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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.
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FEATURED NEWS
2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyFall ProtectionGeneral Industry SafetyFall ProtectionIn-Depth ArticleEnglishFocus AreaUSA
Fall protection starts before the harness goes on
A worker climbs onto a mezzanine, roof, platform, or elevated work area and clips into a harness. It feels like the fall hazard has been addressed. However, many fall incidents involve problems that began long before the employee reached the edge. Inadequate planning, improper equipment selection, damaged components, unclear rescue procedures, and insufficient training can turn routine work at height into a serious incident.
Fall hazards aren't always obvious
Some workplace hazards are easy to spot. Fall hazards can be different. Employees may perform the same elevated task repeatedly without incident, creating the impression that the work is low risk, but the absence of a previous incident does not mean the hazard has been eliminated. Familiarity can make employees less likely to recognize physical hazards, changing conditions, and gaps in the fall protection program, including:
- Damaged or improperly used fall protection equipment,
- Unprotected edges or openings,
- Improper ladder or platform use,
- Missing or inadequate training,
- Poor equipment inspections, and
- Changes in work surfaces, weather, housekeeping, or other job-site conditions that were not addressed before work began.
Planning is the first layer of fall protection
Many fall incidents can be traced to decisions made before employees start work. Before the task begins, employers should identify where fall hazards exist, determine what protection is required, and establish how employees will perform the work safely. Deliberate planning helps prevent employees from having to make critical decisions while exposed to a fall hazard. Pre-job planning should consider:
- The location and height of the work,
- Access methods such as ladders, lifts, or stairs,
- The type of fall protection needed,
- Potential swing-fall or lower-level hazards,
- Environmental conditions that could affect employee safety, and
- The rescue procedures, equipment, and personnel needed before work begins.
Inspections help catch problems before equipment fails
Fall protection equipment is often stored, transported, exposed to weather, and used in demanding environments. Over time, components can wear, become damaged, or be altered in ways that reduce their effectiveness. Inspection programs work best when employees understand that reporting equipment concerns is expected, not optional, and know how to identify conditions that may require equipment to be removed from service, including:
- Cuts, tears, abrasions, or excessive wear,
- Damaged stitching,
- Deformed hooks, connectors, or hardware,
- Missing labels or identification markings,
- Signs of chemical damage, corrosion, or heat exposure, and
- Equipment that has been subjected to a fall or has any other condition that could affect its safe performance.
Don't overlook rescue planning
One of the most overlooked aspects of fall protection is what happens after a fall occurs. Arresting a fall is only the first step. Employers must also determine how the employee will be rescued and how quickly help can be provided. Rescue planning should be treated as part of the job rather than something addressed only after an incident and should include, as applicable:
- Identifying primary and backup rescue methods,
- Determining what equipment will be used,
- Establishing emergency communication procedures,
- Verifying rescue equipment is available and accessible,
- Training designated personnel on rescue procedures, and
- Reviewing rescue plans whenever work conditions change.
Strong programs rely on multiple layers of protection
No single piece of equipment eliminates fall hazards. A strong fall protection program brings prevention, equipment selection, inspection, training, and rescue planning together, so each layer supports the others before, during, and after work at height. Before work begins, make sure your program includes the following:
Plan the work: Evaluate fall hazards before work begins and select appropriate protection.
Provide the right equipment: Ensure employees have equipment that matches the task and work environment.
Conduct inspections: Verify equipment remains in safe working condition and remove damaged equipment from service.
Train employees: Train employees to recognize fall hazards, equipment limitations, safe work practices, and rescue procedures.
Prepare for emergencies: Develop and communicate rescue procedures before employees are exposed to fall hazards.
Key to remember: Effective fall protection is more than wearing a harness. When hazards are identified early, equipment is matched to the task, employees are trained, and rescue is planned so that employers are better prepared to prevent serious fall-related injuries.
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2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsHeat and Cold ExposureSafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyIn-Depth ArticleExtreme Temperature PreparationEnglishHeat StressFocus AreaUSA
Playlist: Protecting workers from the heat
Summer may be winding down, but temperatures don’t seem to be for much of the country, so heat stress can still occur. Even as temperatures do begin to fall, physical exertion, humidity, radiant heat sources, limited airflow, or heavy PPE can still place workers at risk. Workers returning from vacation, new hires, and others who have not recently worked in the heat may be especially vulnerable. So, rather than scaling back protections too soon, employers should continue emphasizing heat injury and illness prevention.
This playlist gathers some of the most helpful Compliance Network resources to walk you through essential protective measures and information to help you keep workers cool, hydrated, and rested.
- Begin with a heat-related injury or illness hazard assessment.
- Implement engineering controls (fans, ventilation, etc.) whenever feasible.
- Establish water – rest – shade – acclimatization protocols.
- Provide cooling PPE for workers.
- Train workers to recognize and report signs of heat illness.
- Monitor heat index, humidity, and workplace conditions regularly.
- Establish emergency procedures and a buddy system for heat-related incidents.
- Ensure exposures and incidents are reported so corrective actions can be implemented to prevent similar events.
- Review OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for heat and the proposed heat rule to ensure you have considered all heat-related protections.
For even more resources to combat lingering heat, consider exploring related Compliance Network topics such as our state heat regulation Comparison Table and Expert Insights articles.
A Compliance Network playlist is a curated collection of practical resources designed to help you quickly address a specific event, task, or compliance challenge. Each playlist brings relevant guidance together in one place so you can spend less time searching and more time taking action. Stay tuned — more practical, ready-to-use collections are coming soon.
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2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
NewsChange NoticesWage and HourChange NoticeMaineAssociate Benefits & CompensationAssociate RelationsHR GeneralistMinimum WageHR ManagementEnglishFocus AreaHuman Resources
Maine to increase minimum wage
Effective date: January 1, 2027
This applies to: Employers with employees in Maine Description of change: Effective January 1, 2027, Maine’s minimum wage will increase from $15.10 to $15.70 per hour.
The tipped minimum wage will increase from $7.55 to $7.85 per hour.
The salary threshold for overtime will increase from $871.16 per week ($45,300.32 per year) to $905.79 per week ($47,101.08 per year).
View related state info: Minimum wage - Maine
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2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
NewsIndustry NewsFleet SafetyEntry-Level driver trainingEntry-level driver trainingFocus AreaIn-Depth ArticleFleet OperationsEnglishTransportationUSA
ELDT providers face continued compliance scrutiny
Entry-level driver training (ELDT) providers should prepare for ongoing regulatory oversight as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) continues its investigations of providers listed on the Training Provider Registry (TPR).
The agency's focus extends beyond verifying that required training is being delivered. Investigators are placing an emphasis on documentation, “training ready” programs, and internal controls.
Documentation
One of the most critical compliance expectations is maintaining complete and accessible documentation. During an investigation, ELDT providers must be able to produce the required training records. Section 380.725 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires that the ELDT provider maintain certain records, including:
- Self-certifications by all accepted applicants for behind-the-wheel training, attesting that they will comply with the regulations in Parts 40, 382, 383, and 391, as well as state and/or local laws related to alcohol and controlled substances testing, age, medical certification, licensing, and driver records;
- A copy of the driver-trainee’s commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or commercial driver’s license (CDL), as applicable;
- Instructor qualification documentation indicating driving and/or training experience for each instructor, and copies of CDLs and applicable endorsements;
- The lesson plans for theory and behind-the-wheel (range and public road) training curricula; and
- Records of individual entry-level driver training assessments.
When it comes to curriculum documentation, including lesson plans, it isn’t enough for the ELDT provider to just say they have a curriculum. The ELDT provider needs to be able to show an investigator that they have a detailed and complete curriculum for each type of ELDT they provide.
Is the program “training ready?”
Simply listing a particular ELDT program on the TPR is no longer sufficient. For example, if an ELDT provider’s TPR profile lists that they provide Class A CDL ELDT, the provider must be prepared to show the investigator its Class A curriculum, facilities, equipment, and vehicles.
Internal controls
So, how does an ELDT provider ensure it meets all of the requirements? By implementing strong internal controls. Regular self-audits can help providers identify gaps in documentation, instructor qualifications, recordkeeping, reporting processes, and curriculum delivery before those issues become compliance concerns.
ELDT providers that routinely evaluate their programs are often better equipped to respond to investigations, audits, and requests for information.
The consequences
Not having required documentation in place, a “training ready” program, or sufficient internal controls can result in the ELDT provider being issued a Notice of Proposed Removal from the TPR. If the issue is not corrected, this can lead to the provider having to shut down its ELDT program.
Key to remember: As FMCSA investigation efforts continue, ELDT providers should focus on maintaining complete and up-to-date program documentation, conducting regular internal audits of all ELDT program components, and ensuring curricula, facilities, instructors, and vehicles support listed training offerings.
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2026-09-24T05:00:00Z
NewsUnified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR)Drug and Alcohol Testing - DOTIn-Depth ArticleHeavy vehicle use tax HVUTEnglishDrug and Alcohol Clearinghouse - Motor CarrierIndustry NewsFleet SafetyInternational Registration Plan (IRP)Random alcohol and drug testing- Motor CarrierFocus AreaFleet OperationsFleet TaxesInternational Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA)Fleet taxesTransportationRegistration and Permits - Motor CarrierUSA
Expert Insights: Q4 Compliance — Don’t let the year slip away
The fourth quarter is one of the busiest times of the year for motor carriers. Between seasonal freight demands, budgeting, and year-end planning, it's easy for compliance responsibilities to slip through the cracks. However, missing key deadlines can lead to costly penalties, registration issues, and operational disruptions.
Several important compliance tasks typically come due during the fall and winter months. Now’s the time to:
- File license renewals under the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) for the upcoming calendar year. Renew early to get your new decals by January 1;
- Check the status of vehicle registration renewals, including apportioned plates under the International Registration Plan (IRP), which may occur at different times depending on your base jurisdiction;
- Submit Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) renewals for interstate carriers;
- Perform annual vehicle inspections that may expire before year's end;
- Review driver qualification files;
- Verify the status of Clearinghouse annual queries for all your CDL drivers; and
- Ensure Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) Form 2290 has been filed for newly purchased taxable vehicles.
Q4 is also an ideal time to review safety performance and Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) crash and roadside inspection data; verify insurance requirements; and address unresolved maintenance issues and ensure records are complete and current before the new year begins.
Another critical task is ensuring that all DOT drug and alcohol testing program requirements have been met. Verify that all required testing is complete. The last random testing cycle of the year must have enough names selected to ensure completed tests meet or exceed the minimum testing rates. Records should be current and properly documented before the year ends.
Finally, don’t forget winter preparedness efforts. Preventive maintenance completed now can help avoid costly breakdowns and violations during the harshest months of the year.
Use Q4 as a compliance checkpoint, and don’t wait for renewal notices to arrive. A proactive review now can help prevent penalties, audit findings, and operational disruptions tomorrow.
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2026-09-21T05:00:00Z
NewsAccident Investigation Preparation and ResponseAccident Corrective and Preventative ActionsIn-Depth ArticleEnglishIndustry NewsAccident Investigation - OSHAAccident Investigation - OSHASafety & HealthConstruction SafetyGeneral Industry SafetyAgriculture SafetyAccident responseFocus AreaUSA
ASTM guidance on SIFs has updated; it’s time to update too!
What if your safety program is hitting its target, but is still missing the one condition that could kill or seriously harm someone if unchanged? Shifting from a safety scoreboard to a risk spotlight could be the solution that takes you from responding to incidents to preventing them.
A change in perspective
For decades, safety performance has been measured using metrics such as TRIR and LTIR. While those measures remain valuable, they primarily tell us what happened yesterday. They don't always reveal the hazards that could cause a serious injury or fatality (SIF) tomorrow.
That's the thinking behind ASTM International’s updates to ASTM-E2920-26, which encourages organizations to look beyond injury counts and focus on identifying, prioritizing, and controlling high-consequence risks before tragedy occurs. In other words, moving from looking at incidents in the rearview mirror to looking through the windshield at what’s headed their way.
A new way to look at safety
ASTM’s hope is to change the lens through which risk is evaluated from hindsight to foresight and from injury tracking to risk recognition and hazard prevention. In addition to broadening the scope of “what” is evaluated, they’ve expanded serious injuries and fatalities (SIF) to include operational risks and system conditions.
Prioritizing what matters most
A key change in ASTM E2920 26 encourages employers to prioritize incidents in levels:
- Level 1: Actual SIFs (aSIF) (life-ending, life-threatening, or life-altering injuries/illnesses),
- Level 2: Priority injuries/illnesses with significant impact that call for a closer look,
- Level 3: Regulatory recordables that don’t meet Level 1 or Level 2 criteria, and
- Level 4: Minor injuries and near misses such as first aid incidents or low-risk events.
Somewhere between Levels 2 and 4 lies the potential SIF (pSIF) where incidents could have had significant impact or severe consequences. It shifts the focus from "What happened?" to "What could have happened?" Consider a forklift backing out of an aisle with a raised load. As the operator turns, the load shifts and falls from the forks, landing a few feet from a nearby employee. No injuries occurred.
In many organizations, this would have been classified as a near miss triggering a safety refresher about safe forklift operation, then closed out. The ASTM E2920-26 challenges employers to new thinking by asking:
- What if the employee had been one step closer?
- What if the load had fallen directly onto them?
- Would the result have been life-altering or fatal?
If the answers to these questions is “yes,” the near miss shifts to a pSIF and changes the response. Rather than a simple safety reminder, an investigation would be launched to determine contributing factors or conditions allowing the event to occur (load stability, operator visibility, travel routes, and pedestrian controls). Afterward, stronger safeguards would be implemented, creating even more employee protection.
Organizations that focus on pSIFs learn from close calls before they become life-changing incidents, allowing them to direct resources where they can have the biggest impact: preventing serious injuries and saving lives.
Shifting focus to controls
ASTM E2920 26 also challenges employers to emphasize hazard controls, moving from reaction to proaction. Training, policies, procedures, and signage are important, but they rely on infallible human behavior and workers consistently making the right decisions. Higher levels of control, such as elimination, substitution, and engineering controls, remove or reduce exposure to hazards regardless of human behavior.
Here’s how to shift into gear:
- Reframing injury prevention to a focus on risk rather than just rates.
- Adding pertinent investigation questions when incidents have the potential to cause a fatal or life-altering outcome.
- Flagging incidents or near misses involves high energy or line-of-fire exposures.
- Escalating identified pSIF events for formal review and corrective action.
- Tracking incident trends involving energy sources, failed or missing safeguards, and potential worst-case outcomes.
- Evaluating controls realistically. Initially, you may see higher SIF numbers, which is expected and is a good thing!
- Ensuring adequate resources are available for incident investigations and training.
- Updating reporting tools that can track pSIF trends and tie them directly to effective controls.
- Communicating program goals with workers so employees understand the purpose of pSIF reporting is prevention, not blame.
Key to remember: ASTM E2920 26 reframes safety in a powerful way, encouraging employers to shift focus from reactive assessments to proactive controls. By looking not just at what happened, but what could have happened, employers move beyond measuring injuries and start identifying the events that could have resulted in serious injury or death.
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Copyright 2026 J. J. Keller & Associate, Inc. For re-use options please contact copyright@jjkeller.com or call 800-558-5011.