Need To Know

Text Messaging Ban
President Barack Obama recently signed an executive order prohibiting federal employees from text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles. “This ban sends a very clear signal to the American public that distracted driving is dangerous and unaccepted,” commented Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood.

OSHA’S National Emphasis Program On Recordkeeping
OSHA recently initiated a National Emphasis Program (NEP) on recordkeeping to identify and control underrecorded or incorrectly recorded workplace injuries and illnesses. Industries with high injury and illness rates will be targeted in the NEP. For details, visit osha.gov

Update: Permissible Exposure Limits For Pregnant Workers
According to an OSHA letter of interpretation, the permissible exposure limit for nitric oxide is the same for all employees, including pregnant women OSHA advises pregnant employees and their employers to consult Material Safety Data Sheets to find out whether certain chemicals present reproductive or pregnancy-related hazards. For details, visit osha.gov

WC Claims Decline
The overall frequency of workers’ compensation claims has dropped for the second straight year, according to a report from the National Council on Compensation Insurance. Go to ncci.com to download the complete report.