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Safety and Health Information for Wisconsin Employers & Organizations |
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Start the year safe: Prioritize training based on real risks.
As we enter a new year, many businesses are setting safety goals for the upcoming months. One crucial step is ensuring your employees are up-to-date on their annual safety training requirements, including those mandated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Staying ahead of OSHA's Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards can save you time, money, and most importantly, prevent injuries. Familiarize yourself with this updated list and focus your annual "refresher" training accordingly.
Below are some of the most common required training topics:
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
- Fire Extinguisher Use
- Machine Safeguarding (including Lockout/Tagout procedures and annual audits)
- Noise Exposure and Hearing Protection Programs
- Respirator Program (including fit testing and medical surveillance)
- Hazard Communication (including new chemicals, container labels, and Safety Data Sheets)
- Employee Exposure and Medical Records Access
Don't forget about additional training specific to your industry or operations. Resources like OSHA's Training Library offer valuable courses and materials to keep your workforce safe and compliant.
Make safety a priority this year. By leveraging the latest information and resources, you can create a safer work environment for everyone.
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To ensure workplace safety and comply with regulations, employers must understand and follow OSHA's injury and illness reporting requirements. These requirements vary slightly depending on whether you're a private or public-sector employer in Wisconsin.
Key Points for Private Sector Employers:
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Recordkeeping: Maintain records of serious work-related injuries and illnesses for at least five years.
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Annual Summary: Post a summary of the previous year's injuries and illnesses from February through April.
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Employee Access: Provide copies of records to current and former employees upon request.
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Severe Injury Reporting: Report fatalities within 8 hours and amputations, loss of an eye, or hospitalizations within 24 hours to OSHA. Wisconsin employers must also report worker fatalities within 24 hours and Worker's Compensation Indemnity claims within 7 days to the insurance carrier. Insurance carriers in turn have 14 days to report to DWD's WC Division that they received the employer information.
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Electronic Reporting: If applicable, submit injury and illness data through OSHA's Injury Tracking Application.
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Additional Resources for Private Sector Employers:
Key Points for Wisconsin Public Sector Employers: Navigating Dual Compliance
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Electronic Reporting: Public sector employers must utilize the DSPS Electronic Safety and Licensing Application (eSLA) to submit annual injury and illness summaries for workplace posting and agency review.
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Posting Summary: The printable summary generated by eSLA must be displayed in the workplace from Feb. 1 through Apr. 30, 2024.
Additional Resources for Public Sector Employers:
Additional Safety and Health Resources for All Employers:
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a wealth of free safety training resources on their website, including videos, interactive modules, and publications. These resources can help employers ensure their workforce is adequately trained on complex safety and health topics, ultimately promoting compliance and a safer work environment.
Key Benefits of OSHA Training Resources:
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Address Common Concerns: Tackle prevalent safety hazards like confined space entry, machine safeguarding, respiratory protection, silica exposure, heat stress, and recordkeeping, among others.
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Stay Ahead of Inspections: Familiarize yourself with OSHA's "Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards" to prioritize training based on areas where violations are most common. This information is readily available on OSHA's website and can be further tailored to your industry through the "Industry Profile" feature.
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Focus Annual Training: Leverage OSHA's resources to strategically plan your annual "refresher" safety training during the first quarter (Jan-Apr). This timing allows for better integration with new year goals and objectives while ensuring all employees, including new hires, receive proper training promptly.
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Seek Additional Support: Don't hesitate to utilize the resources offered by your Worker's Compensation Insurance provider. Many offer Risk Management and Loss Control Consultants and training materials to assist with OSHA compliance efforts.
OSHA's free resources are valuable assets for any employer committed to safety and compliance. By proactively utilizing these resources and tailoring your training to address common hazards and industry-specific concerns, you can significantly reduce the risk of violations and create a safer workplace for everyone.
Additional Resources:
By taking advantage of OSHA's free resources and staying informed about current safety trends, you can effectively train your employees and maintain a compliant and safe work environment.
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 As winter chills settle in, staying safe becomes even more crucial. From icy roads to snow-covered roofs, the season presents unique hazards. Luckily, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have your back with comprehensive winter safety resources.
OSHA's slogan for winter weather safety is "Plan. Equip. Train." Topics include:
- Winter Driving Tips
- Work Zone Traffic Safety
- Being Stranded in a Vehicle
- Shoveling Snow
- Using Powered Equipment
- Clearing Snow from Roofs and Working At Heights
- Preventing Slips on Snow and Ice
- Repairing Downed or Damaged Power Lines
- Working Near Downed or Damaged Power Lines
- Removing Downed Trees
Additionally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Winter Weather page offers safety resources such as:
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Minimum Amounts for Civil Penalties
Remember, prioritizing workplace safety is not just an ethical obligation; it's also a sound financial decision. Recent OSHA enforcement activities have resulted in more and more high-profile cases resulting in seven-figure settlements and fines into the millions of dollars.
The potential dollar amount for citations and penalties from OSHA violations is adjusted annually for inflation (+8% in 2023). Below are the most recently adjusted maximum penalty amounts effective Jan. 15, 2023:
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Violation Type
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2023 Maximum Penalty
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Serious, Other-Than-Serious, Posting Requirements
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$15,625 per violation
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Failure to Abate
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$15,625 per day beyond abatement date
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Willful or Repeated Citations
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$156,259 per violation
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These increases underline the importance of prioritizing workplace safety. To avoid costly penalties:
- Review OSHA standards and regulations for your industry.
- Conduct regular safety inspections and hazard assessments.
- Implement and follow safe work practices.
- Train employees on safety procedures.
The next violation penalty adjustments for inflation are expected in mid-January 2024. Check out OSHA's Enforcement Memos after Jan. 15, 2024 for a memo on updated 2024 OSHA violation penalty inflation adjustments. Don't wait for the next penalty adjustment to get serious about safety. Visit OSHA's website for resources and guidance or contact a safety consultant for personalized assistance.
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This January, two important national campaigns raise awareness about two potentially serious yet often hidden health risks: radon and glaucoma.
Take Control of Your Home's Air: During National Radon Action Month, the EPA encourages testing and mitigation of this invisible gas, the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Don't wait for symptoms! Radon is odorless and tasteless, so the only way to know if your home has elevated levels is to test. Visit EPA's National Radon Action Month Information or contact your local health department to learn more about testing and mitigation options.
Prioritize Your Eye Health: The National Institutes of Health have designated January as National Glaucoma Awareness Month. This "silent thief of sight" affects millions of Americans, often without early symptoms. Early detection and treatment are crucial to preserving vision. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam, especially if you are at higher risk due to age, family history, or other factors. Resources like the Glaucoma Research Foundation, the National Eye Institute, and Prevent Blindness offer valuable information and support.
By taking proactive steps against radon and glaucoma, you can safeguard your health and well-being in the new year. Make time for testing and screenings; your future self will thank you!
As a look ahead, February is national Heart Health Month and includes Burn Awareness Week. First Aid, CPR, and AED training are good continuations of one's new year's OSHA EAP compliance training activities. More details are to follow as we approach February.
Have a Safe Day, Always!!
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Dave Leix is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Safety & Risk Manager for the State of Wisconsin / Department of Workforce Development (DWD) – Worker's Compensation Division. Dave brings over 40 years of professional safety and health (EHS) consulting and managerial experience to a wide variety of customers and clients. Read more about Dave online.
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