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How to Make Sure Your Business is GHS Compliant

by Andrew 07/07/2021

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals has been used by countries around the world since its introduction in 2003, but its mandatory nature is far less established. In an effort to unify standards, OSHA decided to bring its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) in line with the GHS, ensuring the same format is used by companies engaging in commerce domestically and abroad.

The Benefits of GHS Compliance

“Appropriate labeling of chemicals stored in all forms is critical for GHS compliance.”

The mandatory nature of the GHS standards means organizations must follow them. If organizations fail to comply with GHS standards, they leave themselves vulnerable to fines and penalties. Taking a strong approach to full compliance keeps businesses safe and makes transactions along the supply chain easier, as all parties involved have access to the same information stored in the same format. As the time from the final deadline continues to grow, a lack of GHS compliance could translate to significant complications.

Now is the time to prepare and implement key components to meet the requirements. Prepare your business for GHS compliance by taking these four steps:

1. Learn about what has changed

Signs and Labels: Each hazard category and class must be accompanied by a hazard statement and pictogram on the label.
Safety Data Sheets : Formerly called Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), these sheets provide information about the hazards associated with chemical management at workplaces and provide recommendations for safety measures. There must now be a standard format with 16 sections, per OSHA brief.
Hazard Classification: In addition to the current definition of hazard, specific criteria have been added to classify health and physical hazards, and mixtures. In so doing, manufacturers will be able to evaluate hazardous effects consistently, which will help ensure more accurate labeling and safety data sheets.

2. Train your employees

Current employees should have been trained on the new label elements and SDS formats by December 1, 2013. However, whenever new employees are hired it is mandatory to train them in the same manner, and also when a new health or physical hazard is introduced, all employees must be trained. Training should be provided on how to interpret new pictograms, understand updated labels, and understand new warnings, signal words, and precaution statements. To ensure workplace safety and meet OSHA requirements, it is crucial to communicate these hazards.

3. Replace current MSDSs with SDSs

To maintain compliance with GHS, make sure the SDSs you receive include new hazard information. An SDS must include the 16 required sections in the specified order and in a uniform format with headings, section numbers, and associated information.

4. Choose the right signs and labels

Chemical labels under GHS must include the following1:

Hazard Statement: This describes the nature of the product’s hazard with a phrase assigned to the hazard class.
Pictogram: This is a graphic symbol that is intended to visually convey specific hazard information and must include a red border (or black border for workplace labels only).
Signal Word: It must use either “Danger” (severe) or “Warning” (less severe).
Product Identifier: This should be identical to the product identifier on the SDS.
Supplier Identification: The name, telephone number, and address of the supplier or manufacturer must be listed.
Precautionary Statement: This describes recommended measures to reduce or prevent adverse effects resulting from exposure.

An organized and effective GHS process helps businesses achieve compliance. For assistance selecting the right signage, labels, and more, give us a call at (866) 748-5963 today!

Achieve Compliance with Chemical & Environmental Hazard Communication Labels

by Mariah Erhardt 06/24/2021

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) regulates most workplace hazardous chemicals. Not only are HazCom labels critical for worker safety and regulatory compliance needs, but they’re also a definitive way to ensure containers are correctly labeled, promote better emergency response to chemical incidents, and reduce costs such as increased insurance premiums.

Emedco has the HazCom labels you need to ensure your facility meets federal, state, and local compliance regulations. Of course, different chemical hazards require different labels. Here’s what you need to know about each type of hazard communication label and its significance in your workplace.

NFPA Labels

Established by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), NFPA 704 is a labeling system used to identify hazardous materials in a compact format. In each section, the easily recognizable color-coded NFPA diamond represents four (4) types of hazard levels: health hazard, flammability, instability, and special precautions. In addition, the NFPA 704 labeling system warns emergency responders of the hazard types and levels in a consistent format prior to entering a hazardous area.

HMIS & HMIG Labels

The Hazardous Materials Identification System (HMIS) is a hazard rating method of various chemicals that involves the use of color bar labels. Each bar represents a different hazard level; the blue bar is for the health hazards, the red bar represents the flammability, the orange bar indicates the physical hazards, and the white bar depicts the PPE required for safely handling the chemical.

GHS Labels

The Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals provides a standardized method of identifying chemical hazards throughout any facility. All GHS labels are required to have hazard pictograms, a signal word, hazard and precautionary statements, the product identifier, and supplier identification. Place the labels on primary and secondary containers to ensure improved quality and consistency in the classification and labeling of all chemicals as well as enhanced worker comprehension.

Hazardous Waste & Biohazard Labels

Properly marking containers with hazardous waste meets the DOT 49 CFR 172.400(b) labeling requirements for transportation as well as the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Biohazard decals alert workers to potentially dangerous materials in receptacles, tanks, and other secondary containers. These bright orange labels will help your facility comply with the OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1030 regulation for bloodborne pathogens labeling.

Emedco offers an impressive selection of chemical and environmental hazard labels for informing and training employees, preparing for emergencies, and shipping and transportation needs.

Find all of the HazCom labels you need to ensure your facility is safe and compliant at emedco.com.

GHS The Final Countdown: Common Misconceptions About Compliance

by Julianne Bass 05/05/2016

It’s been a long road to compliance; the updated Hazard Communication Standard (GHS) process officially started in 2009 and is set to wrap up this June 2016. A fully compliant GHS facility will bring with it improved quality and consistency of hazard information provided throughout the workplace, better comprehension for workers, quicker and more efficient access to SDS for workers, and a ton of money saved across industries.

With that being said some safety managers are still having trouble understanding a couple of areas of GHS that perhaps aren’t as cut and dry. Read on to get some clarity on these lingering misconceptions in GHS compliance.

Q: The containers within my facility vary in size and some of them are tiny, what is the minimum required information for small bottle GHS labeling?

A: There has been some debate on the minimum required information for small bottles. Initially, OSHA stated that labels must include all the required information. If the container is too small to print everything legibly on the label, then an extended content label would be necessary.

Added cost will not be an acceptable excuse for noncompliance.

There has been recent discussion that the following is the minimum you’re required to print on the small labels.

Product identifier • Appropriate pictograms • Manufacturer’s name and phone number • Signal word • A statement indicating the full label information for the chemical

This might mean you can avoid the added cost of an extended content label.

Q: If there are 3 red squares on a label but I only need two pictograms can I keep the third one blank?

A: No. You either need to use a label template with the exact number of pictogram diamonds you’ll need or you’ll need to completely black out the unnecessary pictogram with black ink. If you’re printing your labels on-demand with a Brady Printer, this will not be an issue. Be advised that if a blank red frame is not fully covered and filled in, the label will not be in compliance.

Q: What is the major change between old HazCom Labeling and New GHS labeling?

A: The Old Hazcom standard was not universal and all business had their own system. Under the New GHS Standard all chemical manufacturers and importers are required to provide a universal GHS labels that includes a harmonized signal word, pictogram, and hazard statement for each hazard class and category. Precautionary statements must also be provided.

Q: Are any chemicals exempt from the GHS regulation?

A: No. GHS covers all hazardous chemicals. There are no complete exemptions from the scope of GHS for a particular type of chemical or product. The term “chemical” is used broadly to include substances, products, mixtures, preparations, or any other terms that may be used by existing systems. The goal of the GHS is to identify the intrinsic hazards of chemical substances and mixtures and to convey hazard information about these hazards.

For more information on the GHS regulations, click here.

Top 10 Most Important Workplace Hazard Safety Signs for Any Facility

by Julianne Bass 02/04/2016

“I saw the sign, and it opened up my eyes…” Ace of base really was on to something with that one hit wonder. Signs are all around us and yet we still miss their messages at times. In the workplace, not being aware of these critical alerts can lead to disastrous situations. While signs outside of work may struggle to stand out amongst the clutter and confusion, a workplace should have streamlined, cohesive approach to how messages are posted, reserving safety signage for the most important safety messages. Here is a rundown of the top 10 most important safety signs every facility should have.

The Exit Sign

Any time you enter a facility, the first thing you should look for is how to exit that very same facility. In any building that is in compliance with OSHA and NFPA regulations there should be clearly marked exits and unobstructed routes to get to them. You never know when an emergency may occur or just the urge to get out of there!

The Authorized Personnel Only Sign

Everyone has their nosy moments, wanting to see what goes on behind the scenes and out of view; however at times that can go against your best interests when it comes to safety. If there are areas within a facility that should be kept off limits to most, and should only be deemed accessible by people with particular credentials, post authorized personnel only signage at the entry points of those areas and take further steps to secure them from the general public. An area where an authorized personnel sign could be needed could include and HR department where there are private documents or any area where there is lab testing or hazardous chemicals.

The PPE Sign

When entering into an area of a facility where there are hazards that pose a threat to a workers well being, it is important to alert them to the proper precautions they should take before entering to protect themselves against harm. Areas like this could include a construction site, or a manufacturing floor where there could be flying objects or moving parts.

The Danger Flammable Sign

Anywhere there is a substance that is capable of ignition or causing a fire, there should be a Danger Flammable sign. Often automotive garages that have extra oil and gasoline lying around these signs can be found. In addition, any areas that are used to store chemicals, even cleaning products; should be labeled with this warning as well. Any liquid or gas that is combustible poses a clear and present threat.

The Biohazard Sign

The biohazard sign can be found in areas where harmful biological substances are present. Biohazard signs are very common in healthcare settings where bodily fluids are commonly dealt with, that could pass on germs and perhaps disease to others if not properly handled or disposed of.

The Electrical Safety Sign

Electrical safety is an ongoing hot button issue in workplace safety. It holds 3 of the top 10 most cited violations for OSHA, and takes countless lives each year due to improper safety precautions when workers come in contact with it. High voltage signs should be posted anywhere the threat of contact with dangerous electrical current is present. This is a very serious area of concern in all workplaces that it affects, signage is a great first step in getting a workers’ attention and alerting them of an electrical hazard in their area.

The Danger Confined Space Sign

A confined space is not intended for continuous occupancy by workers by definition, however at times, it is required for workers to enter confined spaces for maintenance and other tasks. By posting confined space signage at these points of entry, this alerts workers that these areas and the tasks associated with them are only for workers who have been properly trained in working in confined spaces and should only be entered by those who have permits and have gone through the proper alerting processes as it pertains to letting coworkers know of the work they are performing, where, when , and for how long so that they are accompanied by the right personnel for assistance.

The Machine Safety Sign

When working in the presence of heavy duty machinery it is important to know the functions of each machine to ensure that your workers stay out of harm’s way. A machine that can start up without warming poses a major threat to a worker when it comes to caught-in injuries, lacerations, and amputations. Posting this sign with help to remind an employee about the machine that they are working around however when performing maintenance on a machine the proper lockout tag out procedures should always be followed.

The Forklift Safety Sign

Maintaining a safe flow of traffic around a facility that incorporate forklifts and foot traffic within the same area can come with its own set of difficulties and safety hazards. When operating a forklift around a bustling floor many things can go unheard due to noise or unseen due to blind spots. While the pedestrian should always have the right of way, if a person is unseen and unheard, this is where the danger rises. Posting forklift traffic signs in these areas can help make all workers more aware.

The Slips, Trips and Falls Sign

Everyday slips trips and falls are some of the most common and also some of the most costly when it comes to workplace safety injuries. All it takes is an uneven surface, a step down, a box that falls out of place or a chord in a walkway to cause serious injury. If there are known areas within your facility where tripping incidents or near misses consistently occur consider posting a caution sign.

While every workplace safety hazard cannot be solved by safety signage, providing the right alert messaging starts your workplace safety program off on the right foot. When clear, consistent, and cohesive messaging is present, it will provide a strong safety foundation for any workplace to incorporate into their procedures for a sustainable workplace safety strategy.

GHS The Final Count Down: Shift from Right to Know to Right to Understand

by Julianne Bass 01/27/2016

The right to know -vs- the right to understand: trying to figure out the difference? You won’t necessarily find it spelled out for you in any “official” OSHA documentation, but it could be the difference in whether or not your facility gets fined should an inspector come around.

The original HazCom standard focused around the workers’ “right to know” meaning that all workers had the right to proper training and information about any hazardous chemicals that they would potentially come in contact with. However this “right to know” leaves a lot open for interpretation. Just because workers are provided the information does not mean that is sinks in. In fact, OSHA has stated that “several studies show employees do not understand approximately one-third of the safety and health information listed on (MSDSs) prepared in accordance with the current HazCom standard.”

In updating the GHS standard, OSHA also sought out to not only make workers aware but also to ensure they fully understand and comprehend the safety procedures and information as it concerns the chemicals within their facilities.

When interpreting the “right to know” vs “the right to understand” consider this. An OSHA inspector may have checked to see if a company provided all of the proper MSDS informational sheets and that their training schedules were up to date to make sure that they were fulfilling their duty to their workers’” right to know.” However, now an inspector may come into your facility and could potentially quiz your workers to see if your company has met the threshold of a workers’ “right to understand.”

Again, while this is not clearly explained anywhere in the new OSHA GHS regulation, it is all up to the discretion of your inspector so it is best to make sure all of your workers clearly understand the new GHS procedures that have been implemented within your facility.

Learn More about GHS: Data that Proves Why GHS is Important

Eliminating The Top 10 OSHA Safety Violations from Your Workplace in 2016

by Julianne Bass 01/20/2016

Every year on the last week of September the NSC Conference has a big unveiling of the year’s 10 OSHA Top Violations, but when you look at the hard facts, much of those top ten OSHA safety violations have remained unchanged for quite a few years running. If these are the most troubling violations leading to injury and death year over year, why hasn’t there been more of an effort to make a change? Why wouldn’t we eliminate these workplace safety hazards from continuing to be a danger to workers? Where is the ball being dropped? Is it with OSHA, or with individual companies?

Here are some helpful tips that will help you eliminate top 10 OSHA safety violations from your workplace in 2016.

Fall Protection (29 CFR 1926.501), 7,402 total violations

Fall protection has been at the top of OSHA’s list for 5 years in a row, with much concern and attention paid to the impact it has on the safety of workers specifically in the construction industry. When working at heights of 10’s or even 100’s of feet in the air it is critical to ensure that your workers not only have the right fall protection supplied to them but that they also know how to properly use it before any work begins. Incorrect implementation of safety precautions and fall protection safety signs are just as dangerous if not worse than having none at all.

Want to learn more about fall protection? Read Don’t Fall Out Of Compliance: What You Need To Know About Fall Protection

Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1910.1200), 5,681 total violations

2016 will bring with it the final GHS deadline in June 2016. While it has been a long and difficult process to implement protocols all the way up the supply chain and stick to deadlines, once all is said and done, GHS compliance will have a great impact on osha safety standards and safety for workers who interact with dangerous substances on a regular basis. Through cost reductions, productivity improvements and decreased instances of injury and illness GHS will begin saving a total of $745 million annually across all industries it has impacted.

Want to learn more about GHS?

Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451), 4,681 total violations

In another issue specific to the construction industry, 72 percent of workers injured in scaffold accidents identify the planking or support giving way or slipping, or being struck by a falling object. Ensuring that scaffolding is erected properly before work begins goes a long way in protecting workers in addition to having regularly scheduled assessments, proper implementation of osha safety signs and fall protection guardrails in place for those who will be working on or around scaffolding areas. Enforcing PPE rules for those who will be working in these areas is also crucial when it comes to preventing struck by hazards caused by falling objects.

Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134), 3,626 total violations

2016 may become a year of big changes when it comes to respiratory protection as it concerns permissible exposure limits and the passing of OSHA’s workplace safety long awaited Silica rule. Outside of reducing the levels of acceptable exposures, when it comes to providing protections against chemicals that cannot be eliminated from work processes, selecting the proper respiratory protection can prove to be tricky. The most important step to selecting the correct respiratory solution for your workplace starts with have a good understanding of the substance you are trying to protect against. Not all respiratory protection is created equally and each workplace safety hazards come with its own rules and solutions for protecting your workers against them. Choose wisely and make sure your solutions properly fit your workers.

Want to learn more about respiratory protection? Read up on Respiratory Protection: Compliance Myths

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147), 3,308 total violations

Number 5 on the 10 OSHA Top violations, Lockout Tagout often is an area that can easily become overwhelming for those in charge of keeping their procedures up to snuff. If one little thing changes, the whole procedure may need rewriting. However, never fear technology is on your side with many different procedure writing software’s and services available it is easy to get someone out to your facility and assist you in creating a plan that is sustainable and can be easily maintained.

Want to learn more about Lockout/Tagout? Read Are You Creating Effective Lockout Tagout Procedures?

Powered Industrial Trucks, General Industry (29 CFR 1910.178), 3,004 total violations

Forklift safety is only one piece of the pie when it comes to creating an effective powered industrial trucks safety plan. Realizing that these trucks are interacting with humans the battle of man -vs- machine is important to keep in mind (HINT the loser is always man). When creating a game plan to keep all workers safe consider the physical conditions of your facility; how pedestrian traffic will interact with truck traffic, and also if there are any hazardous areas that should be deemed off limits to forklifts such as areas that are enclosed or have little ventilation. Lastly, make sure that OSHA safety signs are properly implemented in your facility.

Want to learn more about forklift safety? Read Forklift Safety Best Practices: How Workplace Conditions Affect Safety Operations

Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053), 2,732 total violations

Ladder safety seems like a no brainer when you get down to it. Make sure it is in working order, that it is clean, and that it has secure placement before use. However, there is no way to account for the unexpected. A number of things could go wrong while climbing to heights at which a fall could prove fatal. Ladder safety should not be overlooked and starts with having a clear understanding of the basic principles. But a workplace should always have fall protection safety signs in place and a backup plan when unexpected hazards emerge such as wind, flying objects, animals, ladder malfunction etc.

Want to learn more about ladder safety? Read Step up: Best Practices of Ladder Safety

Electrical (Wiring) (29 CFR 1910.305), 2,624 total violations

The misuse of cord and cables, uninsulated wiring and extension cords are where this violation saw the most offenders, with the silver lining being the number of total incidences for this standard are trending downward from 2014 to 2015. Other good news from OSHA shows that they are revisiting these OSHA safety standards for updates after 40 years of being untouched and on the books. Changes made to this 40 year old rule are thought to be able to save an additional 20 lives per year while preventing 118 other injuries.

Want to learn more about Electrical (Wiring)? Breaking Down the Regulation

Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212), 2,540 total violations

Losing an arm or eye because of exposure to blades, getting caught in a machine, or particles flying off of a machine are all causes for concern when it comes to machine guarding. When production timelines are tight, these are the times that machine guarding accidents are most likely to occur. When chaos ensues workers are more likely to begin to cut corners and could land themselves in a very dangerous situation. With the proper OSHA safety signs implementation and guarding in place facilities are able to eliminate the possibility of these life altering injuries from occurring. Protecting workers from points of exposure and improving anchoring of a fixed machine are two ways to improve any machine guarding safety plan.

Want to learn more about machine safety? An Introduction to Machine Guarding

Electrical, General (29 CFR 1910.303), 2,181 total violations

Improper installation or use of tolls and equipment are main concerns for the Electric Standard to round out the 10 OSHA top violations. As with the wiring regulations, OSHA is also putting a fresh set of eyes to this standard as well in hope to continue to drive incidents and violations because of this standard down.

Want to learn more about Electrical Safety? Preventing Facility Hazards: Electrical Safety Tips You Need to Know

It goes without saying that OSHA will have a busy year ahead of it in 2016 and with fines increasing by 80% and inspectors performing longer and more comprehensive audits, it is in the best interest of all facilities to do everything within their power to comply before OSHA safety violations occur or even worse—before injury or fatality occurs.

Need help assessing the safety needs around your facility? We can help. Click here.

GHS Compliance Clock Ticking Away

by Julianne Bass 10/05/2015

Another year, another deadline. We’ve been talking about GHS for the past 3 years, and less than 1 year from now the final deadline will go into effect. June 1, 2016 marks the date that all U.S. employers are expected to be in full GHS compliance with the 2012 final rule revising the Hazard Communication standard dubbed with the ‘right to understand’ slogan.

By this date all companies should have the proper labeling processes in place and all workers should be properly trained from beginning to end on how to interact with the chemical hazards that are present throughout their workplaces.

OSHA has made a wealth of information about the new standard available on its website, everything from a “Steps to an Effective Hazard Communication Program for Employers That Use Hazardous Chemicals” to a side-by-side comparison of the old and new standards, and much more.

It’s time to start taking these deadlines seriously, before time runs out. OSHA does not take kindly to companies who have blatant disregard for the implementation of safety measures.

Read the source article at Occupational Health & Safety

Globally Harmonized System: What You Need to Know In 2016? [Infographic]

by Julianne Bass 05/13/2015

At the core of the Globally Harmonized System of the Classification and Labeling of Chemical (GHS) updates is safety by OSHA. Not only safety for your workers but safety for any worker who is walking into your facility or any facility in which GHS standards are being implemented. It is often difficult to keep the importance of safety in mind when the hassle of complying with these regulations is weighing heavily on your processes, and production begins to suffer as a result. Although the initial path to implementing compliance is rarely ever easy, the long term benefits of doing such, especially in the case of GHS will greatly make up for the upfront hassle.

GHS Goes International

Globally Harmonized System rules revolve around providing a safe journey for those interacting with hazardous materials from production to disposal. These standards have been adopted by 65 countries and counting as an international effort to get all companies on the same page when it comes to chemical safety regardless of the usual language geographic and regulatory barriers. In the U.S. alone the implementation of GHS will cover over 43 million workers.

The Barriers of GHS Adoption

GHS universally boils down to Safety Data Sheets, GHS Labels, and the classification of chemicals. This system requires businesses throughout the supply chain to communicate and share information to make sure that every step of the way, the same critical information is being passed along to all necessary parties. The June 2015 GHS Deadline in the U.S. marks the first time that businesses must come together to collectively be in compliance. In application this has become a point of difficulty for facilities as they struggle to get updated chemical information from upstream manufacturers and distributors. Hearing their concerns, OSHA has provided leniency when it comes to fines for companies who show that they have made a good faith effort to comply with the deadline.

Long Term Benefits of the GHS Standard

The light at the end of the tunnel is near. After the June 2016 deadline, all of the heavy lifting from a compliance perspective will be in the rearview mirror for most companies. As GHS continues to gain leverage and understanding across workplaces, businesses will begin to reap the rewards of their labor. The hard work that they have put up front will come back in areas such as reduced workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities through the use of workplace safety signs, plus savings of more than $475 million across America, and reduced trade barriers around the world.

The future of GHS is bright, for those who choose to comply.

Back to Basics: The Types of Injury Reporting Forms 300, 300A, 301

by Julianne Bass 02/12/2015

While the forms themselves have not changed, this year many companies are finding themselves in the situation of having to now track the injuries and illnesses in a way they never have before. Since January 1, 2015 the update on the Injury and Illness Record keeping and Reporting Requirements has gone into effect. With the update businesses that used to be exempt are now being held liable for having these forms on record regardless of it an incident occurs within the year. To aid in the process of getting familiarizes with the forms and overall process here is a rundown of each form and their purpose.

300: Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

This form is an organized log of injuries and illnesses that occur on your worksite throughout the calendar year. It not only serves to comply with OSHA recording regulations, but also gives employers a compact, visual narrative of workplace accidents that may end up becoming a crucial element in finding patterns and implementing new or adjusted safety programs. Can we show the visual?

While it may appear to be a lot of lines to fill out and boxes to check may seem confusing, it is perhaps the easiest of the three forms to fill out. The form has been designed as a series of rows and columns, each row pertaining to a single injury or illness case. Where descriptive information is required (columns A-F), you may need to occupy more than one line per case if there isn’t enough room.

300A: Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses

OSHA requires that every employer complete a 300A form at the end of each calendar year, regardless of whether or not a work-related injury or illness has occurred. This form requires an adding and filling in the yearly total of the totals you documented at the bottom of Form 300. On the right side of the form, you will be required to enter your vital company information, including employment information, number of employees, types of employees, pay periods, holiday figuring’s etc.

301: Injury and Illness Incident Report

This is the first form you fill out during the recording process. It must be completed and filed within seven calendar days after an accident has been identified or announced. OSHA requires companies to keep 301 forms on file for at least five years following the year the accident occurred.

The 301 form is straight forward and asks for general information about the employee involved in the incident. More complicated information occurs further down the form at question 10 asking for a case number. Refer back to the 300 injury form and generate a new case number following the numerical order established for the year, best practices suggests using 2 or 3 digits(01 or 001). Answer all of the questions on this form as thoroughly as possible.

Now that you know what each form means make sure you double check the other requirements of this update for other changes and new responsibilities.

You can find some additional information here:

https://www.emedco.com/blog/uncategorized/workplace-safety-news-roundup-20-4495

https://www.emedco.com/blog/2014/09/22/breaking-news-how-the-new-osha-reporting-requirements-affect-you/

Workplace Safety News Roundup

by Julianne Bass 10/28/2014

A lesson in chemicals workers breathe in the workplace and their lasting effects

OSHA devotes most of its budget and attention to responding to here-and-now dangers rather than preventing the silent, slow killers that, in the end, take far more lives. Over the past four decades, the agency has written new standards with exposure limits for 16 of the most deadly workplace hazards, including lead, asbestos and arsenic. But for the tens of thousands of other dangerous substances American workers handle each day, employers are largely left to decide what exposure level is safe. As a result, many workers have been put at risk and have suffered long lasting effects from their daily tasks reaching far beyond the workplace.

OSHA cites Company over LOTO and Confined Space violations leading to long time workers death

A 48-year-old supervisor was fatally injured when he was struck by a metal door while performing maintenance at a Miamisburg company. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the company for 10 serious violations, many involving OSHA’s confined space and lockout/tagout standards* for the control of machinery and moving parts.

OSHA continues outreach campaign to educate employers to reduce struck by vehicle incidents

In the past five years, 15 percent of all workplace fatalities investigated by the Kansas City Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration have involved vehicle accidents that struck employees in the workplace. Struck-by injuries and fatalities are caused by conventional vehicles, forklifts, semi trucks and other moving industrial equipment, such as cranes and yard trucks. OSHA is continuing its Regional Emphasis Program in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska with the goal of educating employers and workers about the hazards associated with these vehicles and preventing tragic incidents.

Lack of Qualified workers, What can be done?

It may seem hard to believe but, despite national unemployment rates that often hover near double digits, many industries are experiencing worker shortages; workers who are well-trained and qualified. Some industries report that, despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can’t find qualified candidates to fill.

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