Download Available: How To Handle An OSHA Inspection

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (the Act), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is authorized to conduct workplace inspections and investigations to determine whether employers are complying with standards issued by the agency. OSHA also enforces Section 5(a)(1) of the Act, known as the “General Duty Clause,” which requires that every working man and woman must be provided with a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA does not have staff to go and inspect all employers so an inspection is usually a result of a complaint from an agency (fire department, hospital, paramedics), disgruntled employee, or a third party having knowledge of a violation.

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Download Available: Eye Wash & Deluge Shower Requirements

Current OSHA regulations require that an emergency eyewash stations be provided whenever employees may come into contact with chemicals that can cause corrosion, severe irritation, or permanent tissue damage.  Conditions such as battery charging in shop, usage of corrosive chemicals or irritants in detail or shop require the installation of an eye wash station and a deluge shower depending upon the chemicals used in the shop area.

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Download Available: Safety Is More Than Wearing Safety Glasses

Many dealers think that having a safety inspection and correction of hazards constitute an effective safety program, or better still, compliance with OSHA regulations is an effective means to gauge safety.  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  Over my 25 years of experience with dealers in the safety arena, I have found these six to be the most effective means to reduce injuries at the workplace and effectively reduce premiums.

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Download Available: NEWS AND VIEWS

CA OSH APPEALS BOARD DECISION: EYE-WASH STATIONS IN PARTS DEPT.

Background:  Existing law requires an employer to provide eye wash stations that comply with ANSI standards.  Eye wash stations must be within 10 seconds walking distance and not over 100 feet from the potential point of hazard.  Most dealers have provided an eye wash in the service department within those stipulations.

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Download Available: COMPLIANCE WITH 2014 OSHA HEAT ILLNESS PREVENTION 

Background:  Cal/OSHA released the 2014 Heat Illness Prevention Campaign on March 25, 2014. Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or who work in hot environments are at a risk of heat stress that can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of other physical injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness.

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Download Available: IS MY GAS CAN SAFE

The maintenance and operation of gasoline tanks, both aboveground and underground, has become expensive, highly regulated, and burdensome.  Automobile dealers have resorted to gas dolly equipment where a small amount of gasoline can be added to each new automobile delivered to the dealership.  We note that automobiles delivered to dealerships from manufacturers have very small amounts of gasoline; this being a result of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, which dictate that minimal amounts of gasoline be retained in gas tanks of vehicles in transport.  We write this memo to discuss DOT, OSHA, and CARB regulations applicable to gasoline being transported from a public gasoline station to dealerships for a later fill in automobiles on the lot.

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