09 Oct Preparing for an OSHA Inspection
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the government agency that monitors and enforces compliance with workplace safety laws.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) have the authority to inspect the facilities of any employer subject to OSHA’s regulations. Employers have a right to request a warrant for inspection. Although it may buy time, it will likely broaden the inspection and give the CSHO a negative impression.
02 Oct OSHA Guidance: Wearing Face Coverings in Hot and Humid Environments
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued guidance on safety protocols employees can use when wearing cloth face coverings in hot, humid indoor and outdoor work conditions. Wearing face coverings has become necessary in multiple industries because of the current COVID-19 pandemic.
02 Oct Your Wellness Matters: Musculoskeletal Disorders
According to the Bone and Joint Initiative USA, nearly 1 in 2 Americans over the age of 18—or 124 million people—have a musculoskeletal disorder. And, according to OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common disability claims.
What are musculoskeletal disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to a variety of conditions that affect your joints, bones and muscles. According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 150 conditions that are considered MSDs, the most common being osteoarthritis, back and neck pain, fractures and systemic inflammatory conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).25 Sep California Authorizes Stop-Work Orders and Requires Worker Exposure Notices for COVID-19
On Sept. 17, 2020, California enacted a new law (AB 685) that authorizes the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (the Division) to issue stop-work orders for facilities or operations that pose an imminent COVID-19 hazard to workers.
The new law also requires employers to:- Notify workers when they have potentially been exposed to the coronavirus in the workplace; and
- Notify local public health agencies when a worksite has a COVID-19 outbreak.