ArcFlash Newsletters/Safety Resources

We are pleased to share with you the following Safety Committee Newsletters. These articles are meant to encourage a safer work environment for all working craftsmen and women. Please click on any of the links below to view:

An informative guide to help employers understand and assist employees at risk in the workplace can also be found on Cigna’s website at Cigna.com.

Consider Stretch and Flex at the Workplace for your Organization

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, 43% of all non fatal injuries are the result of strains and sprains. These injuries are responsible for 28% of all lost time from injuries at the workplace. Regular Stretch and Flex Programs have shown to help reduce these numbers.

Benefits include:

An increase in worker energy levels.
Increased flexibility.
Increased awareness.
Reduced range of motion injuries.
Reduced illness rates.
Improved body mechanics and posture.
Increased strength.
Increased circulation.
Reduced stress levels.

These are some of the benefits to a regular Stretch and Flex Programs. These programs also offer a chance to have brief safety and job site meetings. They foster better job site morale by offering fun and healthy activities at work. They increase job and safety awareness as well as improving communications and relationships between trades.

Injury & Illness Summaries Must Be Posted on February 1, 2024

On February 1, 2024, employers must post a current summary of the total number of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred last year in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers are only required to post the Summary (OSHA 300 Form) — from February 1, 2024 to April 30, 2024.

The summary must list the total numbers of job-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2023 and were logged on the OSHA 300 form. Employment information about annual average number of employees and total hours worked during the calendar year is also required to assist in calculating incidence rates per OSHA. Companies with no recordable injuries or illnesses in 2023 must post the form with zeros on the total line. All establishment summaries must be certified by a company executive.

The form is to be displayed in a common area wherever notices to employees are usually posted. Employers must make a copy of the summary available to employees who move from worksite to worksite, such as construction workers, and employees who do not report to any fixed establishment on a regular basis. http://www.osha.gov/recordkeeping/index.html

Article VI section 6.08 of the IBEW Local 701 agreement requires that accident reports must be submitted to the IBEW Local 701 / NE NECA Safety Committee. Submitting the modified OSHA 300 log (see link below) fulfills your obligation as a contractor to submit accident reports. Please note that the modified form does not substitute the original OSHA form to be posted and is provided to you to assist compliance with the 701 agreement.

We have a modified version of the OSHA 300 log for your convenience which provides confidentiality of employees by omitting names. To view and/or print this form, please click on the following link: 2023 OSHA 300 Log Modified Form

Please complete all highlighted fields and return it to the PowerForward DuPage office, Attention: Safety Committee via fax (630) 393-3497 or email us at info@PowerForwardDuPage.com on or before February 1, 2024 reporting calendar year 2023 (in full).

If you have any questions, please contact the LMCC/PowerForward DuPage Director, Lauren Mesich at 630.393.1701 Extension 5.