conditions or practices.

SHRM research: 35% say work harms mental health

05/06/2024
The findings highlight “the urgent need for organizations to address mental health issues proactively,” a SHRM statement said.

Prepare for summer heat by implementing voluntary safety measures

04/24/2024
Warm spring days mean sweltering summer temperatures aren’t far behind. Now is the time to prepare to keep employees safe from heat hazards.

How to object to non-employee representative under OSHA’s new ‘walk-around’ rule

04/15/2024
OSHA’s new “walk-around” rule has drawn fierce criticism from business advocates who argue that it offers no formal way for employers to object to who employees select to accompany OSHA compliance officers during workplace inspections. Employment law attorney Carrie Hoffman suggests how employers should handle the situation.

New ‘walk-around’ rule permits outsiders at OSHA inspections

04/08/2024
The Department of Labor on April 1 issued the final version of its controversial “walk-around” rule that lets employees choose outsiders to accompany OSHA officials when they conduct workplace inspections. The rule expands the rights of employees to authorize third-party representatives to accompany OSHA compliance safety and health officers as they tour worksites.

DOL offers employer tools to support employees’ mental health

04/01/2024
The U.S. Department of Labor has compiled a suite of resources to help employers assist employees who may be struggling with mental-health problems.

Beware the fine line between insubordinate threats and actual violence

03/13/2024
It’s up to HR to keep an eye out for workplace discord that could erupt into violence. Train supervisors to be alert for obvious insubordination. An employee who refuses to follow directions or openly challenges authority other than through reasonable channels may be on the verge of escalating insubordination into violence. In turn, HR should have a plan to intervene, either through appropriate internal discipline or by referring the matter to the police.

Washington Watch: NLRB, OSHA in the news

02/23/2024
A constitutionality argument against the NLRB and OSHA’s new walkaround rule.