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FINAL RULE: 
Urine Specimen
Collection Regulations
 
Effective August 31, 2009, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has updated regulations affecting return-to-duty and follow-up urine specimen collections.
 
CLICK HERE 
 For More Information From the DOT

AB 2774 NEW PROCEDURES ESTABLISHED AND DEFINITION CLARIFIED FOR Cal/OSHA SERIOUS CITATIONS

California employers are legally bound to provide employees a safe workplace. California law has authorized DIR’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, better known as Cal/OSHA, to enforce applicable safety and health regulations and issue citations when investigations reveal that an employer has committed violations of those standards, including serious violations that cause an employee to suffer or potentially suffer, among other things, “serious injury or illness” or “serious physical harm”. AB 2774, introduced by Assembly member Sandré R. Swanson (D-Alameda), amends labor code section 6432 to define serious physical harm and establishes a rebuttable presumption as to when an employer commits a serious violation of these provisions.  The bill further establishes new procedures and standards for an investigation when issuing serious citations.  (See IR #2010-28, “Cal/OSHA enforcement strengthened with signing of new law”
   
DIR’s mission is to protect the workforce in California, improve working conditions and advance opportunities for profitable employment. For more information on DIR’s divisions, programs and boards go to http://www.dir.ca.gov/ or visit DIR’s small business portal at http://www.dir.ca.gov/SmallBusiness/index.htm.

FEDERAL OSHA RELEASES SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR SECURITY PERSONNEL
A new federal OSHA handbook, 'PREPARING AND PROTECTING SECURITY PERSONNEL IN EMERGENCIES', provides information for employers and their security personnel (such as security guards) who may be exposed to hazardous materials while participating in an emergency response. Topics covered include hazardous substance releases, emergency response roles and training, and personal protective equipment. You can download this new publication online at www.osha.govRECORDKEEPING RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM Cal/OSHA
To help employers meet compliance standards, Cal/OSHA offers recordkeeping resources on its website, including a printable copy of Form 300 (Log Of Work-Related Injuries And Illnesses) and a guide to recordkeeping requirements. You can find the information at www.dir.ca.gov/DOSH/PubOrder.asp

QUICK TIPS FOR NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
In observance of National Preparedness Month, OSHA is reminding employers about the importance of preparing for emergencies. Emergencies can be the result of man-made or natural causes, and include hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, explosions, civil disturbances, fires, toxic gas releases, chemical spills, radiological accidents, workplace violence and terrorism. All too often, people are forced to evacuate their workplace without warning and when they least expect it. Few people can think clearly in a crisis, and that is why it is so important to prepare for an emergency before it happens. Visit OSHA's Evacuation Plans and Procedures eTool to learn how employers can help prevent severe worker injuries during emergencies.