Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
Q. What can trainers do to manage difficult participants and difficult questions during training? A. Difficult trainees include hecklers (particularly in large groups) as well as those who “for whatever reason have totally shut down and make it obvious” by not participating and sitting with their arms folded during training, says Veronica J. Holcomb, president […]
Johns Manville of McPherson, Kansas, which produces fiberglass insulation materials, was honored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for its commitment to safety. In 2007 Johns Manville earned membership in OSHA’s prestigious “star” Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). The star designation is the highest level in the program. “Johns Manville has exhibited excellence in […]
by Tammy Binford The September 28 shootings that killed six at a Minneapolis business put employers on notice that workplace violence can occur with no warning. Other times, though, there are signs that employers should heed. The October issue of Minnesota Employment Law Letter contains an article titled “Employers look anew at preventing violence in […]
Specifically, how do job descriptions protect against lawsuits and money damages? Here are several ways job descriptions help. 1. Promote Proper Classification Recent multi-million-dollar lawsuits should be a wake-up call that good old wage-and-hour issues are worth a little attention, and job descriptions are a key factor. When job descriptions have proper detail, they help […]
Q. We have a safety meeting that all employees attend. Are the hours attending the safety meeting considered "hours worked" for overtime purposes? A. Training programs conducted during regular working hours constitute work time and must be compensated as such, according to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). After-hours training need not be compensated […]
Q. Are there any regulations on how often you must have safety meetings? A. Federal OSHA has no regulation that states how often you must have safety meetings. There are regulations that mandate training on a schedule such as Bloodborne Pathogens (29 CFR 1910.1030) training, which is required annually. Other general industry standards that require […]
Ladders are simple devices—and that may be their biggest fault. Workers tend to mistake simplicity for harmlessness, often overlooking necessary precautions. More precautions are necessary to stay safe on portable ladders than your employees might think. For example, even before setting up a ladder, the site has to be checked for safety. Say the site […]
According to OSHA, falls from portable ladders (step, straight, combination, and extension) are one of the leading causes of occupational fatalities and injuries. Accidents occur frequently in both construction and general industry. Accidents can be serious, and frequently involve numerous lost workdays and high workers’ compensation costs. Some accidents are fatal. Train your workers to […]
Make sure your safety training for warehouse workers includes these important points from 7-Minute Safety Trainer’s “Safety in the Warehouse” training session. Materials Storage Make sure shelves and racks are sturdy, in good condition, and can bear the weight. Place heavier items close to the floor and lighter/smaller ones higher. Don’t block sprinklers or store […]
Begin by training workers to recognize the hazards, including: Slipping on wet or oily surfaces Tripping on broken floor surfaces Falling off dock edges Injuries from falls or unsecured dock plates Injuries caused by motion if someone forgets to chock trailer wheels Carbon monoxide exposure Back injuries from heavy lifting Injuries from run-ins with forklifts […]