Download Available: Fines from regulating agencies are on rise

Inspections and penalties from regulating agencies is nothing new.  However, these agencies that were once code enforcers, protecting the lives of employees or saving the environment look more like revenue generators for the government.  Other factors may be at work too.  The politicians are in cost cutting mode and in that bargain they may slash budget for agencies or eliminate them altogether.  With greater enforcement and fine collection, the agencies remain in forefront in minds of both the public and politicians alike.

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Download Available: Aging Workforce

In workplaces all across America, we are seeing an aging workforce.  Whatever maybe the reason for late retirement, finances or otherwise, employers must recognize the challenges this aging workforce will present in the time to come.

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 Download Available: Spill Prevention LH

Yes, things really hit the fan at BP early that morning when compressed natural gas escaping from a leaking well, far below the sea surface, entered the ventilation system of the rig and led to an explosion.  What resulted was a spill of epic proportions.  About 4.9 million barrels of oil was released into the Gulf waters.  After all the finger pointing is over and legal issues have taken their course and fines and restitutions delivered, one question will remain.  Was there a culture at BP that placed safety and compliance on the back burner?  Here lies a management lesson for all.

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Download Available: WC Requirements LH

From October 8, 2010, California employers must provide certain updated documents to employees related to Workers’ Compensation.  California has approved amended regulations governing the basic workers’ compensation notice materials that employers must use to inform employees of their rights and obligations under California workers’ compensation law. The revisions are as follows: Continue reading →

Download Available: South Coast Air Quality Management District Regulations effecting Bodyshops Effective January 1, 2010

South Coast Air Quality Management District is the regulating agency for air quality in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and the non-desert portions of the San Bernardino County in Southern California.  The agency has enacted new rules that apply to body shops regarding system maintenance and documentation.  The Rule also covers NOx emissions limits for older (pre-1986) dryers, ovens and afterburners that are located at a collision center paint booth and related equipment.

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Download Available: Used Oil Center and Wheel Weights

USED OIL RECYCLING CENTER:  The state has enacted changes to the Use oil Recycling Program effective January 1, 2010 The changes that the bill creates for Certified Collection Centers (CCC) comprises of two different elements.  First the bill changes the fee collection and the recycling incentive payment schedule.  Secondly, the bill places certain changes to the Health & Safety Code requiring testing of used oil that is shipped out of state.  Key elements of the bill are as follows Continue reading →

Following an inspection by an OSHA inspector, citations may be issued that carry penalties and fines.  At times, OSHA may forward the case to the local prosecutor if the case involves labor code violations that are tantamount to a crime.  In this Newsletter, we discuss some of the procedural issues that you need to undertake when you receive the citation.  Legal advice must be sought in high stakes cases especially where the local prosecutor is involved!

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Download Available: Incentive Safety – Feb 2010

Dealerships’ incur extra liability when they hire an outside contractor.  The purpose of this Alert is to discuss some avenues of liability the dealership may encounter and certain remedies that may address those liabilities.

OSHA Issue I:  Continue reading →

Download Available: FLU

What are the symptoms of Swine Flu?

Cough, Fever/Chills, Sore Throat, Fatigue/Body Aches, and Decreased Appetite

Less common:  Runny Nose, Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea.

Is there treatment for swine flu? Continue reading →