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ANSI/ISEA updates standard on workplace first aid kits

The American National Standards Institute / International Safety Equipment Association (ANSI/ISEA) updated standard Z308.1, which OSHA cites as a recommended, nonmandatory source of guidance for minimum first aid kit requirements. NSI/ISEA Z308.1-2021 goes in effect October 15.

A foil blanket has been added as a mandatory item for both kit classes. More specificity has been included for tourniquets - should be at least 1.5 inches wide and be effective for limb sizes 7-33 inches around. There is more guidance on bleeding control kits as well as questions employers should consider when assessing risks and selecting supplies.



ASSP new standard uses leading, lagging, and impact metrics

The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published a voluntary national consensus standard that outlines a different approach to measuring injuries. It looks to move beyond lagging metrics to track incidents and use leading, lagging, and impact metrics to prevent injuries from occurring. The standard, ANSI/ASSP Z16.1-2022, Safety and Health Metrics and Performance Measures, incorporates a balanced evaluation of risk management factors and safety management systems.

Two other standards were also revised. Z117.1-2022, Safety Requirements for Entering Confined Spaces, provides minimum safety requirements to be followed while entering, exiting, and working in confined spaces. ANSI/ASSP A1264.2-2022, Reducing Slip Missteps on Walking-Working Surfaces, provides guidance for adequate slip resistance.



Study - young workers in outdoor industries at increased risk of cancer-causing exposures

A Canadian study found that workers 25 and younger in construction, outdoor occupations, and farming are likely at a higher risk for occupational exposure to carcinogens. Lack of training and experience, not being able to correctly recognize or assess hazards, and being less likely to know when personal protective equipment is needed were cited as possible causes. Exposures earlier in life have more time to develop into deadly cancers.



Chiropractic care can lead to lower comp costs

A report released by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) as part of a long-term project studying physical medicine as an alternative to opioids for musculoskeletal conditions, addressed chiropractic care for injured workers in 28 states. It found care varied substantially by state, with the percentage of lower back pain claims with chiropractic care ranging from 5 percent to 34 percent. The average medical cost-per-claim for injured workers with lower back pain who were treated exclusively by a chiropractor was 61% less than for those who received no chiropractic treatment. Lost-wage indemnity costs and temporary disability were also significantly lower for workers whose lower back pain was treated by a chiropractor only. Injury severity was not addressed in the report.



Long-COVID comp study identifies age as strongest risk factor

Being older than 60 at the time of COVID-19 infection was the "strongest risk factor" associated with prolonged impairment and high costs of related workers compensation claims, according to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. The study reviewed 13,153 COVID-19 workers comp claims in 11 states and found that medical costs increased 8-fold once paid days lost crossed the threshold of 60 days or greater and 32 percent of comp claims with 60 days or more of lost time were not closed at the end of the study.



Over forty percent of employers have vaccine policies, but few plan to implement new ones

A March 2022 survey of 1,275 in-house lawyers, C-suite executives and human resources professionals conducted by the employment law firm Littler Mendelson PC found that 41 percent have vaccine policies, almost double the last survey in August 2021. But only one percent plan to implement mandatory vaccine or testing policies, and two percent say they are unsure. Vaccine policies are motivated by compliance regulations, employee feedback, and risk mitigation. The survey showed that 74 percent of employers are tracking or plan to track the vaccination status of employees.



Rhode Island legalizes recreational marijuana

On May 25, Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize marijuana for adults. Voters in several additional states, including Maryland and Missouri, will decide in November.



FMCSA proposal for speed-limiting devices on trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sought comments on a proposed rule that would require the installation of speed-limiting devices on trucks, buses and multipurpose passenger vehicles weighing more than 26,000 pounds.



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