Horrible Bosses: Workplace violence in the real world

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Such a great article here from the CDC and NIOSH’s Science blog about workplace violence.

Horrible bosses. If you’ve had one, hopefully they were not as bad as those portrayed by Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, and Colin Farrell in the newly released movie of the same name. While the plot and characters are exaggerated and the comic elements may not be to everyone’s taste, the movie highlights the very real issues of work stress and violence. Each week in the United States, an average of 33,000 workers are assaulted on the job and 14 are murdered…

Read the NIOSH Stress at Work page here; check out more useful info at the CDC’s NIOSH Science blog here.

Incorrectly refurbished circuit breakers: electrical hazard alert from US DOL

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Here’s a very useful electrical hazard alert from the US Department of Labor:

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently learned of a hazardous condition that may exist in certain molded-case circuit breakers modified by a third-party rebuilder. The breakers may have an actual rating of 600 volts AC (alternating current) (VAC) or less, but are labeled as 1,000 VAC and may contain incorrect parts that can cause the breaker to malfunction.

…

OSHA bases the details of this alert on an alert issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) entitled, “Hazardous 3rd Party Modified Circuit Breakers [66 KB PDF, 2 pages].”

Happy Labor Day

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Happy Labor Day weekend!

Here is an interesting editorial from John Howard, M.D., Director, National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH): Statement On Labor Day 2011.


A brief excerpt:


…The changing dynamics of the work environment and the changing demographics of the work force pose similar concerns. Knowing that the health and safety needs of the increasingly diverse U.S. workforce differ from those of the predominantly male workforce of the 20th Century, we are challenged to find ways to meet those needs.

Emergency preparedness and response have also emerged as a critical component of occupational safety and health. We are reminded again of that imperative as we approach the 10th Anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks, and as rescue and recovery efforts proceed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene…


Check out CDC NIOSH’s website here — lots of good info and news.

Fall Protection Policies video from OSHA

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Assistant Secretary of Labor Dr. David Michaels explains OSHA’s fall protection polices for residential construction here.

Maximim Benefit Rate Increase

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According to the New York Compensation Insurance Rating Board there’s been an increase in the maximum benefit rate for accidents or dates of disablements on or after July 1, 2011. The new maximum rate is $772.96 for individuals with wages of $1,159.44 or greater. The previous maximum benefit rate that applied to accidents on or after July 1, 2010 was $739.83.

Heat Safety Tool

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Via U.S. Department of Labor — when you’re working in the heat, safety comes first. With the OSHA Heat Safety Tool, you have vital safety information available whenever and wherever you need it — right on your mobile phone. 

The App allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for their worksite, and, based on the heat index, displays a risk level to outdoor workers. Then, with a simple “click,” you can get reminders about theprotective measures that should be taken at that risk level to protect workers from heat-related illness—reminders about drinking enough fluids, scheduling rest breaks, planning for and knowing what to do in an emergency, adjusting work operations, gradually building up the workload for new workers, training on heat illness signs and symptoms, and monitoring each other for signs and symptoms of heat-related illness.

Stay informed and safe in the heat, check your risk level.

For more information about safety while working in the heat, see OSHA’s heat illness webpage, including newonline guidance about using the heat index to protect workers.

Welcome, new staff members!

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Please join us in welcoming our wonderful new Lovell Safety Management staff people:

Dawn Ardolino, Executive Assistant/Underwriting Analyst 

From the FBI to Lovell Safety Management, New Yorker Dawn Ardolino has over 15 years of experience running modern offices. As a top-level executive assistant, human resources coordinator, or office manager, Dawn is a skillful and resourceful organizer and excellent problem solver. She brings streamlined efficiency and improved communications to her workplace, and creates and maintains simplified, yet secure, access to critical information in our fast-paced office. Dawn is the Executive Assistant to Martin Vulpis, Executive VP.

Jennifer Johnson-Love, Certificates Processor

Jennifer Johnson-Love brings years of careful attention to document detail from her experience in the medical field, first helping patients with protocol, prescriptions, medical equipment, and clinical procedures, and then managing medical records databases. She has ensured correct adherence to all FDAC, CDC, and OSHA regulations, and is skilled at assisting management in efficient communications of complicated issues.

Lori Knowles, CPCU, AIM, Underwriter 

New Yorker Lori Knowles has worked on behalf of her clients’ success mainly as TRIA Underwriter, handling all procedures, training, and compliance issues, staying current on all underwriting criteria. She is an authority on Workers’ Compensation, and is skilled and knowledgeable in Property & Casualty, as well as helping educate brokers in coverage and compliance. Lori is an expert in correct analysis and interpretation, auditing, and is an excellent manager, helping to streamline workflow for improved efficiency. Lori’s knowledge enables her to answer client’s questions concerning classifications and experience ratings.

Michael Cordova, Administrative Clerk


Michael Cordova helps our office run smoothly and efficiently with friendly, professional communications and excellent problem-solving ability. An outstanding researcher, Michael also troubleshoots office equipment, helps with scheduling, and organizes databases. A native New Yorker, Michael is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Lovell is offering our clients OSHA 10 hour class in Rensselaer and Long Island

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To aid in our clients’ compliance with the various Federal, State, and City regulations requiring this training, the LSM safety department is once again offering the OSHA 10 Hour Course. The course is provided by our OSHA certified instructors. Each employee who successfully completes the program will receive a certification card from OSHA.

Residential Roofing Fall Protection Seminar

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OSHA has withdrawn a directive that allowed residential builders to bypass fall protection requirements.  Residential construction will now be held to the same fall protection requirements as commercial construction (6’ rule).
The Lovell Safety Department has arranged for Mr. Ron Williams of OSHA to share with our group members the current OSHA requirements for residential fall protection. Please click on the image below for details.