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Employers will soon have new rules to follow after experiencing workplace injuries and illnesses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published regulations regarding the reporting and recordkeeping requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health Act’s (“Act”). These new rules, which become effective on January 1, 2015, modify an employer’s obligation to report workplace injuries and illnesses to OSHA and to routinely keep records of injuries and illnesses.

Reporting Requirements

Though a majority of workplace injuries and illnesses do not have to be reported to OSHA, some do. Like the current rules, the new rules require employers to notify OSHA within 8 hours of an employee’s work-related death. Under the new rules, employers are no longer required to notify OSHA of any work-related hospitalization of 3 or more employees. However, under the new rules, employers will be required to notify OSHA within 24 hours of any work-related incident that results in:

• the in-patient hospitalization of one or more employees (the formal admission to a hospital or clinic for care or treatment, rather than merely observation or diagnostic testing);
• an employee’s amputation (the traumatic loss of a limb or other external body part); or
• the loss of an employee’s eye.

Chances are there is a bully in your workplace, and that’s bad for business. The Workplace Bullying Institute (WBI) defines bullying as repeated mistreatment involving physically or verbally abusive conduct that is threatening, intimidating or humiliating, or that interferes with or prevents work from getting done. According to the WBI’s 2014 Workplace Bullying Survey:

• 27% are or have been victims of workplace bullying
• 21% have witnessed workplace bullying
• 23% are aware of workplace bullying
• 65 million workers are affected by workplace bullying

Though the frequency of workplace bullying may come as a surprise to some, the consequences should not. Workplace bullying typically increases employee turnover, decreases productivity, reduces job satisfaction, undermines morale, increases workers’ compensation costs and increases employment-related litigation costs.

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For those living or working in areas at risk of experiencing a tropical storm or hurricane, June 1st rarely passes unnoticed. At Setnor Byer Insurance & Risk, we understand that preparing for Hurricane Season is rarely easy and often stressful. We also understand that a lack of awareness and preparation can lead to disaster, and that the best way to limit the risks posed by hurricanes is to take preventative steps now. More...

The death of one employee and the wounding of another, both allegedly caused by a client of an addiction treatment facility, caught the attention of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA cited the treatment facility with a serious violation for failing to adhere to the Occupational Safety & Health Act's (Act) general duty clause, which provides that all employers have a general duty to provide their employees with a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Violence in the workplace certainly falls within this category. More...

The halls have been decked, and employees have donned their gay apparel; everyone appears to be in good cheer at the office holiday party, held on a Saturday night at an off-site location. More...

Diversity in the workplace is a good thing. When men and women of different races, religions, ethnicities, and ages work together in an environment of tolerance and respect, the possibilities are limitless. More...

Over the last 10 years, incidents of sexual harassment in the workplace have dramatically increased. Statistics from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) indicate that the number of sexual harassment complaints received has risen by 30%. More...

Rising health care costs have made it difficult for employers to provide quality, affordable health insurance for workers and retirees while also remaining competitive in the global marketplace. More...

For many of us in the workforce, stress has become as much a part of our daily routine as going to work in the morning. It rears its ugly head as we're getting the kids ready for school, takes a seat in the carpool for the long drive to work, and undoubtedly shares a cubicle with us as we work through the daily grind. More...

Don’t lose sight of the little things. When it comes to workplace safety, many organizations commit significant time and resources to reduce the risk of injuries among their workforce. More...

As summer turns into fall, the normal din of the workplace will slowly but surely be supplemented with coughs, sniffles, and sneezes. More...

Many organizations develop various policies and procedures regarding workplace health and safety. These policies and procedures are in response to a myriad of local and federal laws that require compliance with legislative initiatives, but they also evolve from a genuine effort on the part of many organizations to provide a safe and healthful work environment. More...

Domestic violence does not always remain hidden behind closed doors. In fact, the abuse encountered at home often follows an individual to work, resulting in violence in the workplace. More...