Things you should know

CPWR tip sheets on preventing worker falls

One in ten fatal falls, slips, and trips happen among roofers. Two simple, but effective one- page flyers from The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) provide reminders on the steps to prevent falls and guidance on working in inclement weather.

"Roofing Safety for Construction Workers," is available in English and Spanish.

Toolkit to help employers support workers with a substance use disorder

Developed through multi-agency collaboration, the Recovery-Ready Workplace Toolkit: Guidance and Resources for Private and Public Sector Employers has been released by The Office of National Drug Control Policy. It's designed to help employers prevent and respond more effectively to substance misuse among employees and includes a workplace assessment and implementation checklist, monitoring resources, sample training topics, and employee surveys.

NSC white paper on lone worker monitoring technology

The National Safety Council (NSC) released a new white paper Using Lone Worker Monitoring Technology to Protect Workers to help employers identify and implement monitoring technology to keep lone workers safe.

MSHA safety alerts on dipper bucket maintenance and working near water

Spurred by a miner's death, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is warning of the dangers of performing maintenance on dipper buckets. Safety alert.
Workers traveling or operating mining equipment in proximity to water risk entrapment, entanglement, drowning, or electrocution. Safety alert.

NIOSH publishes fact sheet on coupling devices for excavator buckets

A new fact sheet from NIOSH is aimed at workers who use quick coupling devices to change excavator buckets and other attachments.

CVSA brake inspection blitz sidelines one in eight trucks and buses

During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's annual Brake Safety Week in August, nearly 19,000 vehicles were inspected, with almost 2,400 (12.6 percent) being placed out of service. CVSA's Operation Airbrake Program will hold two annual brake safety campaigns in 2024: The next Brake Safety Week will be Aug. 25-31, 2024 and there will be an unannounced one-day brake safety enforcement initiative, which may be held at any time.

NFPA report examines fires caused by hot work

The National Fire Protection Association analyzed 2017-2021 data on fires that involved codes related to shop tools and industrial equipment. In commercial properties, welding torches were involved in 52 percent of the fires and the leading factors contributing to ignition were heat sources too close to combustibles and cutting or welding too close to combustible material.

FMCSA narrows scope of regulatory relief during emergencies

Effective December 12, a new rule revises the emergency exemption rules to narrow the scope of safety regulations from which relief is automatically provided for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance when an emergency has been declared.

The Department of Transportation is changing how users access the Drug and Alcohol Testing Management Information System. Starting Jan. 1, employers required to submit annual drug/alcohol testing information will need to set up a free Login.gov account.

State News

California

The Workers' Compensation Institute (CWCI) announced that maximum and minimum weekly total disability benefits will remain unchanged in 2024 because the state's average weekly wage decreased for the 12-month period ending March 31.
Rebounding statewide employment and mandatory reporting of COVID-19 infections at work sites helped drive a 25.6 percent increase in the nonfatal work injury and illness rate per 100 full-time employees in 2022, according to the CWCI.
Employers are reminded that two new cannabis laws take effect January 1, 2024, and may require changes to handbooks and workplace policies. One law adds new employee protections for off-the-job cannabis use and the other makes it unlawful for an employer to request information about a job applicant's prior cannabis use.

Florida

Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworski approved an NCCI recommendation to reduce workers compensation rates by 15.1 percent on 2024 policies.

Minnesota

New earned sick and safe time poster and notices must post by Jan. 1, 2024 and the new information must be included in handbooks.

Missouri

The workers' compensation administrative tax, as well as surcharges for the Second Injury Fund, will be unchanged in 2024.

Nebraska

The maximum weekly benefit for injuries occurring on or after Jan. 1 will increase by 6.3 percent to $1,094 from $1,029. The minimum weekly benefit remains unchanged at $49.

New York

Workers' Compensation Board announced that the workers' compensation assessment rate will decrease from 9.8 percent to 9.2 percent.
On January 1, 2024, the Workers' Compensation Board will post updated forms that comply with the revised disability benefit regulations and the new DB-DEN, "Notice of Denial of Claim for Disability Benefits."