Short hauls: How far can you go under HOS exceptions?

Proposed legislation

Bipartisan legislation has recently been introduced in the House that would require businesses to provide restroom access to truckers who are loading or delivering cargo at their warehouses, manufacturers, distribution centers, retailers, and ports.

Supported by leading organizations in the trucking industry, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (H.R. 9592) was introduced on Dec. 15, 2022. The bill requires retailers, warehouses, and other establishments with existing restrooms to provide access to drivers who are loading or delivering cargo. Additionally, operators of ports and marine terminals must provide access for drayage and parking while accessing such restrooms.

This amendment to Title 49 would exempt some employers from the bill including filling and service stations, and restaurants 800-square feet or smaller with restrooms intended for employee use only. The bill doesn’t require employers to construct new restrooms but to give truck drivers the same access as employees or customers.

Your restroom availability affects their health

Commercial truckers and delivery drivers are the lifeline of our supply chain of supplies, products, and consumables. Working tirelessly all hours, during holidays and weekends, and throughout the pandemic, they continue to deliver critical food and emergency supplies to companies everywhere. Employers have the privilege of demonstrating gratitude to truckers and delivery drivers with a positive work environment.

The benefits of allowing truckers and delivery drivers the convenience and safety of readily available, sanitary restroom facilities are plenty. They’re able to rest and reset when necessary, which keeps them and others safer on the roads. Equally important, restroom availability prevents drivers from having to search for available facilities elsewhere, allowing them to keep a timely delivery schedule, limit supply chain delays, and ultimately lower costs for employers and customers.

Keys to remember

The proposed Trucker Bathroom Access Act will require retailers, warehouses, and other establishments with existing restrooms to provide access to truckers and delivery drivers who are loading or delivering cargo. Access to restrooms keeps them refreshed and ready to deliver essential supplies to companies across the country.

The importance of CPR and early defibrillation

For every minute a patient is in cardiac arrest, their chances of survival decrease dramatically. When a patient doesn’t have a pulse and isn’t breathing, CPR should be performed until an AED is available. It’s important to note that CPR alone does not restart the heart. CPR is an oxygen circulation procedure. AEDs, on the other hand, are meant for lifesaving intervention.

CPR and early defibrillation are vital components of the emergency medical services (EMS) chain of survival that increases the odds of cardiac patient survival. However, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), even the best CPR can’t provide enough circulation of oxygen to the brain and heart for more than a few minutes. In fact, a patient whose brain is deprived of oxygen for 10 minutes or more seldom recovers.

Signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise

Just like a reliable vehicle, the circulatory system is the human body’s blood transportation system, and the heart is the engine. Amazingly, the heart generates its own electrical impulses, pumping in a regular, rhythmic manner. As with any engine, the heart requires a certain amount of pressure to function and doesn’t work well when clogged with grease or debris. The most common causes of sudden cardiac arrest include a heart attack, electrocution, and asphyxiation — all of which could occur in the workplace. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Chest pain accompanied by a crushing or squeezing sensation,
• Pain that radiates to the jaw or arm,
• Irregular pulse and/or abnormal blood pressure,
• Shortness of breath,
• Cool and sweaty skin,
• Nausea and vomiting, and
• Anxiety or feeling of impending doom.

CPR provides the pressure for the body’s “engine” to oxygen circulating, while an AED provides the electrical impulses to keep the engine pumping.

OSHA requirements regarding CPR

OSHA 1910.151 requires first aid treatment be provided in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, or hospital in near proximity to the workplace used to treat injured employees. This may include assisting a victim of cardiac arrest using CPR or defibrillation.

OSHA requirements for CPR and defibrillation differ considerably. Standards requiring CPR include:

• 1910.146 Permit-required Confined Spaces
• 1910.266 Appendix B: Logging Operations – First Aid and CPR Training
• 1910.269 Electric Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
• 1910.410 Qualifications of Dive Team and
• 1926.950 Construction Subpart V, Power Transmission and Distribution

OSHA recommends basic adult CPR refresher training and retesting every year, and first aid training at least once every three years. CPR training include facilitated discussion along with ’hands-on’ skills training that uses mannequins and partner practice.

OSHA requirements regarding AEDs — you might need a prescription

Though OSHA recognizes AEDs as important lifesaving technology that plays a role in treating cardiac arrest, the agency doesn’t currently require their use in the workplace. Instead, OSHA wants employers to assess their own requirements for AEDs as part of their first aid response.

AEDs are considered Class III medical devices which means the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has some oversight on their use. Almost all AEDs require the purchaser to obtain a prescription from a physician under FDA regulations. The prescription process is meant as a quality control mechanism to ensure AEDs are properly maintained, that all designated responders are properly trained, and assist employers with establishing an emergency response plan for their workplace AED program.

The AHA requires AED operators to also receive CPR training as an “integral part of providing lifesaving aid to people suffering sudden cardiac arrest.” Though easy to use, each AED is slightly different, so training helps users understand the unique traits and supplies for the individual units at their workplace. Additionally, AED users must be trained to understand the signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, when to activate the EMS system, and how to perform CPR.

AEDs are light, portable, easy to use, and inexpensive. They’re best placed near high-hazard areas such as confined spaces, near electrical energy, or in remote work areas. Response time to reach AEDs should be kept within 3–5-minutes.

Training requirements

Many states require or encourage CPR and AED training from nationally recognized organizations. Any AED training should include CPR training. OSHA doesn’t offer first aid or CPR training, nor certify trainers. Training by a nationally recognized organization, such as AHA, the American Red Cross, or National Safety Council is recommended.

Keys to Remember

While OSHA doesn’t currently require the use of AEDs in the workplace, they do expect employers to assess their own AED requirements as part of their first aid response. AED training is required by most states and should include CPR with a hands-on practical component.

Timeline

The following is a basic timeline for complying with rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It also includes certain best practices for hiring new drivers and getting them qualified to be on the road. Though it’s 27 steps long, don’t panic — some items apply only to drivers who hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL), and some are optional.

The order in which many of these steps are performed can be customized to your needs. Be sure to consult with an attorney or HR expert for guidance on complying with all labor and employment laws.

1. Get driver application. From each driver-applicant, obtain a completed driver-specific employment application that complies with 49 CFR 391.21. Ensure your application includes information about the driver’s rebuttal rights concerning their safety performance history (obtained in step #13 below). Review the application for any missing information, disqualifiers, gaps in employment, having several employers in a short time, history of violations, or other red flags.
2. Ensure basic qualifications. Ensure the candidate meets basic DOT, company, and insurance company qualifications to be a driver (391.11), including but not limited to:
   • Being at least 21 years old to engage in interstate commerce, or old enough to be a driver within your state.
   • Holding only one currently valid driver’s license of the proper type and with any needed endorsements — and no restrictions — for the vehicle(s) and cargo you intend to assign.
3. Get MVRs. Obtainmotor vehicle record(s) (MVRs) from the state driver licensing agency(ies) (or other licensing authority(ies)) where the driver-applicant was licensed during the past three years. If required by the state/authority, obtain the driver’s written authorization for you to obtain their MVR. If using a third party to obtain the MVR, have the driver sign the required Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) disclosure statements. Note that the MVR(s) must be obtained within 30 days after hire (unless needed to verify medical certification), but earlier is better. (391.23)
4. Perform background check (optional). Perform any other company-required background checks, in compliance with state laws and the FCRA.
5. Run PSP report (optional). Obtain the driver-applicant’s pre-employment screening program (PSP) report, after obtaining the driver’s written consent using the approved PSP consent form. This report will reveal the driver’s roadside inspection and accident history. Be sure to keep the consent form in the driver’s file.
6. Meet hiring standards. Compare the driver’s record to the company’s hiring standards, which must meet or exceed FMCSA minimums in 391.11, to ensure the driver is eligible for hiring as a driver based on driving experience, driving record, crash history, employment history, etc. Be consistent in applying the standards.
7. Conduct an interview. Conduct a driver interview (this step may occur earlier, if desired). Make sure your interview questions comply with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines. During the interview, make sure the candidate can read and speak English well enough to converse with the general public, follow traffic signs/signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
8. Extend an offer. Extend a conditional offer of employment. Note that inquiries or tests concerning the applicant’s medical and drug/alcohol testing history/status may only occur after this conditional offer of employment has been extended.
9. Schedule tests and classes. Schedule the applicant for a DOT pre-employment drug test (if a CDL driver), DOT medical exam (if you will not be accepting the driver’s current Medical Examiner’s Certificate), and a driver orientation class.
10. Complete the I-9. Have the driver complete an I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification form. Verify acceptable identification documents from the applicant and certify the form. Section 1 must be completed by the end of the driver’s first day of paid work. You must complete Section 2 within three business days of the date employment begins.
11. Complete the contract. Have the driver sign your employment contract, as applicable.
12. Get authorization for testing history. Get written authorization from the driver to obtain the driver’s drug & alcohol testing history from previous employer(s), if the driver was subject to DOT testing under an agency other than the FMCSA. (391.23)
13. Obtain safety performance history. Submit a request to the driver-applicant’s previous and current employers (going back three years, but only to employers for whom the applicant drove a CMV). This request is made to verify employment and obtain the driver’s DOT-recordable accident history. Also request the driver’s DOT-regulated drug/alcohol testing history from any non-FMCSA-regulated employers, if applicable. Document your actions, and if there is no reply after at least two attempts, maintain a record of your “good-faith effort” to obtain the information. You must obtain the information or document your effort within 30 days after hire, but earlier is better. Note that the drug/alcohol history may be requested only after you have made a conditional offer of employment to the driver.
14. Get medical card or MVR. Obtain a copy of the driver’s current Medical Examiner’s Certificate. If the driver holds a CDL or CLP, you may only use a paper medical certificate for up to 15 days after the driver’s last medical exam as proof the driver is certified. After that, you must have an MVR showing that the driver is medically certified.
15. Verify NRCME listing. Verify and document that the driver’s medical examiner was listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners at the time of the last exam, even if you accept the driver’s pre-existing medical certificate in place of a new exam.
16. Obtain proof of variance. Obtain documentation of any medical variance the driver may have, if applicable.
17. Road test. Do one of the following:
    • Perform a road test and complete the required form and certificate, OR
    • Get a copy of the driver’s existing road-test certificate if less than three years old, OR
    • Get a photocopy of the driver’s CDL (unless the driver will operate a double/triple trailer or tank vehicle, or is using the alternative vision standard (391.44) for the first time, in which case a road test in that type of vehicle is required). (391.31-391.33)
    ——— STEPS 18-24 FOR CDL DRIVERS ONLY ———
18. Verify self-certification. Obtain documentation showing the type of driving the driver self-certified that they will perform. This self-certification is made to the state licensing agency by the driver, and should be available on the driving record. Verify that the driver is properly self-certified for the type of driving that will be performed for you (such as “non-excepted interstate” as one of four options). (383.71(g))
19. Query the Clearinghouse. Log in to the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and request a full pre-employment query. The query results cannot be retrieved until the driver then logs in to the Clearinghouse to grant consent. Verify that the driver is not in a “prohibited” status. Note: The query may be obtained before or after conducting a road test, but must be before the driver operates a CMV in commerce.
20. Get consent for future queries. Have the driver sign a consent form that will allow you to perform annual “limited” Clearinghouse queries, unless you intend to run “full” queries each year. The driver may decide how long such consent will last, but it may be for the length of employment.
21. Issue drug/alcohol materials. Issue the required drug/alcohol educational materials and your company drug/alcohol policy to the driver and maintain a signed certificate of receipt. (382.601)
22. Perform drug test. Send the driver for a DOT pre-employment drug test, as scheduled in step #9 above (unless using the exception in 382.301(b)). Obtain the test results before there is any CMV driving. (382.301)
23. Perform required training. As applicable:
    • Ensure the driver has a longer-combination-vehicle (LCV) training certificate, or ensure the driver receives LCV training, before operating a longer combination vehicle (Part 380, Subpart A).
    • Conduct hazardous-materials training if the driver will be dealing with hazardous materials.
24. Add driver to testing program. Enroll the driver in your random drug and alcohol testing program. This must be done within no more than 30 days of the pre-employment test completed under step #22.
    ——— FOR ALL DRIVERS (continued) ———
25. Complete orientation. Ensure the driver passes your new-driver orientation process.
26. Verify HOS compliance. Before the driver operates a CMV for you, obtain either:
    • A signed statement showing the driver’s total on-duty time for the past 7 days and the time at which the driver was last relieved from duty (to verify compliance with hours-of-service rules prior to driving for you), OR
    • The driver’s logs for the prior 7 days. (395.8(j)(2))
27. Complete/verify all documentation. Verify that all required documentation has been compiled for the Driver’s Qualification file (391.51), Driver Investigation History file (391.53), and Drug/Alcohol Testing file (382.401), as applicable. The file(s) may be kept electronically or on paper.

Key to remember: Follow these steps to properly hire and qualify a commercial motor vehicle driver.

NOTE: The timeline above is designed to provide reasonably accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is made available with the understanding that J. J. Keller is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert service is required, the services of such a professional should be sought. J. J. Keller shall not be held liable in any degree for any loss, damage, or injury caused by any omission, error, misprinting, or ambiguity present in this material.

What is 392.2C?

Section 392.2C is enforcement’s code for “failure to obey traffic control device.” The C stands for control.

The citation appears in the severity table for the Unsafe Driving BASIC (Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category). The violation has been assigned a value of 5 out 10, with 10 being the most severe. The violation is used when calculating both the carrier’s and driver’s Unsafe Driving BASIC scores.

In most instances, the traffic control device is not a signal light or stop or yield sign. Rather, it is the sign that instructs the driver to pull into a weigh station.

Who must pull into a weigh station?

The vehicles that must stop at scales and inspection locations vary from state to state and even from location to location within a state. The “weigh scale ahead” or similar sign should be the driver’s guide.

If the sign reads:

• All vehicles over 16,000 pounds, the driver can safely bypass the scale if under the weight threshold.
• All commercial motor vehicles, the driver should pull in. It is far better to be waived or green lighted through than to be chased down.

Often those who operate commercial vehicles not requiring a commercial driver’s license, such as a large pickup truck or small box truck, mistakenly believe weigh scale inspections are just for larger rigs.

What happens when a driver ignores signage?

If a driver goes past a weigh station without pulling in as directed by a traffic control device, enforcement will pursue and pull over the driver. The officer will then escort the driver back to the weigh station for a roadside inspection.

Even if the driver was honestly confused whether the sign applied to the vehicle, it is too late. And more than likely enforcement’s interest has been piqued. It is highly unlikely the driver will be waived through at this point, and 392.2C will be entered on the roadside inspection report.

Handling violations

CSA’s enforcement model suggests finding the root cause of roadside inspection violations to prevent future occurrences and ultimately improve BASIC scores.

A violation of 392.2C may have one of several root causes, such as:

• Confusion over applicability
• Inattentiveness (missing the sign)
• Running late
• Risky behavior (taking the chance that no one will pursue)
• Concern over other violations discovered once stopped

Whatever the reason, it must be addressed with the driver. Corrective actions range from refresher training to termination. If the driver was trying to avoid enforcement for other reasons (drugs, alcohol, over HOS limits), these other violations need to be addressed accordingly.

Key to remember: Failing to obey a traffic control device will be used in calculation of the CSA Unsafe Driving BASIC scores. Motor carriers should address the root cause of the violation so it does not recur.

‘State and local laws’

A violation of 392.2 is a violation of a local or state law, regulation, or ordinance. These must be obeyed due to 392.2, which reads, “Every commercial motor vehicle must be operated in accordance with the laws, ordinances, and regulations of the jurisdiction in which it is being operated.”

The confusion is that there are no paragraphs in 392.2, so there technically should be no letters following that section. However, to inform the driver, carrier, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) what particular state or local law or regulation was involved, FMCSA has developed a system of suffix codes. The letters following “392.2” – the “suffix” — show which state or local law or regulation was involved.

When one of these codes is used, the officer should include a description of the specific violation in the “violation details” area on the actual inspection report. FYI: Summary roadside inspection reports (such as the ones visible in CSA’s SMS) do not show these details.

Not all 392.2 violations are used in CSA

Not all of these state and local law or regulation violations are used by the FMCSA for scoring purposes. The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) Safety Measurement System (SMS) does not use the 392.2 violations that cannot be tied to crash causation. Here are a couple of examples: 392.2UCR Failure to pay UCR fee and 392.2W Size and weight are not used.

Most common 392.2 violations

Below are the top 10392.2violations written during 2021. All of these violations are safety-related, and therefore used in the CSA SMS for scoring. The BASIC within the SMS the violation is scored in is shown following the violation description.

1. 392.2SLLS2 Speeding 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit (Unsafe Driving)
2. 392.2C Failure to obey traffic control device (Unsafe Driving)
3. 392.2LV Lane Restriction violation (Unsafe Driving)
4. 392.2SLLS3 Speeding 11-14 miles per hour over the speed limit (Unsafe Driving)
5. 392.2WC Wheel (Mud) flaps missing or defective (Vehicle Maintenance)
6. 392.2SLLS4 Speeding 15 or more miles per hour over the speed limit (Unsafe Driving)
7. 392.2ML Failure to maintain lane (Unsafe Driving)
8. 392.2SLLSWZ Speeding work/construction zone (Unsafe Driving)
9. 392.2PK Unlawfully parking and/or leaving vehicle in the roadway (Unsafe Driving)
10. 392.2FC Following too close (Unsafe Driving)

Key to remember

In general, FMCSA does not write traffic codes. They rely on local and state agencies to do that. When state or local traffic codes are violated, it appears on a roadside inspection report as a violation of 392.2, with a suffix indicating which traffic code was involved.

Last year’s survey results

The annual survey provides invaluable information, including industry hurdles and how they’ve changed over the past few years.

The information shared in the 2024 study helped stakeholders address the challenges of fleet management, including:

• Compliance
• Driver training
• Driver knowledge and skills
• Job stress
• Leadership buy-in
• Overall safety
• Vehicle maintenance

Click to view The State of Fleet Management: Insights on Priorities for Today's Fleet Managers — 2024 Study.

For-hire vs. private

For-hire carriers use vehicles to transport people or property and are paid for their service. The fee could be a direct fee like a fare or a rate but could also be other indirect forms of compensation. Examples of for-hire operations include a trucking company that hauls other people’s property for a fee (direct compensation) or a hotel that includes in its service the transportation to and from the airport to the hotel (indirect compensation).

Private carriers, on the other hand, transport only their own goods or people. Examples include a manufacturer that uses its own commercial vehicles to transport its product, a construction or landscaping company that uses commercial vehicles to transport equipment and employees to job sites, or a utility company that operates commercial vehicles in support of its operations.

For-hire operating authority

While private carriers are not required to obtain operating authority from the FMCSA, for-hire carriers are required to get authority to move property or people that belong to somebody else and get paid for their service. Having authority is often referred to as having an MC Number.

The most common types of authority are:

• Property for-hire
• Passenger for-hire
• Household goods
• Broker
• Freight forwarder

If a company never operates a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), it is possible to have authority, but not have a USDOT number. For example, straight brokers or freight forwarders.

As part of obtaining for-hire authority, carriers must designate process agents and demonstrate financial responsibility (have proper insurance coverage).

One size does not fit all

Authorities are not all-inclusive. Separate authority is needed for each type of service offered. For instance, a for-hire, over-the-road carrier that also wants to be able to resell its extra demand will need both for-hire and brokerage authorities. A company is required to pay a $300 one-time fee for each type of authority needed.

Permanent authority required

There are no temporary permits available to substitute for authority. For-hire operations may not be performed until the proper authority has been granted. It’s not uncommon for otherwise private carriers to become for-hire carriers to generate revenue on back-hauls or help balance capacity and demand during slow periods or seasons.

Getting it right

Carriers need to get it right when it comes to authority. Carriers required to have authority — but don’t and operate anyway — can get themselves into trouble. Penalties for operating without proper authority can get expensive and can result in out-of-service orders.

To-do before October 1

Get ready for renewal by taking the following steps now:

• File all your highway use tax returns that are due.
• Pay your taxes. The state will not issue a new certificate of registration if you owe back taxes. Before you apply to renew, make sure that you’ve paid all taxes due under any of the programs administered by the New York State Tax Department, including:
  • HUT,
  • personal income tax,
  • International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA),
  • sales tax, and
  • withholding tax.
• Create an online account if you do not already have one and you want to renew your credentials and pay online (https://www.oscar.ny.gov/).
• Make sure your vehicle registration information is correct and accurate. Review and update your information as soon as possible. Incorrect information will delay the processing of your certificates and decals.

Beginning October 1

Once the renewal period opens, renew your credentials and pay your renewal fees online with One Stop Credentialing and Registration (OSCAR).

Submit your renewal application by November 30, 2024, to make sure you receive your decals in time to place them on your vehicles before January 1, 2025.

If you are already enrolled in OSCAR, use your current OSCAR password to renew online.

If you are not enrolled, visit OSCAR, and select Enroll Now. You must have a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number and an employer identification number (EIN).

To renew your registration:

1. Visit the OSCAR website and select HUT Renewal from the Business Type drop-down.
2. Enter your information in the USDOT#, NYS Tax ID#, and Password fields, then select Log in.
3. If you have 300 or fewer vehicles, choose either:
   1. Renew all HUT/AFC Certificates of Registration to renew all your active current series permits, or
   2. Select HUT/AFC Certificates of Registration to renew specific permits.
4. If you have more than 300 vehicles, choose either:
   1. Renew all to renew all your active current series permits, or
   2. File renewal to renew select permits.

If you are unable to renew electronically, you may file Form TMT-1.2, Renewal Application for Highway Use Tax (HUT) and Automotive Fuel Carrier (AFC) Certificates of Registrations and Decals – 25th Series.

Key to remember: Take steps now to renew your NY HUT and ensure you receive your new decals before the current ones expire.

Which date should be on our posters?

In some cases, employers need to display only the latest version of a poster, the one with the most recent revision date. In other cases, multiple versions of a poster will be complaint, and an employer can display either the most recent version or a previous one.

Here are revision dates to look for on the federal postings on your wall:

• Employee Rights Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): 04/23
• Employee Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): 04/23, 04/16, or 04/13
• Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal: 06/27/2023
• Employee Rights: Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA): 02/22 or 07/16
• Job Safety and Health: It’s the Law (Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)): 2019 (previous versions also acceptable)
• Your Rights Under USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act): 04/2017 (previous versions also acceptable)

Where should posters be displayed?

In addition to displaying the most recent version of a poster, it is important to place the poster in a location where it is easily visible and readily accessible to employees. This could be in a hallway near a common entrance, in a cafeteria or break room, or near a time clock.

In a large building with multiple entrances or break rooms, more than one set of posters may need to be displayed. When a company has multiple buildings on a large corporate campus, posters must be placed in each building where employees are reporting to work.

What happens if I don’t display labor law posters?

If labor law posters are not properly displayed, a company may face a fine or the increased risk of a lawsuit from employees who were not made aware of their rights.

Higher DOL posting penalties took effect on January 15, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is expected to raise the penalty for the Know Your Rights posting soon. The current maximum posting penalties are:

• FMLA: $216 for each separate offense
• Job Safety and Health (OSHA): $16,550 for each separate offense
• EPPA: $26,262 for any violation of the law (including a posting violation)
• Know Your Rights: $680 for each separate offense

The maximum fine is more likely to be levied in cases of willful noncompliance or in conjunction with other penalties.

State and sometimes local postings must also be kept up-to-date. Fines for non-compliance for these posters vary.

Key to remember: Failing to display the correct labor law posters can be a costly mistake. One way to ensure that the right posters are displayed is to check the date on the poster.

8 steps involved in an HR audit

If you decide an audit would be beneficial for your organization, here are the basic steps to share with leadership to make sure everyone is on board.

1. Define the scope and goals of the audit. Will the focus be on compliance with labor laws, efficiency of HR practices, or both?
2. Review HR policies, employee handbooks, and contracts. This step ensures that the policies are up to date and in line with current laws and regulations. Make sure policies protect staff from workplace harassment, for example.
3. Analyze recruiting and hiring practices. This includes job descriptions, notices, applications, and onboarding practices. Ensure that these processes are fair, non-discriminatory, and in compliance with labor laws.
4. Review compensation structure and payroll. Evaluate whether employees are being paid fairly and in compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws. This includes making sure all employees are paid at least the applicable minimum wage or minimum salary level, and that you are calculating overtime correctly when needed. Make sure employees and independent contractors are classified correctly.
5. Look at benefits and leave policies. Confirm that leave policies align with federal and state laws. Verify that health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits meet the legal requirements and are communicated effectively to employees.
6. Evaluate performance management systems. Assess whether performance reviews are fair, unbiased, and aligned with company goals. Make sure that systems are in place to provide constructive feedback for employees. Consider whether disciplinary notes or performance evaluations have been inconsistent or vague and implement ways to improve this so that in the future written documentation can help prove, for example, that proper steps were taken. 
7. Ensure that the company adheres to all other applicable labor laws. This includes posting requirements, working conditions, workplace safety, and other statutory requirements.
8. Review employee files. Make sure you are adhering to recordkeeping laws. For example, an employee’s personal health information must be kept separate from their general personnel file. 

Key to remember: With the flurry of employment law changes in the past several years, 2025 may be a good year to do an HR audit.

Tracking leave

For hourly (nonexempt) employees, employers must pay employees for any hours worked and keep track of that time. If employees work remotely, they might be required to track and report their work hours.

For salaried (exempt) employees, employers don’t have to track their work hours, but must still keep accurate records of the time spent on FMLA leave.

Blocking access

To avoid non-compliance risks with tracking leaves, employers might choose to cut employees’ work access while on extended leave. This can include not only access to the physical workplace but also access to the virtual workplace, including emails and messages. Someone from IT might need to be involved.

If employers don’t want all communications shut down, they could work with employees to identify other means of communication, such as a personal email or phone number. That way, employees can continue to share information such as their intended return date. Employers should also ensure that important messages get through.

If access is not cut off, employers need to make sure that employees know that they should not work during leave and that there could be consequences for doing so.

Policies help

To help ensure consistency, employers should have well-communicated policies on not working during leave and what employees can expect. A well-written and communicated policy can:

• Help employees feel like they are not being punished by being banned from work,
• Show that employers take FMLA leave seriously, and
• Prohibit supervisors from asking employees to work while on leave.

If an employee violates the policy and does any work during leave, employers can look at it as a policy violation and apply their applicable discipline.

Key to remember: Employers may cut off access to work during leave, but doing so requires some careful forethought.

Which states require captive-audience meeting postings?

The posting requirements for captive meeting laws vary by state:

Illinois: Post information about the Worker Freedom of Speech law as of January 1, 2025.

Maine: Display information about the state’s Captive Audience statute after a standardized posting is made available by the state.

Minnesota: Display the Employer-Sponsored Meetings posting from the state.

New York: Post the text of the state’s Discrimination Against Engagement in Certain Activities law.

Oregon: Display the Captive Audiences poster from the state.

Washington: Display the text of the state’s Free Choice Act or a posting from the state when one is made available.

Alaska, California, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Vermont have captive-audience meeting laws, but do not require employers to display related information .

Key to remember: Employers in some states need to display a captive-audience meeting posting to make employees aware of their rights.

1. What are the electrical training requirements?

Training is required for employees who are at risk of electric shock that cannot be eliminated by safe electrical installations. Some occupations listed by OSHA (Table S-4) are automatically included, but other workers who might reasonably face similar risks must also be trained.

All employees need to know the safety-related work practices relevant to their jobs, as specified in OSHA's standards (§§ 1910.331–1910.335).

Unqualified Workers:

These are employees who don’t work directly with live electrical systems but might be exposed to hazards. They need to learn any safety practices related to electricity that are important for their safety, even if those practices aren’t specifically listed in the OSHA standards.

Qualified Workers:

These are employees allowed to work on or near exposed live electrical parts. They must be trained to:

• Recognize which parts of the equipment are live (carrying electricity).
• Understand the voltage levels of live parts.
• Maintain safe distances from live parts based on the specific voltages they’ll encounter.

This training ensures that employees understand the electrical risks they may face and know how to protect themselves and others from harm. By meeting these requirements, employers can reduce workplace injuries and comply with OSHA standards.

2. Does OSHA require us to follow the NFPA 70E standards?

OSHA has not incorporated NFPA 70E by reference into its health and safety regulations. However, the agency does view the NFPA as a valuable resource and encourages employers to adhere to the NFPA standards. OSHA will sometimes use the general duty clause to issue citations for noncompliance with NFPA 70E standards.

The following is OSHA’s position on NFPA 70E from a Letter of Interpretation dated 10/18/2006:

“A national consensus standard can sometimes be relevant to a general duty clause citation. The standard may be used as evidence of hazard recognition and the availability of feasible means of abatement. The general duty clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, is violated if an employer has failed to furnish a workplace that is free from recognized hazards causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm.”

3. Are arc flash labels required on all electrical cabinets?

If/When an arc flash study is performed on electrical equipment, the arc flash study labels should be affixed to the outside cabinets.

You may need to conduct an arc flash study to determine if it is possible or likely for an arc flash or arc blast to occur in each electrical panel/location. NFPA 70E explains further when an arc flash study may be necessary and how to complete one.

In addition, OSHA states the following for electrical panel labels:

1910.303(e) Marking.

(1) Identification of manufacturer and ratings: Electric equipment may not be used unless the following markings have been placed on the equipment:

• (i) The manufacturer’s name, trademark, or other descriptive marking by which the organization responsible for the product may be identified; and

• (ii) Other markings giving voltage, current, wattage, or other ratings as necessary.

(2) Durability. The marking shall be of sufficient durability to withstand the environment involved.

4. What PPE is needed for arc flash protection?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer to this question. OSHA requires employers to perform a hazard assessment under 1910.132(d) to help determine the PPE requirements. This, in addition to the electrical safety PPE requirements at 1910.137, would identify the PPE you need.

The primary source of arc flash analysis is NFPA 70E, which is a copyrighted publication. OSHA doesn’t adopt it by reference. However, they recognize it as an accurate source of information and can use it as part of a citation. The requirements to perform an arc flash risk assessment are found in NFPA 130.5.

There are specific requirements in Table 130.7(C)(15)(a) and (b) that match the type of equipment being worked with the arc-flash PPE category and arc-flash boundary. Also, table 130.7(C)(15)(c) indicates the type of PPE required for each arc-flash PPE category.

Key to remember: Have more electrical safety questions? Be sure to submit them through theExpert Help feature.

Clarifying recordability

Seasonal influenza (flu) is extremely common, especially during the winter season. With almost 30 million cases each year, this contagious respiratory illness can easily infiltrate the workplace. Flu can be spread from direct contact with others, sneezing, coughing, or simply talking to an infected person. Symptoms can range from a mild runny nose to hospitalization due to complications from the virus. So, when does the flu become recordable on the OSHA log?

OSHA's recordkeeping regulation at 1904.5(a) requires employers to consider an illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused, contributed to, or significantly aggravated a pre-existing illness. Work-relatedness is presumed for illnesses resulting from events or workplace exposures unless they fall within one of the exceptions listed in the standard. The common cold and flu is one of those exceptions.

Section 1904.5(b)(2)(viii) states that employers are not required to record injuries and illnesses if, ". . . the illness is the common cold or flu. The exception for cold or flu cases applies even if the illness was contracted at work or outside of work. However, contagious diseases such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, hepatitis A, or plague are considered work-related if the employee is infected at work.

While OSHA's regulations don’t require the employers to record flu cases, employers should never assume the recordability exception without a careful look at each instance. Employers should make every effort to investigate cases of illnesses to rule out any underlying issues that may be work-related, such as the exposure to hazardous substances that could be creating chemical sensitization which may mimic flu-like symptoms.

Additionally, employers should seek an opinion from a medical professional to confirm an illness is seasonal influenza. The illness may meet recording criteria if it is determined as significant following a diagnosis by a physician or other licensed health care professional, even if it does not result in medical treatment beyond first aid or other recordable criteria.

Understanding the regulations

OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens standard at 1910.1030 has been effective for worker protection from exposures to blood or other potentially infectious material (OPIM) like saliva, tears, or other bodily fluids. However, the standard doesn’t address the flu “bug.”

A standard has been considered for consistent management of workplace transmission-based infection control. OSHA has published an Infectious Disease Request for Information (RFI), Stakeholder Summary Report, and Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) Panel Final Report that demonstrate a focus on worker protection from infectious diseases. These reports and information on the Agency’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) are available at www.osha.gov/infectious-diseases/rulemaking. In the meantime, employers have a duty to protect workers from recognized hazards under the General Duty Clause.

Key to remember: Employers are not required to record on the OSHA 300 Log when an employee has the flu or common cold, regardless of whether the illness resulted from a workplace exposure.

OSHA’s announcement on helmets vs. hard hats

OSHA released a Safety and Health Bulletin (SHIB 11-22-2023) on November 22, 2023, detailing the key differences and benefits of using modern safety helmets over traditional hard hats.

And just a few weeks later, in the December 11, 2023 Trade Release, the Agency announced it would now require its inspectors to wear Type II head protection, which is also commonly referred to as safety helmets.

The two main benefits of Type II safety helmets

The November 22, 2023 SHIB discussed two main benefits of choosing modern safety helmets over traditional hard hats -- the construction of materials and the use of chinstraps.

And while OSHA has recognized the benefits of Type II safety helmets, and is actively taking steps to protect its own employees, it’s important to understand that there is not a new requirement for employers to make the switch to safety helmets.

That being said, a growing number of employers have recognized the benefits of added head protection and are choosing to use Type II helmets for their workers. In addition, some clients are starting to contractually require their construction contractors to make the switch as well.

Understanding the different types of head protection

Hard hats will have a Type I or Type II rating on the manufacturer’s sticker. These markings are based on ANSI Z89.1’s impact ratings.

Type I hard hats protect from objects or impacts from the top center area of the hard hat and are often used in work areas with no lateral head impact hazards.

Type II hard hats, on the other hand, offers protection from both top and lateral impacts and objects and is often found on construction job sites or complex general industry settings where workers face multiple head contact exposures.

Hard hats are classified based on their level of voltage protection. See the chart below.

Choosing the right head protection for your employees

Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis and/or a PPE assessment to determine which style hard hat is best for their workers. In general, OSHA recommends the use of Type II safety helmets at the following locations:

1. Construction Sites: For construction sites, especially those with high risks of falling objects and debris, impacts from equipment, or slips, trips, and falls, safety helmets have enhanced impact resistance and additional features that offer superior protection compared to the components and construction of traditional hard hats.

2. Oil and Gas Industry: In these sectors where workers face multiple hazards, including potential exposure to chemicals and severe impacts, safety helmets with additional features can provide comprehensive protection.

3. Working from Heights: For tasks or jobs that involve working from heights, safety helmets offer protection of the entire head and include features that prevent the safety helmet from falling off.

4. Electrical Work: For tasks involving electrical work or proximity to electrical hazards, safety helmets with non-conductive materials (Class G and Class E) provide protection to prevent electrical shocks. However, some traditional hard hats also offer electrical protection.

5. High-Temperature Environments: In high temperatures or where there is exposure to molten materials, safety helmets with advanced heat-resistant properties can provide additional protection to workers.

Key to remember: While there isn’t a new requirement for safety helmets, employers should review their workplace hazards to determine which style of hard hat will best protect their employees.

Alternative glove selection for COVID-19

Here’s a summary of glove types and the protection given to help evaluate alternatives.

Butyl gloves protect against a variety of chemicals such as peroxide, highly corrosive acids, strong bases, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters and nitrocompounds. Butyl gloves also resist oxidation, ozone corrosion and abrasion, and remain flexible at low temperatures. However, they do not perform well with aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and halogenated solvents.

Natural (latex) rubber gloves have good elasticity and temperature resistance, and resist abrasions well. They protect against most water solutions of acids, alkalis, salts, and ketones. Latex gloves may cause allergic reactions and may not be appropriate for all employees. Hypoallergenic gloves, glove liners, and powderless gloves are possible alternatives for employees who are allergic.

Neoprene gloves protect against hydraulic fluids, gasoline, alcohols, organic acids, and alkalis. Their chemical and wear resistance are generally better than gloves of natural rubber.

Nitrile gloves are intended for jobs requiring dexterity, and they stand up even after prolonged exposure to substances that cause other gloves to deteriorate. They offer protection when working with greases, oils, acids, caustics, and alcohols but are not recommended for use with strong oxidizing agents, aromatic solvents, ketones, and acetates.

Prepare the 300A

Employers that maintain a 300 Log must prepare a 300A Annual Summary and post it from February 1 though April 30. Even if the establishment had zero recordable incidents, the employer must post the summary. OSHA requires posting physical copies, but employers can post on a company intranet in addition to the physical poster.

Before creating the 300A, review the 300 Log for accuracy. Employers don’t have to examine every entry but should spot check a number of cases. Typical problems include:

• In Column (E), listing a vague location such as “warehouse” rather than a more accurate description such as “loading dock north end.”
• Column (F) requires describing the injury, the body part, and the cause. A description like “burned forearm” does not specify left or right and does not describe how the incident occurred. OSHA gives the example, “Second degree burns on right forearm from acetylene torch.”

To complete the 300A, employers need to calculate the average number of employees and the total hours worked. For more information, see our article Completing the 300A: Tips for the mathematically challenged.

Once completed, a company executive must certify the summary before posting. The regulation defines an executive to include the owner, an officer, or the highest ranking official at the establishment.

E-report if required

Many employers must submit injury data through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) by March 2nd each year. Reporting obligations are based on two variables:

1. The number of employees at each establishment (not the number in the entire company), and
2. The NAICS code for each establishment.

The employee count is based on peak employment, not the annual average. If the location reached 20 or more employees during any pay period, it may have to report. This includes part-time and temporary workers, if the location was responsible for recording those workers’ injuries.

To illustrate, suppose a furniture store has 17 retail locations, plus a distribution center, for 18 establishments. Each retail store had fewer than 20 employees all year, but the distribution center had 35 employees. None of the retail locations would need to e-report. Only the distribution center must electronically file.

As noted, not every employer is covered, but even furniture stores and grocery stores must report if an establishment had 20 or more employees. In brief:

• If an establishment had 20 or more employees and the NAICS code appears in 1904.41 Appendix A, the location must report.
• If an establishment had 100 or more employees and the NAICS code appears in 1904.41 Appendix B, the location must report.
• If an establishment had 250 or more employees and is required to maintain a 300 Log, the location must report regardless of NAICS code.

Since 2025 is only the second year for e-reporting under the revised regulation, check out the requirements in our article Are you ready for OSHA's new injury e-reporting rule on January 1, 2024?

Key to remember: If your company must maintain an OSHA 300 Log, you must prepare and post a 300A Annual Summary by February 1st and you might need to electronically report injury data to OSHA’s ITA by March 2nd.