OSHA says it’s trying to level the playing field with new rules for residential construction. But some builders say the new rules are having the opposite effect: They’re tilting the field in such a way that cheaters are prospering, and those who comply are in danger of falling over the edge.

Read the rest of this entry »

Like Sammy Hagar, you may not be able to drive 55. But no matter how quickly you’d like to get where you’re going, chances are you’ll stay well under 100 the next time you’re on the open road. The question is why.

Read the rest of this entry »

Your state says it’s OK to bring guns to work. But as an employer, you think that’s a safety hazard that violates your rights and undermines your responsibilities. What now?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: guns, OSHA

For most employees, turning around isn’t dangerous. But for a nurse in Mississippi, that simple act resulted in a broken leg, a protracted court battle, and ultimately, a sizable workers’ comp award.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: injury, Workers' comp

The Glove Catcher is a “user designed” clip to hold safety, work, garden or recreational gloves. The unique belt style clip has a “backwards J” clip to create friction upon removal, yet allow for critical release in the event of an entanglement. This clip, if ever dislodged, has the resilience to be reused unlike competitors that must be discarded.

Learn more by clicking here: http://www.catcherproducts.com/

Read the rest of this entry »

Most companies have all the work-related hazards they need, thank you. They see no need to introduce additional hazards not normally associated with whatever work is involved. But one company’s unusual gimmick has set the stage for what promises to be an interesting workers’ comp decision.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: chimp attack, hazards, Workers' comp

Imagine this: A company sponsors a Family Fun night of bowling for its employees and their families to improve morale. One employee injures his back while bowling. Does he get workers’ comp because this was an employer-sponsored event?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: back injury, improve morale, Workers' comp

OSHA is doing something it hasn’t done in a long time: The federal agency has formed a task force to investigate a state workplace safety agency.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Jordan Barab, Nevada, OSHA

OSHA isn’t going to wait around for the next big chemical release or explosion. Companies covered by the agency’s process safety management (PSM) standard shouldn’t be surprised to see inspectors on their doorsteps in the near future.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: inspections, Jordan Barab, process safety management

You have clicked, and we have listened!

Enjoy the fruits of your Web surfing labor by taking a look at your top choices from 2009!

Read the rest of this entry »

Good supervisors don’t become great safety leaders by accident. Safety isn’t their top priority.

Read the rest of this entry »

Industry Experts Offer Advice on Keeping Employees Safe and Healthy

As health experts raised the threat level of the swine flu to 5, indicating “a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent,” some U.S. businesses are just now beginning to look at ways to prepare for the potential health, social, and economic impact of a flu pandemic.

“Planning for pandemic influenza is critical, and the business community must not delay in considering the impact of a pandemic and to adjust their company’s employee health and safety plans accordingly,” says Lindsey Booher, CIH, CSP, president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association. “Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees, and by following guidelines based on traditional infection control and industrial hygiene practices, employers can play a key role in protecting their employees from influenza and other communicable illnesses.”

During a pandemic flu outbreak, industrial hygienists will have responsibility for both ensuring worker health and safety and maintaining an adequate work force to accommodate changes in workflow and production. As industrial hygienists play a major role in the control of infectious diseases, they already undertake the critical function of educating employers and governments about the effectiveness of industrial hygiene expertise, tools, and processes that will control infectious diseases.

If you do not already have the AIHA-published, “The Role of the Industrial Hygienist in a Pandemic,” now is the time to get this essential reference. Written by the AIHA Biosafety and Environmental Microbiology Committee, the guideline provides resources, information, and tools to advise and assist general workers, health care workers, and management to protect workers in the case of a flu pandemic. This guide identifies hazards, risk groups, and recommended controls; offers a communication plan; describes the impact of a flu pandemic on organizations, and lists key resources to contact for further information.

Tags: swine flu

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition to Address Emerging Risks and Economic Challenges

Largest gathering of risk professionals takes place April 19-23 in Orlando

NEW YORK (April 14, 2009) - Emerging risks and the impact of the current economic situation will be two of the topics covered at the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, April 19-23. Other topics at the week-long conference will include the latest enterprise risk management (ERM) tools and techniques, the top 10 litigation traps for risk professionals and insurance contract negotiation.

“RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition has more learning and networking opportunities than any other event for risk professionals,” says Mary Roth, ARM, RIMS executive director. “With the business spotlight focused on risk management practices, this is the time for risk professionals to stretch their knowledge, expand their resources and develop strategies to further their organizations’ strategic business goals.”

Speakers

The conference features keynote presentations from some of the world’s authorities on leadership and change including:

• Leadership consultant Dr. Dennis N.T. Perkins, author of “Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition,” who will present strategies for success based on effective leadership in demanding environments;
• Harvard Business School professor John Kotter, change consultant and author of “Leading Change,” who will share the secrets to aligning business goals and embracing effective change management; and,
• Financial journalist Roger Lowenstein, author of “When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management,” who will discuss the downfall of the U.S. hedge fund company Long-Term Capital Management and the issues facing the current global credit crisis.

Educational Lineup

RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition boasts more than 350 expert speakers who will lead 120+ sessions on a variety of critical risk management issues. Hot Topic sessions include Navigating the Financial Tsunami, Five Questions to Ask Before Switching Insurance Companies, Insurance Coverage for Subprime Mortgage Lawsuits and D&O Insurance During the Economic Crisis. RIMS 2009 will also offer Strategic Partner Sessions from the nation’s leading insurers and brokers covering topics that address the needs and concerns of the risk management and insurance community.

Networking Events

There will be a number of networking opportunities for risk practitioners during the conference, including RIMS third annual Community Service Day, Spencer Educational Foundation’s annual golf and hockey tournament fundraisers, an internationally inspired Opening Reception at Walt Disney World’s Epcot^® Center and an Exhibit Hall wine and cheese reception, to name a few.

The Exhibit Hall will feature more than 400 companies offering the latest in products and services for the risk management profession. For the first time, RIMS popular online ERM Center of Excellence sets up shop in the Exhibit Hall. The booth will be staffed by risk managers, including members of RIMS ERM Development Committee. The booth is also the place to pick up a copy of “Enterprise Risk Management for Dummies” guide, RIMS State of ERM Report 2008 and other reports. For those interested in learning more about RIMS Risk Maturity Model for ERM, the booth will have a computer to check out this valuable online ERM tool. Check out all of the Society’s offerings at RIMS ERM Center of Excellence, located at booth No. 1129, right next to RIMS booth, No. 921.

Daily Blog and Twitter Provides Conference Highlights

RIMS is using technology to provide conference highlights for attendees and for risk practitioners who are unable to attend the conference. The editors of Risk Management magazine will be blogging every day, providing comments and critique of many of the 120+ sessions and other events. In addition, RIMS will be posting tidbits about the conference on Twitter, the popular micro-blogging site. Follow the action at http://twitter.com/RIMS2009.

More information on RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition is available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

Interested in covering RIMS 2009 for your publication?
Accredited press may obtain a press pass by contacting Felicia Messimer, RIMS communications associate, at fmessimer@RIMS.org or (212) 655-6059.

About RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition

Launched in 1963, RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition attracts thousands of risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. The five-day event offers more than 120 educational sessions, keynote presentations, special events and an expansive Exhibit Hall with more than 400 exhibitors. Future conferences will be hosted in Boston in 2010 and Vancouver in 2011. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.

About the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc.

The Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the practice of risk management, a professional discipline that protects physical, financial and human resources. Founded in 1950, RIMS represents more than 4,000 industrial, service, nonprofit, charitable and governmental entities. The Society serves more than 10,000 risk management professionals around the world. For more information, visit www.RIMS.org.

# # #

Tags: Risk and Insurance Management Society

Yesterday Safety News Alert told you how a court ruling expanded a state’s workers’ comp law to give companies immunity from being sued by contract employees. Today we have an example of what can happen when a state’s comp law doesn’t include that exemption.

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: Clark Oil, worker killed in an explosion, workers' compensation

Superior Uniform Group Introduces

TUGS!^TM Footwear Product Line

TUGS! creates ultimate comfort and safety in the workplace with slip resistant shoes

SEMINOLE, Fla. - April 6, 2009 - Superior Uniform Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGC), the image apparel company, announced today that it has expanded its footwear product offering with TUGS!, slip resistant safety shoes. TUGS!, “the shoes that tug the street and hug your feet,”^TM are light-weight, durable, comfortable and feature a specially designed tread pattern and rubber compound for maximum slip-resistance.

“We are excited that we can now outfit our employees from top to bottom with apparel and footwear from Superior Uniform Group,” said Frank Knapfel, director of safety at G4S Wackenhut. “Conditions in the security business are often dangerous and slippery, and it’s an absolute priority to give our employees the tools to safely do their jobs. In our TUGS! product trial, we are realizing that slip resistant shoes make great business and people sense - reducing slip and fall accidents saves us money in claims and also reduces lost employee time due to injury, which ensures security guards for our customers. Our employees have also found the shoes to be extremely comfortable, stylish, and durable.”

The technology behind TUGS! has allowed the brand to consistently outperform all industry standards for slip-resistance. TUGS! feature four main components, including: Walking On Air footbed featuring Dri-Lex® moisture management, soft board insole, shock absorbing polyurethane, molded foam or EVA mid-sole, and a specially designed high performance slip-resistant rubber sole.

“The TUGS! product line has been well received by professionals and companies in all of the numerous markets that we serve,” said Superior Uniform Group CEO Michael Benstock. “We are confident the introduction of a footwear line will bring in more business, enhance our overall uniform collection and ensure the continued growth of Superior within these markets.”

The Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index states that injuries occurring from trip, slip or falls account for approximately 15 to 20 percent of workman’s compensation claims each year. The average cost from slip and falls is $22,800 per accident, and the total cost is estimated to be $6.7 billion annually.

“So, not only are we helping workers stay safe and comfortable, but we are also helping protect businesses from excessive lost time claims,” continued Benstock. “After all, it only takes one misstep to cost an employer dearly.”

About Superior Uniform Group, Inc.
Superior Uniform Group, Inc., established in 1920, is one of America’s foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations. They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing, and state-of-the-art distribution. Superior’s financial strength and resources support a customer’s diverse needs while embracing a “Customer 1^st, Every Time!” philosophy and culture. Their commitment to service, technology, quality and value-added benefits separates them from the competition in each of their seven primary markets: Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Service, Retail Employee I.D., Government Service, Private Security, and Rental Service.

For more information please call (800) 727-8643, or visit their Web site at: www.superioruniformgroup.com.

Tags: safety shoes, slip resistant shoes

Employees who complain about workplace safety and then are fired can successfully sue to get their jobs back, along with back pay and benefits. But is an unlanded punch from a co-worker enough to make a workplace unsafe?

Read the rest of this entry »

Tags: assault, violent co-workers, workplace violence, wrongful discharge