Tag: OSHA

Use an Employee Termination Checklist to Avoid Legal Trouble

Using an employee termination checklist can reduce the risk of overlooking information that could lead to discrimination claims or unlawful termination claims in the future. Before making a final decision, first consider three issues: Contract law. “You must comply with promises about reasons and processes.” Marc Jacuzzi noted in a recent BLR webinar. In other […]

Just How Important is Safety Training?

Case studies provide real-life examples of why it is important for learners to complete safety training and apply that knowledge back on the job. Let’s look at a few. In the month of June alone, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued statements regarding citations to five companies where training might have helped […]

Extend Electrical Safety Training to Include Extension Cords

The following extension cord safety training material is adapted from today’s featured safety training product, 7-Minute Safety Trainer®. Extension cords are such a common item in the workplace and in the home, that many people take them for granted and fail to realize that they can be hazardous if used improperly. To prevent accidents, employees […]

Are Your Employees Trained to Avoid Shocking Situations?

The following training points are brought to you courtesy of today’s featured BLR® safety training product, 7-Minute Safety Trainer®. Shock Prevention Inspect electrical equipment before use to be sure insulation is in good condition. Check that plugs have a good, tight connection. Use only wiring that is approved for use outdoors or wet areas, and […]

HAZWOPER Training Requirements Video: Part 1

In this video, I ask Dave to explain what HAZWOPER is, to go over who is covered by this regulation, and to give a brief overview of the training requirements for different groups of employees and managers. Hi Dave, let’s start with the basics. What is HAZWOPER? DG: HAZWOPER stands for hazardous waste operations and […]

When Can a Workers’ Comp Claimant be Disciplined?

“You will find that pretty much every workers’ comp law in the country does have anti-retaliation provisions. And so, just the act of filing a workers’ comp claim gives somebody protected status that’s somewhat analogous to somebody filing a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or filing a complaint under one of the wage/hour […]

Dirty Rats and Crazy Ants: Here’s Your Workplace Vermin Update

As you know, your HRSBT editors love animal stories. So here is one that’s not about dogs, goats, or monkeys (our usual favorites), but about what OSHA calls “vermin.” Yes, in order to be compliant with federal law, workplaces must be constructed and maintained to prevent rodents, insects, and other vermin from entering. So we […]

Q&A on the Intersection of ADA and OSHA

Employers have an obligation to keep employees safe. They also have an obligation to meet all other legal requirements while doing so. This statement seems simple enough, but it can become complex in a hurry. For example, is an employer potentially violating the ADA by forcing employees to undergo medical screenings that may uncover safety […]

Employee Testing: Meeting ADA Requirements While Keeping Employees Safe

Did you know that some employers may be violating ADA requirements when performing safety tests for OSHA? This may include testing employees to ensure that they can perform certain physical functions of the job. This may also include taking adverse actions only against employees who have a disability. Employers need to be careful. “Some employers […]

Make Your Safety Training Program OSHA-Compliant

Many industrial jobs require employees to have specialized knowledge and skills, and to be prepared to deal with a special set of serious hazard exposures. OSHA-mandated specialized training requirements are found in a number of standards. For example: Hazard communication of chemical, carcinogen, and radiation hazards (29 CFR 1910.1200) Combustible dust (29 CFR 1910.22, 269, […]