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Special Reports

DOWNLOAD: Preparing for--and Avoiding--Cal/OSHA Inspections

Perhaps your workplace is classified as "highhazard." Maybe your industry has been declared an "inspection priority" or caught in a multi-agency sweep. A worker might have complained to Cal/OSHA, or perhaps an accident has caused a workplace injury. It could be simply that your number came up in the general Cal/OSHA-programmed inspection lottery. Whatever the reason, it's just what you don't need right now: Cal/OSHA on your doorstep, asking for a good place to hold an opening conference and suggesting that you start pulling together your records. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: What's New For 2010: Workplace Developments Affecting California Employers--And How To Comply

This exclusive Special Report will walk you through these new laws and cases, giving you a sneak preview of what's coming your way--and how to prepare--in 2010. We've included an easy 10-point checklist of what employers should do to make sure their policies and procedures conform to new requirements. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Smart Accident Investigations; 3 Stages of Success

Somehow, even with your excellent safety and health program, an accident happens. After medical assistance has been provided to victims, and the immediate crisis is brought under control, an investigation is in order. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Save Lives: 5 Vital Elements of a Defensive Driving Program

In this Special Report, we describe five key steps you can take to implement a defensive driving program. Putting these elements in place will improve your chances of reducing driving accidents among your workforce. We also provide two handouts for you to distribute to your workers . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Safety Recordkeeping: Set the Record Straight; Understanding the Ins and Outs of Cal/OSHA's Recordkeeping Rules

Nobody likes to shuffle papers. But the fact is, the paperwork that relates to your safety program is critical both to your compliance efforts and to documenting the program's intensity and effectiveness. Cal/OSHA inspectors know this; that's why the first thing they'll ask to see when they walk onto your site is your paperwork. If an inspector showed up at your door today and asked for your training records, injury and illness records, written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), hazard assessments, and inspection records, could you produce them? . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Toxic Mold -- How to Protect Your Workers and Your Physical Plant

Mold and other indoor air quality concerns present ever-mounting problems to facility and safety managers. Toxic mold is responsible for various health problems, and repairing mold-damaged buildings costs millions of dollars and countless work days. Guidance exists to help combat mold-related problems, but most problems are easily sidestepped through the use of the common-sense approaches presented here. . . . more »

What's New for 2009: Workplace Developments Affecting California Employers

2008 was eventful on many legal fronts. It saw the passage of a bill making massive changes to the Americans with Disabilities Act, the historic economic bailout bill that contains some workplace-related provisions, a landmark law barring genetic discrimination, and changes to family and medical leave rights. The California and United States Supreme Courts were busy, too, issuing a range of decisions affecting employers concerning noncompete agreements, age discrimination, medical marijuana, and retaliation. And the California high court and voters got into the act on the issue of same-sex marriage. This Special Report will walk you through these new laws and cases and give you a sneak preview of what's coming your way in 2009. We've included a comprehensive 14-point checklist of what employers should do to make sure their policies and procedures conform to new requirements. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Lighten the Load: Identify and Control Ergonomic Hazards in Your Workplace to Prevent Costly Injuries, Increase Productivity, and Keep Workers on the Job

Do the aching backs in your workplace lead to a miserable aching in your head? Ergonomic injuries like back pain, often described by the term "musculoskeletal disorders" (MSDs), are a perennial leading cause of nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses. More than 350,000 American workers suffered ergonomic injuries that resulted in lost work time in 2006, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In this Special Report, we discuss ergonomic hazards and break down the steps involved in creating a program to reduce ergonomic injuries. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: The Dollars and Cents of Safety--Why Safety's Bottom Line Is a Boon to Business; Learn How to Reap the Benefits for Your Workplace

Where does safety show up on your company's balance sheet? Is it always and only in the expense column? If so, you may not be fully aware of all of your safety program's benefits. Many studies have demonstrated that an investment in safety not only prevents injury-related losses but significantly increases productivity--companies that have measured it report increases of 10 percent or more. Keep reading to find out how you can make the case to management that safety is no charitable contribution but a genuine investment with measurable positive returns. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Powered Industrial Trucks: California's Requirements for Equipment, Workplace Postings, Safe Operation, and Training

This Special Report will help you navigate Cal/OSHA's sometimes--confusing industrial truck standards, which are arranged differently than federal OSHA's regulation and have different specific requirements. This Report will also help you ensure that your equipment meets Cal/OSHA standards by providing a comprehensive checklist you can use to inspect your equipment. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Defuse the Violence: Protect Your Workforce—And Your Company: An Exclusive Employer Guide from the Employer Resource Institute

This 28-page Employer Guide contains a 7-step program for preventive action, tips for how to respond when violence erupts, sample policies, and more. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Leave for Injured and Disabled Workers: How to Navigate the Workers' Comp, ADA, and FMLA Maze in California

In this Employer Guide, we sort out the complex rules governing workers' compensation, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Family and Medical Leave Act--as well as the California disability and family leave laws. Includes step-by-step compliance flowcharts. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Setting Up a Telecommuting Program--a Toolkit For Employers

Determining whether telecommuting arrangements will work for you and your employees requires consideration of a host of issues ranging from workers' compensation to liability insurance, from health and safety to employee productivity, from scheduling to wage and hour concerns. We've put together a comprehensive guide that addresses these areas and much more. You'll also find a practical sample policy, agreement and home office safety checklist that you can use to put a successful telecommuting program in place at your company. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Key Differences Between California OSHA and Federal OSHA Special Report

Whether you're a California employer looking to expand into another part of the country or an employer from outside California planning to expand your business into the state, California's occupational safety and health program and rules are likely to be an issue for you. This report covers some key differences between Cal/OSHA and Federal OSHA . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Hazard Communication Training Special Report

The California Hazard Communication Regulation--contained in the Cal/OSHA rules--requires you to train employees about the dangerous substances they work with, and it's one of the most frequently violated standards. This Special Report will help you identify the key points of this Regulation, and aid in developing an effective Communication Training program for your organization. A helpful session outline guide for the training is also included. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Workplace Safety Committees: A Guide to Creating Committees that Prevent Accidents, Injuries, Comp Claims, and Lawsuits

If you want your safety committee to improve conditions in your workplace, you must be prepared to invest a good deal of energy and time designing and developing it. Before you call your first committee meeting, map out a clear picture of what you're trying to accomplish, how you will accomplish it, and which resources you have available. In this report, we'll show you a step-by-step system for organizing your committee. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: The Nuts and Bolts of Safety Management Systems: What's In It for You and Your Employees?

We've put together--in a concise and straighforward report--what you need to know to identify the main elements and tools you need, and how you can implement core safety practices, to create an effective safety management system within your organization. . . . more »

DOWNLOAD: Safety Incentive Programs: How to Motivate Employees and Cut Workers' Comp Costs

In this special report, we'll look at what companies have done to implement safety incentives successfully. We'll also point out several resources that can help you set up a safety incentive program quickly. Finally, we'll give you tips on selecting and designing a program that is right for you. . . . more »