Risk & Business Magazine Spectrum Insurance Fall 2019 | Page 7

OSHA CORNERSTONES "THE REVISIONS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE UNDERSTANDING AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS, IMPROVE EMPLOYEE SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND SAVE EMPLOYERS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS EACH YEAR." Administration (EBSA) recovered $352 million in enforcement actions, and the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) recovered nearly $266.6 million in back wages. Comparatively, according to the most recent data, EBSA recovered $1.1 billion in enforcement actions, WHD recovered a record $304 million in back wages, and OSHA conducted more than 32,000 inspections in the 2018 fiscal year. Despite the increased action, DOL guidance on complying with rules and regulations has decreased. presidential memorandum to improve government regulations. OSHA has said the changes were made to update standards that may be confusing, outdated, or unnecessary. The revisions are expected to increase understanding and compliance with the provisions, improve employee safety and health, and save employers millions of dollars each year. The following are some key highlights of the revisions: • WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR EMPLOYERS? Employers should be aware that the uptick of DOL enforcement actions will continue. As such, they should take action to review and evaluate their compliance obligations to avoid costly fines and penalties. In particular, employers should review their OSHA obligations, as the DOL has communicated that inspections will continue to increase. Additionally, employers should take time to review the newly proposed overtime rule to identify which employees may be affected if the rule becomes final. OSHA REVISES REQUIREMENTS IN SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS OSHA recently issued a final rule, revising fourteen provisions in the recordkeeping, general industry, maritime, and construction standards. OSHA proposed the changes in October 2016 as part of its Standards Improvement Project, which began in 1995 in response to a • • One revision removes the requirement for employers to provide periodic chest X-rays (CXR) to screen for lung cancer. This change— which impacts several of OSHA’s standards—was made because studies have not shown a benefit of periodic CXR screening in reducing lung cancer or mortality. Related to the above revision, one change allows employers to use digital radiography and other reasonably sized standard films for X-rays. OSHA proposed the revisions to update CXR requirements to allow for the use of digital radiography but does not require the use of digital CXR. Another revision updates standards related to the storage of building materials inside buildings under construction. In its final rule, OSHA determined it is unnecessary to post safe load limits in residential construction. • The final rule also affects sanitization standards for shipyard employment regarding vermin infestation. Currently, vermin are defined as insects, birds, rodents, and feral cats that may create safety and health hazards for employees. The final rule removes feral cats from the definition, conforming to the general industry standard provision on vermin. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2019 and took effect on July 13, 2019. Organizations need to stay up-to-date on OSHA standard revisions in order to remain compliant, ensure a healthy workplace, and avoid potential fines. For more compliance updates and safety information, contact Spectrum Insurance Group today. + BY: DAN FROST RISK MANAGER/SAFETY CONSULTANT SPECTRUM INSURANCE GROUP With over 30 years experience, Dan Frost specializes in OSHA, DOT and Worker Compensation Claims. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this topic, he can be reached at 877-582-7046 or [email protected] 7