January Newsletter

January Newsletter

This month we’re focusing on starting the year out right. Learn how to curb the risk of workplace substance abuse; view OSHA’s top 10 violations of 2023; and learn more about how to prepare your roof for winter. See below for more information and links.?

How can employers curb the risk of workplace substance abuse??

You’ve probably already noted how substance abuse has affected your experience mods. If not, here’s what you’ll see: Added medical expenses and higher risk of surgery. An increased chance of an overdose on the job. More days away from work and prolonged treatment plans. And a decrease in morale.

If you like numbers, here are a few statistics for you?on opioid use and misuse:

• Most employers (86 percent) believe taking opioids even as prescribed can impair job performance, yet only 60 percent have policies requiring employees to notify their employer when they are using a prescription opioid.
• Employers say they’re more concerned about hiring qualified workers, employee benefits costs and worker benefit costs than they are about employee use of legal prescription or illicit opioids.
• Half of employers are very confident they have adequate HR policies and resources to deal with opioid use and misuse.
• 41 percent of employers would return an employee to work after he or she is treated for misusing prescription opioids.

OSHA Top 10 Violations of 2023

?OSHA has announced their list of the top ten workplace violations for fiscal year 2023. Topping the list for the 13th year in a row is fall protection. You'll note the number of violations in each category increased from last year. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Labor increased OSHA maximum civil penalties in 2023:

• Serious and other-than-serious workplace violations increased from $14,502 per violation to $15,625 per violation.
• Willful or repeated workplace violations increased from $145,027 per violation to $156,259 per violation.

Steps to prevent winter property damage to roofs?

Depending on where you’re located, winter can wreak all kinds of property damage, from pavement upheaval, power loss and frozen pipes, to roof collapse and water intrusion. That’s why it’s critical to take steps to prepare for and prevent winter property damage.

Snow accumulation in excess of building design conditions can result in structural failure and possible collapse if basic preventative steps are not taken in advance of a major snow. Snow-related roof failures are common occurrences every year, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to businesses.

Visit our website for more tools, tips and resources.

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