Safety shines in 2016

This year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued several new rules, some of which required significant changes to the way facilities document workplace injuries, safety violations and Life Safety Code compliance. Safety and risk management experts Steve Wilder and Stan Szpytek kept our readers informed of each change, including our top five most popular safety stories of the year:

New bill aims to eliminate manual lifting

Many in the long-term care industry applaud the proposed legislation to require assistive devices in all lifting cases, but no one is sure how compliance will be enforced—or who's going to pay for all the equipment.

OSHA launches anti-retaliation rules for injury and illness reporting

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has passed rules that forbid retaliation and discrimination for reporting injuries, including post-accident drug testing and "incentive" programs that retaliate against those who bring workplace safety violations to light.

OSHA penalties to increase Aug. 1

OSHA, which last adjusted its penalties in 1990, plans to adjust the fines for inflation each year from now on, as per Congressional rule.

New Life Safety Code requirements begin July 5

Stay compliant with CMS requirements by using the proper editions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Codes and Standards.

Should you allow employees to carry concealed weapons at work?

"My employees want to carry a concealed weapon to work." The decision to allow or prohibit "concealed carry" on your premises is a lot more complicated than you think, even if state law allows it.

Pamela Tabar

Pamela Tabar was editor-in-chief of I Advance Senior Care from 2013-2018. She has worked as a writer and editor for healthcare business media since 1998, including as News Editor of Healthcare Informatics. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Kent State University and a master’s degree in English from the University of York, England.