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Archive: Jul 2018

Department of Labor Proposes Rule to Better Protect Personally Identifiable Information

The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to better protect personally identifiable information or data that could be re-identified with a particular individual by removing provisions of the “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses” rule. OSHA believes this proposal maintains safety and health protections for workers, protects privacy and reduces the burdens of complying with the current rule.

The proposed rule eliminates the requirement to electronically submit information from OSHA Form 30 (log of work-related injuries and illnesses), and OSHA form 301 (injury and illness incident report) for establishment with 250 or more employees that are currently required to maintain injury and illness records. These establishments would be required to electronically submit information only from OSHA Form 300A (summary of work-related injuries and illnesses).

Under the current recordkeeping rule, the deadline for electronic submissions of Calendar Year (CY) 2017 information from OSHA Forms 300 and 301 was July 1st, 2018. In subsequent years, the deadline is March 2nd. OSHA is not currently accepting the Form 300 and 301 data and will not enforce the deadlines for these two forms without further notice while this rulemaking is underway. The electronic portal collection Form 300A data is accepting CY 2017 data, although submissions after July 1st will be marked late.

For more information on this rule, please visit here.

Why a House Fire is Worse Now-a-Days

A fire in a modern home is a “perfect storm.” Larger homes, more open layouts, new construction materials and other factors mean fires burn more quickly, leaving less time for occupants to escape – and for firefighters to stop the flames. How much less time? About 30 years ago, you have about 17 minutes to get out of the house once it caught on fire. Today? Just 3 or 4 minutes.

Here are some key factors why modern homes are the “perfect storm,” for house fires:

  • Building material – particle board and other man-made materials, which are lighter and cheaper than natural wood, often are used to construct homes today. This leads to larger homes at a lower cost, but they also burn more quickly that solid wood, concrete or masonry.
  • More space – more stuff – Fires can spread quickly in homes that are largely open, with high ceilings, etc. And homes are that are bigger typically have more things in them – which means there’s more fuel for the fire.
  • Newer stuff – the old days of couches, carpets, etc., made from all-natural materials are long gone. That’s great news for durability and price, but it’s not great for limiting fires. Though many modern furnishings are excellent at resisting smoldering (such as if a cigarette is dropped), once they actually catch fire, they burn very quickly.

So what can you do? Well, unless you’re having a house built or doing an extensive remodel, you can’t really change the materials used to construct your home. However, there are a few things you should do immediately to help keep you and your family safe, no matter where you live:

  • Make sure your smoke detectors are in working order.
  • Create an escape plan for you and your family.
  • Place fire extinguishers on each level of your home, as well as in the garage.

To learn more about fire safety, check out these tips from the American Red Cross.

Living with a Roommate- Can You Share Renters Insurance?

You trust your roommate, but should you both be on the same renters policy?

The answer in most cases is, “no,” even though some insurance companies do allow it.

Renters insurance covers your belongings, along with providing protection for loss of use, liability, etc. Roommates are not included by default on a policy, even if you’re both on the lease. Also, there’s no “insurable interest” between roommates, which means they typically don’t have any financial interest in your stuff, and you don’t have any in theirs.

To put it another way: if you didn’t renew your lease, you’d take your things, and they would take theirs. It’s not like a divorce, with a lot of shared property.

Here is why you should not share a renters policy with a roommate:

  • If they get sued, you could get hurt. Say your roommate’s dog bites somebody. If it’s even covered (some policies will exclude certain dog breeds), a shared policy means you could be a part of the lawsuit. That would be a hassle, and it might mean higher premiums for you down the road.
  • Your stuff isn’t all the same. If your roommate has a lot of valuables and you don’t, or vice-versa, you could end up paying more than your fair share for coverage.
  • It’s more complicated than sharing the power bill. Sharing a policy means you need to make sure your roommate pays their part of the bill. But things can get complicated if you have to file a claim. The check will be made out to both of you, even if it’s just you stuff that was damaged or stolen. If they don’t sign it, you can’t cash it. Another important note: if your roommate steals your stuff, that’s not covered by renters insurance.

While you already share a place with your roommate, you probably don’t need to share your insurance. Having your own policy will provide the protection you need, usually at a very affordable price.

Summer Heat Safety Tips

Summer is the season we all look forward to – cookouts, swimming pools, playing sports or just hanging out on the back deck. But summer sun can also get a little sweltering sometimes. Extreme heat can pose a danger and cause serious health issues. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your family as you enjoy the sunshine.

To maintain a comfortable environment indoors when the outside temps rise: 

  • Install central air conditioning (AC) or window air conditioners.
  • Check AC ducts for proper insulation.
  • Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air inside.
  • Use shades and awnings to keep extreme heat outside.
  • Keep storm windows up all year.
  • Install temporary window reflectors to reflect the heat back outside.

When the thermometer begins to skyrocket beyond what’s comfortable:

  • Stay indoors as much as possible, and limit sun exposure.
  • If you don’t have AC, visit someplace that does – such as a library or shopping mall.
  • If you need to work outdoors, do it in the early mornings or evenings. It’s summer, so luckily there’s still daylight after 8pm.
  • Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. And avoid alcohol.
  • Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothes.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
  • Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
  • Keep an eye on older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight. They’re the most likely to suffer heat-related illnesses
  • Never leave children or pets in closed vehicles

If anyone around you shows signs of these heat-related medical issues:

Heat cramps occur with muscle pain and spasms, usually in the abdominal muscles or legs due to overuse.

  • Have victim rest in comfortable position.
  • Stretch the affected muscle lightly and replenish fluids.
  • Give the victim half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
  • Don’t give them drink that contain alcohol or caffeine. Water is best. Or juice.

Heat exhaustion is caused by overexertion in a hot place. Blood flow to vital organs is restricted, causing the victim to go into mild shock. If not treated, the victim may have heat stroke.

  • Move the victim to a cooler place.
  • Loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets.
  • Have the victim slowly drink half a glass of water every 15 minutes. No liquids with alcohol or caffeine.
  • Let the victim rest.

Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition caused when the sweating function, which cools the body, starts breaking down. As a result, the body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage or death.

  • Call 911 immediately (or your local emergency number).
  • Move the victim to a cooler place.
  • Put them in a cool bath or wrap them in wet sheets and fan their body.
  • Monitor their breathing.
  • If the victim is vomiting, fading in and out of consciousness or refusing water, don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
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