December 9, 2022

Holiday workplace safety tips, DWC’s biennial workers’ comp report and more

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Tips for keeping employees safe this holiday shopping season

The holiday shopping season is keeping many companies busier than normal. OSHA’s holiday workplace safety page shares tips for employees working in order fulfillment, delivery and retail sales.

OSHA seeks nominations for construction advisory committee

OSHA is accepting nominations for its Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. The group meets two to four times per year and advises the Secretary of Labor and Assistant Secretary of Labor on policy matters and construction standards. Nominations are due by January 13, 2023.

The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)

DWC submits biennial report to legislature

DWC has submitted its biennial workers’ compensation report to the 88th Texas Legislature. The data is intended to measure the health of the Texas workers’ compensation system and allow stakeholders to consider whether changes are necessary. The current report shows that insurance rates have dropped 77% since 2003 and that 92% of employees are currently returning to work within one year of a workplace injury.

DWC offers new training for safety professionals

DWC is offering a new course as part of its New Safety Pro seminar series. The presentation will focus on OSHA inspections and how to prepare for one. Courses are hosted online and are free to attend. Registration is currently open for December, March and July offerings.

Studies, resources, trends, news

About half of work-related electrical deaths occur in construction

A new report from The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) shows that between 2011 and 2020, 49.1% of electricity-related fatal workplace injuries occurred in the construction industry. The research group also found that most injuries were a result of direct exposure rather than indirect exposure.