OSHA has new reporting requirements and there are potential tax savings regarding equipment installations in 2014.  Check it out in this week's Hotline along with an update on upcoming January programs and caffeinated thoughts from Joe Polanco. 

Brian Rutherford, one of PIA MidAmerica's regulatory specialists, reports that there are BIG changes coming for our members regarding accidents in the workplace beginning January 1, 2015.  For many years now, companies have been required to notify OSHA within eight hours in the event of a workplace fatality or catastrophe, which is defined as the hospitalization of three or more workers as the result of a single event or exposure.

 

Earlier this month, OSHA announced changes to their reporting requirements.  The changes are effective January 1, 2015.  The most significant is the requirement to physically notify your local OSHA area office within 24 hours if you experience one of the following events:

• Injury or illness requiring in-patient hospitalization of one or more worker
• Amputation
• Loss of an eye

The printing industry has seen a dramatic increase in inspection activity over the last several years as a result of OSHA's national emphasis program aimed at amputation prevention. It can be reasonably expected that employers who report an amputation in their workplace could expect to see an inspection in the days or weeks thereafter. Lockout/tagout written programs, procedures and employee training records, machine guarding and electrical hazards are common areas receiving top priority during these types of inspections, as well as thorough employee interviews throughout the shop.  You can download additional information here.

 

Kansas City - A Print Enhancement Seminar is scheduled for January 13th at 11:00 a.m.  The program focuses on how techniques like foil, embossing, patterns and textures can help differentiate printed projects and bring more value to the end user.  Sales reps and their customers will find this program very informative.  The seminar will be held at Paper Plus, 9219 Quivera, Overland Park.  Contact Teresa Campbell for more information.

 

Dallas-Fort Worth - Two programs are scheduled in January.  The first program is the monthly Lean In Action meeting which will focus on implementing 6S.  Attendees will learn a variety of tools which can help in teaching and implementing this key program of Lean Management.  January 8th at 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at Olmsted-Kirk Paper Company.

 

January's Quick Takes Tuesday meeting will feature presenters from the Bill Priest Center in Dallas.  Attendees at this meeting will hear about the unique training grants available through the Center and how it can benefit your company and its employees.  January 27th at Clampitt Creative Center at 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.  Contact Dave Pierson for more information.

 

Stu Margolis wrote an article reminding owners of the recent changes made by the Internal Revenue Service affecting the treatment of costs to acquire, produce or improve tangible property. 

 

As a business owner, it is a good idea to become familiar with and understand these regulations to determine whether or not you can deduct costs to acquire, produce and improve tangible property as "repairs and maintenance under Code Sec. 162," or whether you must capitalize the costs and depreciate them over a period of years (under Code Sec. 263).  Since this can have a tax effect on your company, this article could be good reading for you, your CFO, and your accountant.  Download the article at the PIA Vault.