BMSA's Safety First! 
July 2016
What can you do to protect your business from workplace violence?
  • Establish a zero-tolerance policy toward workplace violence against or by employees, including the consequences of violating the no-tolerance policy.
  • Provide education for employees so they know what conduct is not acceptable. Inform them of what do to if they witness or are subjected to workplace violence, as well as, how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse a potentially dangerous situation. 
  • Secure the workplace. Where appropriate, install video surveillance, extra lighting and alarm systems, and minimize access by outsiders through ID badges, electronic keys and guards. 
  • Provide drop safes to limit the amount of cash on hand. Keep minimal amounts of cash in registers during evening and late-night hours. 
  • Equip field staff with cellular phones, noise devices and require them to keep a contact person informed of their location throughout the day.
  • Instruct employees not to enter any location where they feel unsafe. Introduce a "buddy system" or provide an escort service or police assistance in potentially dangerous situations at night.
  • Vary the person and time when making money drops to the bank.

(Source: Member Insurance, July 2016)

OSHA delays effective date for enforcing employees' rights to report workplace injuries, illnesses.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is  delaying enforcement of the anti-retaliation provisions in its new injury and illness tracking rule to conduct additional outreach and provide educational materials and guidance for employers. Originally scheduled to begin Aug. 10, 2016, enforcement will now begin Nov. 1, 2016.
Under the rule, employers are required to inform workers of their right to report work-related injuries and illnesses without fear of retaliation; implement procedures for reporting injuries and illnesses that are reasonable and do not deter workers from reporting; and incorporate the existing statutory prohibition on retaliating against workers for reporting injuries and illnesses.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

(Source: OSHA)
OSHA Forges Ahead With Silica Rule Despite Legal Challenges

Litigation over the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) Occupational Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica rule should not delay its implementation, according to David O'Connor, director of the Office of Chemical Hazards (Non-Metals) in OSHA's Directorate of Standards & Guidance. 

The rule will reduce the permissible exposure for crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an eight-hour shift, from the current 100 micrograms per cubic meter of air standard for general industry. However, there are industry concerns that the lower limit is unattainable. OSHA has received 11 separate petitions filed by industry and labor stakeholders challenging various aspects of the rule. Construction employers are required to be in compliance with the new rule by June 23, 2017.

(Source: Business Insurance, Gloria Gonzalez)
The Most Common OSHA Safety Citations in the Building Materials Industry
  • Forklifts (71)
  • Failures of hazard
    communications (38)
  • Respirators (29)
  • Wiring (28)
  • Guardrails/holes (22)
  • Electrical (20)
  • Fire Extinguishers (18)
  • Woodworking (18)
  • Exits (18)
  • Machinery (15)
Based on OSHA statistics from January 2011 to March 2014.

(Source: The Learning Factory)
Calendar of Events

July 28: BMSA Executive Committee Meeting (Virginia Beach, VA)

July 28: BMSA Board of Directors Meeting (Virginia Beach, VA)

July 28-31: BMSA's Summer Conference (Virginia Beach, VA)

September 21-23: CFO Roundtable (Grimes, IA)

September 29-30: Leadership Development Roundtable #2 (Roanoke, VA)

October 2-4: Roundtable 3 (Charleston, SC)

October 9-11: Roundtable 1 (Greenville, SC)

October 20-21: Sales Manager Roundtable (Hickory, NC)

October 24 : BMSA Executive Committee Meeting (Charleston, SC)

October 25 : BMSA Board of Directors Meeting (Charleston, SC)

October 25-27: NLBMDA ProDealer Industry Summit (Charleston, SC)

November 2-4: Roundtable 7 (Morehead City, NC)

November 10-11: Leadership Development Roundtable #1 (Charleston, SC)
Stay Connected With BMSA! 

PO Box 18667 
Charlotte, NC 28218 
800-849-1503 
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