SAFETY CHECK-UP

I don’t know about you, but my head is still reeling from everything that’s been happening in the safety arena this past
year.
Besides COVID, COVID, COVID and more COVID, Cal/OSHA made 3 significant changes that affect almost every
employer in California. On top of that, if you waited ‘til the last minute to update your OSHA 300A information, you
know that the OSHA website had massive connectivity problems when every procrastinator in the U.S. tried to update
this information. (I’m proud to be a procrastinator – at least I’m a pro at something).
The significant Cal/OSHA changes are:

1. If an employee is injured at work, some serious injuries require reporting to Cal/OSHA. Notify Cal/OSHA with
   a fatality or serious injury as soon as possible, but within 8 hours. The serious incidents that must be
   reported are:
   a. Amputation
   b. Serious degree of permanent disfigurement (for example, crushing or severe burn type injuries)
   c. In-patient hospitalization for other than observation or diagnostic testing. This was changed from:
   In-patient hospitalization in excess of 24 hours for other than observation or diagnostic testing.

1. Injury and Illness Prevention Program (went into effect July 1, 1991)
   This is the first major change to the IIPP since it went into effect. It was always understood that employees
   had access to the IIPP, but this change clarifies what an employer is required to do to ensure that employees
   have access. It also requires that the employer communicates this right of access to employees (usually
   through training). More information can be found here.
2. Effective 11/30/2020, companies are required to prepare a written COVID-19 Prevention Program.
   That’s the new stuff. What about the regular stuff that was missed due to the pandemic?
   To have an effective safety program it must be implemented. Implementation consists primarily of inspection and
   training.
   This is a great time to have a professional audit of your facility and programs. The audit is geared specifically to your
   operation and checks the effectiveness of your programs, along with a facility inspection.
   Many companies did little or no training last year. Some of the most common training with expiration dates are:
    Forklift Operator Training-Required every 3 years
    First Aid/CPR Training-Required every 2 years
    Hazwoper-Annual Refresher
    NFPA 70E-Required every 3 years
    Respirator fit test and training-Required every year
    Tailgate safety training for construction field personnel is required every 10 working days.
   If your workers need training, we can help. M.R.S. provides physically-distanced, instructor led training at your facility, instructor-led online training or training packages available so training may be provided by a member of your staff.

It’s not been business as usual and we may never completely return to “usual”, so let’s make a new normal.

Review your facility for possible OSHA violations. Is your IIPP in compliance with the new CA regulation?
Do you have a COVID-19 Prevention Plan that meets the 11/30/2020 requirements? Is training current?

M.R.S. is here to help you with your safety needs. Do you want professional help or are you a DIYer?
Our mission is to keep companies and employees safe. I’d be lying if I said it didn’t matter to me if you used our
services or not, but it’s been a rough year. Whether you want professional assistance or to DIY, contact us.
If you want professional assistance or have questions, contact [email protected] or call 714.717.9389.

If you want the DIY guide, contact [email protected].