Arkansas OSHA Alert

May 16th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

With All – Terrain Vehicles, being used more and more in industry, it was perhaps, only a matter of time before tragedy struck. Many employers are happy to use t0he vehicles in industry, but do not realize that with no training in the use of ATVs, or safety precautions in place, that serious injury or death can occur.

It was a tragic accident that instigated this Arkansas OSHA alert.

Yet it was an accident that could have been prevented with some thought and training. ATVs are a source of quick transport across rough terrain, and are often used to carry cargo or modified to pull machinery.

Employers need to know that when you use what is primarily a recreational vehicle for industrial purposes, the outcome can be tragic. These vehicles are used for recreation by adults and children, and it may be this false sense of security that can lead to carelessness on the side of both employer and worker.

Employers need to take responsibility for providing adequate training on the use of ATVs for their workers. Also, both employer and worker need to understand how to operate the vehicle properly and according to the manufacture’s instruction manual. This includes only using the vehicle for the purpose it was designed for.

ATVs can become unstable when carrying cargo, or if they have been modified, by, for example, having extra machinery attached to the back of the vehicle.

This was the case of a tragic ATV related accident involving a worker who was spraying crops with herbicide. The sprayer was attached to the back of the ATV, and when it was driven uphill, it became unstable and the front wheels lifted off the ground. The worker tried to shift her weight in an attempt to stop the ATV from overturning. The vehicle turned over, and the worker was crushed when she attempted to jump clear, and died.

With recreational ATV related injuries topping 136,100, employers need to do all that they can to ensure the safety of their workers when ATVs are used in industry.

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Arkansas OSHA

May 15th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

The Arkansas OSHA urges employers to make sure their Slips, Trips, and Falls poster are up-to-date. Slips, trips and falls account for 15% of accidental deaths. Only motor vehicle accidents cause more fatalities in the workplace.

By placing up-to-date Slips, Trips, Falls posters in an easily seen place, it is hoped that employees will be reminded to mop up every spill. The OSHA has issued revised standards. These refer to working and walking surfaces that are in use in permanent places of employment. Domestic, mining and agricultural work areas are exempt, as long as this is the only work activity that is carried out in the place of work.

Slips, trips and falls can be prevented by good housekeeping in the place of employment. Particular attention should be played to work areas, storerooms, service areas and passageways. These should be maintained in a clean and uncluttered manner.

Floors should be kept as dry and clean as is possible under the working conditions. If the area is used for wet processes, raised platforms should be provided, or alternatively mats or grating. Drains must be kept clear.

In workplaces where mechanical equipment is used, the aisle or passageways should be wide enough for two people to pass. In all cases, passageways and aisles must be kept in good repair. There should be no loose boards, splinters, holes or nails that could cause injury. The passages and aisles should be kept clear, with no obstructions or unnecessary vehicle traffic. This is particularly important if the passageway is used as an emergency exit. Many slips, trips or falls occur when workers need to leave the building quickly.

It is a good idea for employers to instigate a safety awareness program for their workers as well as displaying a Slips Trips Falls poster, to ensure that they do not fall victim or accidents or injury.

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State of Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws

August 26th, 2006 Posted by Rachel

Most people do not think too much about labor laws and how these laws affect them until a problem arises. If you live in the State of Arkansas, there are several Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws that are set in place to help protect you as an employee and will help protect your employer. In addition, the department of labor in your state can help you find answers to common questions concerning labor laws and the work place.

Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws cover many topics. If you have specific questions about labor laws, chances are, you will be able to find the answers by visiting the department of labor law website or by calling one of the several offices. When I was looking at Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws, I was interested to see everything that the department encompasses. For example, there are very specific rules and regulations to just about everything that goes on in the workplace. You can find information about laws and regulations on lunch breaks, bathroom breaks and even rules concerning safety regulations in the business. 

When searching for information about Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws, I also found that the website provides very useful and beneficial information regarding labor laws for children and teens. Many teens want to work, but as a parent, you want to make certain that the employer hiring your teen is following all of the necessary labor laws. You can learn that a teen aged 16-17 cannot work more than ten hours a day and employers are not allowed to let teens work past 11 p.m. This information is easy to find and is useful for all parties involved. 

Arkansas (AR) Employer Laws are easy to find and easy to read when you visit the state department of labor website. As an employee, you will find that this information is very beneficial. You need to know your rights and they are all outlined for you in an easy to read format. 

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Arkansas (AR) Posting Requirements for Employer

August 25th, 2006 Posted by Nicole

There are very specific Arkansas (AR) Posting Requirements for Employers. It is essential (and lawful) for employers to maintain a posting of the most recent labor laws for their states. These labor law posters are designed to offer comprehensive information to employees about their rights when it comes to the labor laws under which they are subjected. The employer is responsible for seeing that the labor law poster is posted in a visible space, that it does not get taken down, and that the most recent version of the poster is always posted.

The most recent update to the Arkansas labor law poster occurred in 2006 when the state reactivates the Workers’ Compensation portion of the poster and added a new labor law description: Health Care Notice for Employees Under Managed Care. Now, the Arkansas (AR) Posting Requirements for Employers include posting posters with the following laws: Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation (in English and in Spanish), Minimum Wage, Overtime and Child Labor Laws, Health Care Notice for Employees Under Managed Care, and the Employee Right to Know Act.

Some of these posted laws are required for all places of work while others are only required for some. Each employer is responsible for obtaining the Arkansas (AR) Posting Requirements for Employers. For example, the Unemployment Insurance notification needs to be in ever place of work whereas only employers who qualify under Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Law need to post information about the Workers’ Compensation.

Additionally, the Minimum Wage, Overtime and Child Labor Law is only required for employers with annual sales less than $500,000 and with four or more employees. The Health Care Notice for Employees Under Managed Care is required if the employer has managed care for his or her organization. Finally, the Right to Know posting is required for all public operations.

  

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Employer Regulatory Requirements in Arkansas

August 10th, 2006 Posted by Sarah

The state of Arkansas has enacted a variety of helpful labor laws. I thought it would be useful to give a brief overview here of those laws. Arkansas labor law covers six basic areas: labor standards, the collection of wages, regulation of employment agencies, labor relations and unfair practices, safety and health laws, and a few miscellaneous regulations.

Labor Standards: This area covers the minimum wage law (which is currently the same as the federal minimum wage, overtime regulations, wage and sex discrimination rules, age discrimination, child labor standards and the prevailing wage law for public construction projects.

Collection of Wages: This area of Arkansas labor law covers issues relating to how wages should be paid to employees in the state, the garnishment of wages, and dealing with wage disputes. For example, the law states that most workers should be paid at least bi-monthly, with the exception of managers and executives in larger companies, who may be paid monthly.

Regulation of Employment Agencies: This primarily deals with the licensing of employment agencies and a variety of regulations to protect workers from unscrupulous employment agents.

Labor Relations and Unfair Practices: This area of the law covers unions, the handling of labor disputes and certain civil rights issues. Certain practices such as pre-employment physicals, blacklists and employer references for prospective employees are also regulated.

Safety and Health Laws: This section of the law regulates a variety of potentially hazardous situations including work near boilers, high voltage lines, amusement park rides, elevators, mines, blasting, railroads and other common carriers.

Miscellaneous Labor Laws: This final area of the law includes a few provisions relating to voting time, jury duty, leaves of absence for public service and apprenticeship programs.

Much more detailed information on both Arkansas and Federal labor laws can be found on the Arkansas Complete Labor Law Poster.

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