What You Need to Know About the Covid Vaccine Mandate for Businesses

At STC, we are committed to providing our clients with everything they need to know about the latest topics in safety. Recently, there has been news circulating about a new OSHA regulation requiring vaccines or weekly covid tests for businesses with more than 100 employees. Here is everything you need to know about preparing your business for the covid vaccine mandate:

What the Covid Vaccine Mandate Means for You

The covid vaccine mandate will only affect businesses that employ 100 or more people. The aim of the mandate is to slow the spread of covid-19 by ensuring that employees are less likely to catch the virus in their workplaces. Essentially, if your business has 100 or more employees, each employee will be required to be fully vaccinated or provide proof of weekly testing.

When Will This Mandate Take Place

Barring a long-lasting injunction, the OSHA regulation states that employers will have to comply with the rule in phases. By December 4, employers will need to develop a compliance plan, offer paid time off for vaccinations and require unvaccinated workers to wear masks. By January 5, all employees must either be fully vaccinated or provide evidence of weekly covid testing.

An Ever-Changing Vaccine Mandate

As the dates for the covid vaccine mandate become closer, there is new information circulating regularly. The future of the covid vaccine mandate is not completely certain at this point, but we are dedicated to providing our clients with the new information as it is released. Keep an eye on our website and our social media pages to ensure you are as updated as possible!

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for the vaccine mandate, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace? Check out our blog today!

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OSHA Announces New Rules to Protect Workers From the Hazards of Extreme Heat

At STC, we are committed to keeping our clients informed on the latest news happening in our industry. Recently, OSHA passed a new rule regarding working temperatures in an attempt to limit the number of heat illness cases and fatalities. Here is everything you need to know about the new rules regarding heat illness and how they might affect how your business operates:

Expanded Measures to Protect Workers

The enhanced and expanded measures from OSHA are intended to protect workers from the hazards of extreme heat, both inside and outside. The new regulations specifically target those who work in conditions of 80˚ Fahrenheit or more either inside of their facility or outside on the job. Their new tactics will include an intervention and enforcement initiative to protect workers.

Implementing an Enforcement Initiative

The new enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards will be used to prevent illness and protect workers from heat-related illnesses while they are working in hot environments. In addition, OSHA will also be implementing a National Emphasis Program on heat inspections and launching a more regulated rulemaking process to develop a workplace heating standard.

The Hazards of Extreme Heat

While the new regulations will help regulate working conditions for employees, we see it as a win for workers everywhere who have had to work in hazardous conditions. In 2019 alone, 43 workers died from heat illness and at least 2,410 others suffered serious injuries and illnesses. Since heat illness is a highly preventable injury, the new regulations are a much-needed change.

No matter how you choose to start regulating these rules into your workplace, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, instructor-led training and safety consulting services that will help build a safety culture around your business. Want to learn more about the hazards of extreme heat from the experts at STC? Check out our blog today!

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New Guidance from OSHA on Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 

As pandemic safety starts to become an afterthought for many vaccinated individuals, it is still crucial for everyone to work on preventing the spread of COVID-19 in their everyday lives. For those on the job, OSHA has recently released new guidelines for how to stay vigilant about the spread of the virus. Here is everything you need to know about the new guidance from OSHA on preventing the spread of COVID-19 from the safety experts at STC: 

Understand Who is Vaccinated in Your Workplace 

OSHA has stated that, unless noted by local laws, rules, and regulations, most employers no longer need to take steps to protect their fully vaccinated workers who are not otherwise at-risk from COVID-19 exposure. The new guidelines from OSHA are strictly for those that have not been vaccinated. If everyone in your company is vaccinated, these guidelines do not apply. 

Help Employees Identify Opportunities to Get Vaccinated 

There are many reasons a person may choose to not get vaccinated, but for those that are waiting for an easily-accessible vaccine option, it is important to help them identify those opportunities. There are a number of great resources available for each state, and in many instances, each county, on how to easily get vaccinated. Ask around to see how workers are getting vaccinated in your area and share that information with every employee. Vaccinations are key for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping all of your employees safe. 

Guidelines for Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 

For employers who are actively working to keep their unvaccinated employees safe, the usual guidelines apply. Wearing face coverings, social distancing and practicing good personal hygiene are key to ensuring that employees are safe. To keep your workplace safe, it is best practice to provide employees with face masks, opportunities for social distancing and sick days if they do become infected with the virus. Many companies are also providing each of their employees the incentive of paid time off so that they are able to get their vaccinations in a timely manner. 

No matter how you are preventing the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace, it is crucial to stay vigilant to the new guidelines released by OSHA and the CDC. STC is always here to help keep your workplace safe. Our managed safety services, onsite cna services and safety consulting services are designed to make safety simple. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today! 

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Celebrating National Safety Month with Five Quick Tips for Workplace Safety

At STC, we believe that safety is the most important part of every job, no matter how big or small it may be. That’s why we are so excited to celebrate National Safety Month this June, and continue our dedication to preserving human life every day of the year. To celebrate National Safety Month, we are gearing up with five quick tips for workplace safety from STC: 

 

  1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings 

Whether you are working in an office or at a job site, there are always potentially dangerous situations that may arise. It is crucial to stay vigilant of your surroundings at all times so that you don’t hurt yourself or others while completing your necessary tasks for that day. 

 

  1. Stay Up To Date On All Things Safety 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a great example of how workplace safety can change regularly. Keeping people safe means that OSHA updates its guidelines as they learn new information. Stay up to date on everything safety-related in your industry to keep yourself and others safe. 

 

  1. Don’t Take Shortcuts on Essential Procedures

When it comes to safety, sometimes the smarter way of working is always the harder way of working. Safety procedures and precautions are set in place for a reason, and most of the time when someone gets hurt, it is because they have neglected to follow all safety precautions. 

 

  1. Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment 

If your employer, or OSHA, requires you to wear specific personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job, it is crucial that it gets worn. You never know when a mistake will happen, and you want to be prepared for those instances beforehand by wearing all essential safety equipment. 

 

  1. Training is Key for Celebrating National Safety Month 

The most effective way to ensure that your employees are staying safe is having them complete comprehensive safety training regularly. You can’t protect yourself from something you know nothing about, so we recommend that all employees are trained on safety in the workplace. 

 

No matter how you choose to prepare your employees for National Safety Month, STC is here to help guide you through every step. We offer a wide variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about celebrating National Safety Month? Check out our blog today! 

 

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Bringing Awareness to Workers Memorial Day & OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

At STC, we believe that the work we do makes a difference in the lives of those we do it for, and this month will serve as a reminder of that fact. This year, April 28th will serve the dual purpose of Workers Memorial Day and OSHA’s 50th anniversary. As we work to honor both events, here is everything you need to know about the two momentous days from the safety experts at STC:

 

Honoring Lives for Workers Memorial Day

Workers Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for the lives that have been lost while on the job. Each year, companies around the world continue to lose employees to a variety of fatalities, many of which are preventable with the right training and equipment. Please join us in honoring the lives lost at worksites this Workers Memorial Day, April 28th, by making safety a priority in your workplace and keeping your employees educated in their own safety. 

 

Celebrating OSHA’s 50th Anniversary

While April 28th will serve as a day for remembrance, it will also serve as a day for celebrating OSHA’s 50th anniversary. When OSHA became law 50 years ago, the workers of the world united in a massive win for the safety of their jobs and themselves. After fifty years of passing laws, they have continued to make positive changes in the safety of many industries. We are honored to work closely with laws that work to continue our mission, preserving human life. 

 

Our Commitment to Preserving Lives

In 2021, STC is proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary and a decade of safety excellence. We have worked with a wide variety of clients in many different industries to help them create safer work environments, protect their employees and build internal safety cultures. We are proud of our work, and we will always continue to make our mission possible. 

 

No matter how you choose to protect the lives of your employees, STC is always here to make it simple. We have been committed to protecting lives since day one of operation. We offer a variety of managed safety services, from onsite safety staffing to safety consulting to help prepare your employees for every situation. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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Our Guide to Fall Protection Training in Honor of National Ladder Safety Month

At STC, we are committed to preserving human life by keeping people educated on all of the safety precautions they need to protect themselves. Since it is National Ladder Safety Month, there is no better time to share some information on fall protection training from our safety experts. Here is everything you need to know about fall protection training from STC:

Fall Protection and Ladder Safety are Essential

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death at worksites? The truth is that these kinds of fatalities and injuries are highly preventable when all of your employees are well trained in fall protection. In 2010 alone, there were 226 fatalities caused by falls in the construction industry. These deaths account for more than one-third of the fatalities for the entire year. That’s why it is so crucial to educate your employees on the importance of fall protection and prevention.

Fall Protection Starts with the Right Equipment

As with any job, keeping yourself safe on ladders will require you to plan ahead. When in the planning phase of your project, it is crucial to determine what parts of the job will require workers to stand on ladders or scaffolding. When you know how far your employees will need to climb, you can ensure that you have the appropriate ladders for them to stay safe on the job.

Provide Fall Protection Training to All Employees

Whether your employees are life-long veterans of the industry or just starting out, they will all need to have completed fall protection training before climbing the ladder. You never know when things will start to go wrong on the job site, so you should prepare every employee to handle those situations professionally. When they have the right information and equipment, there is a much higher chance that they will come out of those situations unharmed.

No matter how you choose to keep your employees safe, STC is here to help you make safety simple. We are dedicated to providing Managed Safety Services, Safety Consulting Services and Instructor-Led Training to keep all of your employees safe on the job. Want to learn more about the importance of creating a strong safety culture? Check out our blog today!

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STC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Guide for Your Workplace

As the COVID-19 vaccine slowly rolls out across the country, many people have the opportunity to make their work lives and personal lives much safer. We have worked hard to gather all of the details you need to ensure that you are able to keep your family, coworkers and clients safe through this time. Here’s everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine from STC:

Who Can Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

The vaccine is in short supply and only being given to those in the 1A or 1B groups. As of right now, the only people eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine are healthcare workers, people over the age of 65 and people 16+ with underlying health conditions. As more vaccines become available, many other groups will become eligible to receive their covid vaccine as well.

How Does the Vaccine Work?

Currently, there are two different vaccines available, both being reported to be 95% effective. These vaccines are not meant to prevent you, or those around you, from getting the virus. Essentially, the vaccine is meant to provoke an immune response, so that your body is better able to fend off the virus if you come into contact with someone who has already been infected.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

Yes, the vaccine has gone through all of the phases of testing and regulatory approvals it needed before entering the market. While this process was sped up due to the severity of the virus, this does not mean that important steps were missed along the way. The vaccines do not contain the live virus, meaning that you cannot contract or spread COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Where Can I Get the Vaccine?

It is expected that people will be able to receive vaccinations for free from their doctors, local pharmacies, hospitals and other medical professionals soon. If you are in groups 1A or 1B, you can go ahead and register for your first dose of the vaccine now, but your wait time will depend on local availability. Depending on which vaccine you receive, there may be a 21-28 day waiting period before you can receive your second, and final, dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

No matter how you choose to keep your workplace safe from COVID-19, it is crucial that every employee understands when and where they can receive their vaccine. STC is always here to help keep your workplace safe. Our managed safety services, onsite cna services and safety consulting services are designed to make safety simple. Want to learn more about STC? Check out our blog today!

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The Guide to Returning to Work After the COVID-19 Pandemic

As things slowly start to look up in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, it will still be a long time before things can return to normal. There are quite a few safety precautions that will stay in play long after the pandemic has ended, and many that are not going away any time soon. Here is everything you need to know about returning to work after the COVID-19 pandemic from STC:

Safety Should Always Be Priority

Whether you have received the coronavirus vaccine or not, COVID-19 safety should always play a major role in how you operate at work. Many others still have not received their vaccines, and even when they do, they can still contract and spread the virus. While health implications are far less severe, many companies, including OSHA, will still require mask-wearing in the future.

Keeping Up With Safety Guidelines

While many companies have continually updated their safety guidelines throughout the pandemic, these guidelines will continue to change in the near future. Experts are still unsure of how the virus will continue to mutate and spread through the general population. The risk of contracting and spreading the virus will continue to pose a risk. We recommend keeping up with the latest information from the WHO, OSHA and CDC to update your guidelines accordingly.

Continuing COVID-19 Safety Precautions

As businesses reopen and many people are returning to work, it is still important to maintain COVID-19 safety precautions. Even if every employee has received their vaccine, there will be a risk of spreading the virus to someone who has not. This virus is not going away when the majority of the population has been vaccinated, and it will continue to affect our everyday lives. Things such as COVID monitors, sanitation and handwashing will still be necessary.

No matter how you choose to protect yourself, your business and your employees from the coronavirus, STC is always here to help you make it simple. We offer a wide range of managed safety services such as onsite CNA staffing, safety-consulting services and instructor-led training. Want to learn more about dealing with COVID-19 at work? Check out our blog today!

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Kicking Off 2021 After 10 years of Managed Safety Services at STC

At STC, we work hard to preserve human life through a variety of managed safety services designed to make workplaces safer. This year, we are proud to be celebrating our 10-year anniversary of prosperous partnerships and safety excellence as we grow more dedicated to safety each and every day. Here is what our customers can expect from STC in 2021:

An Emphasis on COVID-19 Safety

As the coronavirus continues to spread quickly across the country, and vaccines are being distributed, it is essential that we emphasize COVID-19 safety. We will continue training our clients on the guidelines set in place by the CDC, WHO and OSHA to keep employees and businesses safe. COVID-19 is sure to get worse before it gets better, and STC is at the forefront of ensuring that our clients know the necessary precautions to stay safe in this difficult time.

Continuing to Build Our Partnerships

As always, STC will continue to build mutually beneficial partnerships with our clients to learn how we can best help protect your business and employees. We value our partnerships with our clients and the safety of their businesses above all else. In 2021, we will work hard to ensure that each of our clients are protected to the fullest extent of our managed safety services.

The Core Values of Our Managed Safety Services

Our core values will play a crucial role in the success of our business and our work with our clients in 2021. After 10 years of hard work in managed safety services, our core values are still as true to our business as the day they were written. Our entire team can recite them by heart. This year, we will be highlighting each and every one of our core values to stay true to the reason we got into this business, working hard to ensure that our clients go home safely each night.

Our Core Values:

  • Passionately Help Others Win
  • Make Great Plays
  • Be Genuinely Authentic
  • Earn a Seat at the Table
  • Enjoy the Journey

No matter how you choose to keep your employees and business protected in 2021, STC is always here to help you make it simple. Our team can be trusted to handle a wide variety of managed safety services aimed at making your safety our highest priority. Want to learn more about how STC serves as your partner in safety at the workplace? Check out our blog today!

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The Top OSHA Violations Regarding COVID-19 Onsite

As the pandemic continues to spread rapidly around the world, so do the COVID-19 safety precautions intended to keep businesses, and their employees, safe. With the sudden rush of new onsite procedures, many companies have also found themselves with new OSHA violations they have never needed to think about before. Here are the top OSHA violations regarding COVID-19 onsite from your safety partners at STC:

Medical Evaluations and Fit Testing

The most frequently cited OSHA violations during COVID-19 inspections deal with respiratory protection, specifically the lack of medical evaluations and fit testing. Employers are required to provide an employee with a medical evaluation before fit testing them for a respirator. Each time a new respirator is used, the employee must be fit-check prior to using the respirator.

Respiratory Protection Program

The second most violated OSHA regulation dealing with COVID-19 is related to respiratory protection programs. Employers are required to establish, implement or update a respiratory protection program with worksite-specific procedures. They must also provide workers with the mandatory information from Appendix D (Information for Employees Using Respirators When Not Required Under Standard). Failure to comply will result in citations from OSHA.

Training OSHA Violations

Finally, the third most cited OSHA violations all deal with training and information. If an employer did not annually provide effective training and basic information as described in Appendix D, they may receive a citation. Employers are required to ensure that their employees are able to demonstrate knowledge of a wide variety of COVID-19 workplace safety topics. It is crucial that each employee is able to understand this information to practice it on the job.

If your company is like so many others that are struggling to stay up-to-date on the new OSHA regulations regarding COVID-19, STC is here to help you make it simple. We specialize in providing companies in a wide variety of industries with managed safety services, instructor-led trainings and safety consulting services. Want to learn more about how STC can help your business? Check out our blog today!

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