Last week the Texas Propane Gas Association sent out a comprehensive update on the reopening of the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The forgivable loan is open for first-time PPP borrowers and those who are seeking a second PPP loan.

Recently, U.S. Congress ruled that PPP loan expenses were tax-deductible expenses even when forgiven. The Texas Legislature is following in Congress' footsteps and has introduced two companion bills, SB 372 by Senator, Kelly Hancock and HB 1195 by Rep. Charlie Geren saying that PPP loan proceeds will not be included as revenue for franchise/margins tax purposes.

If passed, these state-sponsored PPP bills will provide further financial relief for PPP borrowers.

TPGA will keep members abreast of the progress of these two bills and other Texas COVID 19 related legislation this session.

Did you miss our detailed Member Alert on Round 2 of PPP loans?

No worries we got you covered. Check out below.

Under 49 CFR 1904, OSHA requires employers with 10 or more employees to post and keep records of workplace injuries and illnesses. This is one of the first things an OSHA inspector will look for during an inspection.

Basic requirement. You must use OSHA 300, 300-A, and 301 forms, or equivalent forms, for recordable work-related injuries and illnesses. The OSHA 300 form is called the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, the 300-A is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, and the OSHA 301 form is called the Injury and Illness Incident Report.

How does OSHA define a recordable injury or illness? Any work-related fatality; any work-related injury or illness that results in loss of consciousness, days away from work, restricted work, or transfer to another job; any work-related injury or illness requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or any work-related diagnosed case of cancer, chronic irreversible diseases, fractured or cracked bones or teeth, and punctured eardrums.

Implementation. What do I need to do to complete the OSHA 300 Log? You must enter information about your business at the top of the OSHA 300 Log, enter a one or two-line description for each recordable injury or illness, and summarize this information on the OSHA 300-A at the end of the year.

Every year prepare an annual summary using OSHA Form 300A (Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses). POST IT no later than February 1st, and keep it posted until after April 30th. You are required to post even if there are no injuries or illnesses. You must complete the form with zeros even if no incidences occur during the year.

What do I need to do to complete the OSHA 301 Incident Report? You must complete an OSHA 301 Incident Report form, or an equivalent form, for each recordable injury or illness entered on the OSHA 300 Log.

How quickly must each injury or illness be recorded? You must enter each recordable injury or illness on the OSHA 300 Log and 301 Incident Report within seven (7) calendar days of receiving information that a recordable injury or illness has occurred.

Severe Injury Reporting. Covered employers must report any amputation, loss of an eye, or hospitalization of a worker within 24 hours.

As a reminder, ALL EMPLOYERS, REGARDLESS OF SIZE, must report any work-related employee fatality within 8 hours to OSHA or the hospitalization of three or more employees. You can report by calling OSHA's free 24-hour confidential hotline at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).

Forms, instructions, and more information on the OSHA injury and illness reporting rule can be downloaded by clicking here.

PLEASE NOTE: We are not in an affected industry that requires annual electronic reporting of OSHA 300A, just posting it.

The event kicks off with a virtual coffee on February 1, 2021, with new NPGA CEO, Steve Kaminski as well as senior NPGA staff, and then ends on February 3, 2021, with the board meeting.

For those looking for some fun, NPGA will host a virtual game night on evening 1 and streaming live entertainment featuring famed national comedian Marty Simpson on evening 2.