Download Available: Double Down on Safety-Workers Comp Rates Are Going Up email

Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rates Are Going Up:  The California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) has submitted a mid-year 9.1% increase in the advisory rate to the Department of Insurance.  This follows a 37% increase Commissioner Jones approved on January 1, 2012, but the increase for some bureaucratic procedures were hidden from the public.  In a horrible economy where businesses are already in trouble, this could not have come at a worse time.  And this just off the press; the WCIRB is recommending a 10+ percent increase in the underlying pure premium rates for January 2013.  There are reasons that can explain this increase and dealers are encouraged to improve their mod-ratio, i.e., improve safety and reduce workplace injuries.

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Download Available: Solid Waste Recycling AB 341 Newsletter

The Law: As of July 1, 2012, businesses and other entities in California that generate 4 cubic yards (about one dumpster) or more of solid waste such as cardboard, metal, and plastic waste per week, are subject to mandatory recycling requirements. The intent of this law is to reduce greenhouse emissions by diverting commercial solid waste from landfills and expand opportunities for recycling.  Most automobile dealerships and body shops generate at least 4 cubic yards of waste per week, so compliance becomes mandatory.

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Download Available: Universal Wastes

Reportedly, a porter at an automobile dealership tried to dispose 150 lamps at a household recycling center.  The recycling facility, meant for households wastes, declined the shipment and then cited the facility for improper disposal of fluorescent lamps (a Universal Waste).  In 2001, US EPA made changes to waste rules applying to spent mercury-containing light bulbs that would require recycling of these lamps and prohibit landfill disposal.  On the national level, exemption was created for businesses that generate a combination of hazardous wastes (RCRA wastes) and universal wastes in an amount of less than 100 kilograms a month.  California has enacted regulations that require all facilities, without any exemptions, to recycle Universal Wastes.  In Arizona, the state exempts dealers generating less than 100kg/month of RCRA and Universal Wastes under the federal regulations but the ADEQ strongly encourages the generators, to recycle the fluorescent lamps. Continue reading →

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 →