Industry News
January 16, 2013
KPA and ADAA Form Strategic Alliance
KPA and Automobile Dealers Association of Alabama form partnership to provide ADA members dealer services.
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January 14, 2013
KPA Releases New Hazard Communication Training to Meet Updated OSHA Requirements
KPA announces the annual top ten OSHA citations for dealerships and service centers. This list is the most straightforward informatioKPA’s new training keeps dealerships compliant with OSHA’s updated Globally Harmonized System (GHS) for Hazard Communication.n about OSHA citations available for businesses in automotive retail and repair.
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December 19, 2012
RV Learning Center Partners With KPA for Free Webinar On ‘Managing Millennials’
KPA announces that the RV Learning Center will promote KPA webinars related to Environment, Safety and HR Management to its dealer members.
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November 19, 2012
Duplicate of KPA Announces OSHA Top 10 Citations for Dealerships and Service Centers in 2012
KPA announces the annual top ten OSHA citations for dealerships and service centers. This list is the most straightforward information about OSHA citations available for businesses in automotive retail and repair.
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November 19, 2012
KPA Announces OSHA Top 10 Citations for Dealerships and Service Centers in 2012
KPA announces the annual top ten OSHA citations for dealerships and service centers. This list is the most straightforward information about OSHA citations available for businesses in automotive retail and repair.
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November 15, 2012
Press Release: KPA HR Live
KPA expands HR Management product line with HR Live, an online HR resource center with live HR support to assist with HR compliance and administration.
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October 31, 2012
KPA's DealerWebinars.com Launches Membership Program
The leading source of free educational webinars for automotive industry announces membership accounts.
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October 03, 2012
Bloomberg: Auto Rebound Steers U.S. Economy Back From Lehman Debacle
The one flank of the U.S. economy that’s marching steadily back is the sector that once seemed the weakest: Automotive.
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September 19, 2012
Auto Sales Are Highest in 4 Years
U.S. auto sales for September looked set to jump about 13 percent from a year ago, beating analyst estimates because of cheap financing, stronger consumer sentiment and rebounding sales from foreign automakers including Toyota Motor Corp
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September 13, 2012
Economic Indicator on Wheels: Used Car Prices May Have Peaked
Used cars make up roughly half of retail car and light truck sales, and since 2009 prices of second-hand rides have been soaring. Now it looks like the ride is slowing down.
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September 06, 2012
KPA Wins AWA Peak Performance Website and Lighthouse Awards From PCG
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December 15, 2011
OSHA improves It's the Law" poster Web page to make it more accessible
OSHA has revised its Web page on the OSHA Job Safety and Health: It's the Law poster (OSHA poster), to make it easier to use.
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December 02, 2011
Honda Widens Record Recall on Air-Bag Flaws
Honda Motor Co., Japan’s third- largest car maker, widened its biggest recall to fix flaws related to air bags in models including the Civic and Accord produced as long as a decade ago.
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December 02, 2011
Autonation’s Mike Jackson named one of the Top 50 Global Business Leaders in 2011 by Fortune Magazine.
Congratulations to Mike Jackson on being named one of the Top 50 Global Business Leaders in 2011 by Fortune Magazine.
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November 29, 2011
OSHA Top 10 Citations for Dealerships and Service Centers in FY 2011
Between October first 2010, and September thirtieth 2011, OSHA issued 2,061 citations for the auto service industry.
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November 14, 2011
Big crowd heading for NADA parley
Here's a positive economic indicator for the auto industry: Scheduled attendance for the National Automobile Dealers Association convention in Las Vegas in February is on track to surpass 20,000 for the first time since 2008.
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November 07, 2011
Three Steps to Prevent Sexual Harassment at Your Dealership
Smart business leaders have effective sexual harassment policies in place. There are three steps to an effective policy that will keep your business safe from lawsuits, and keep your employees safe and productive. These steps are also outlined in this helpful video by Kathryn Carlson, Product Director for KPA’s HotlinkHR.
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November 02, 2011
Court Finds That The California Trucking Industry Does Not Have To Comply With Rest And Meal Break Laws
A federal judge in the Southern District of California handed down a significant legal victory to the trucking industry by ruling that California's meal and rest break laws are preempted by federal law.
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November 01, 2011
KPA Expands Offerings with Online Safe Driver Training
New Online Training Course Uses Multiple Teaching Strategies to Engage Adult Learners
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October 27, 2011
KPA Makes Compliance Easier with Online Self-Assessment Tools
Introducing the First Bloodborne Pathogens Online Self-Assessment Tool for Automotive, Truck and Equipment Dealerships, and Service Companies.
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October 19, 2011
Hexavalent Chromium Hazards Lead to Manufacturer's $90,000 Fine
Seventeen serious safety and health violations were cited. Those related to hexavalent chromium include failing to prevent exposure beyond OSHA's authorized limits and not developing a plan to limit exposure.
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October 14, 2011
Retail Sales in U.S. Rose More Than Forecast in September
Retail sales in the U.S. rose more than forecast in September, easing concern slumping confidence and scant hiring will derail the biggest part of the economy.
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October 05, 2011
KPA Acquires TK Carsites
KPA adds Automotive Internet Marketing to KPA’s industry specific product lines for Human Resource Management, Environmental Health and Safety.
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September 12, 2011
EPA Extends Deadline on Dealership Energy Survey
The Environmental Protection Agency has extended until Sept. 30 the deadline for dealers to complete a new survey on dealership energy use that could earn them national and local recognition.
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September 11, 2011
New Checklist: Facility Inspection Items Organized by Frequency
This helpful checklist of inspection items organized by recommended frequency will help with prioritization, and keeps inspections on schedule.
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September 01, 2011
New Safe Driving Online Training Course by KPA
The Safe Driving online training course. If you or your employees test drive vehicles that have been in for service, shuttle customers to or from your location, take customers on test drives as part of the sales process, or transport vehicles or parts from one location to another, this course will help increase the number of safety precautions you take every time you get behind the wheel.
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August 15, 2011
E-Verify Self Check Now Available in Spanish
Effective August 15, 2011, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) launched the Spanish version of the E-Verify Self Check accessible in twenty-two states (the English version was launched in March, 2011 and was only accessible in six states).
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July 21, 2011
Penske posts Q2 net profit of $39.6 million, beats expectations
DETROIT (Reuters) -- Auto dealership group Penske Automotive Group today posted a stronger-than-expected second quarter profit as rising used-car sales and stronger profit margins offset a decline in demand for new vehicles.
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May 17, 2011
KPA partners with Tandem Select to offer Dealerships Background Checking for Faster and Better Hiring Decision
partnership announcement
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May 16, 2011
OSHA Cites Urbana Auto Parts Store for Violations
$49,000 for safety and health violations
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May 10, 2011
KPA and Management By Strengths (MBS) Partnership Expands KPA’s HR Solutions for Dealerships
KPA announces the first in a series of HR product expansions with preferred partners. Management By Strengths (MBS) will provide assessment and team building programs through KPA’s HR management system, HotlinkHR.
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May 02, 2011
Dealers expect higher margins, fewer cars
The big dealership groups are bracing for the bittersweet impact of the Japanese earthquake on their business: higher profit margins but fewer cars.
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April 28, 2011
Ohio Auto Dealer Settles Racial Discrimination Claim for $300,000
CLEVELAND – Ganley Lincoln of Bedford, Inc., an auto dealership in Bedford, Ohio, will pay $300,000 to four African-Americans to settle a racial harassment lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the agency announced today.
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April 28, 2011
3 automotive companies Make Fortune Magazine Best Place to Work List
three companies in the automotive market made the list: -#15 Mercedes-Benz USA, #16 JM Family Enterprise and #81 CarMax.
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March 15, 2011
HotlinkHR's Kathryn Carlson To Speak At Innovative Dealership Summit
HotlinkHR's Kathryn Carlson was selected to speak at the upcoming Innovative Dealer Summit. Her topic? Employee Engagement Equals Improved Profits.
Carlson's presentation is sure to be one of the many highlights of this year’s Innovative Dealer Summit which is touted as the definitive management education forum for dealer principals and senior dealer managers.
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March 01, 2011
OSHA Orders Company to Rehire Whistleblower, Pay $111,000
In February 2009, after repeatedly complaining to a supervisor about mechanical problems with a truck, the supervisor agreed to the complainant's suggestion to leave work and return when the truck was repaired. The next day, the complainant's employment was terminated.
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February 02, 2011
TK Carsites Offers Auto Dealers More Options with the Largest Automotive Advertising Network
Auto dealers capitalizing on the potential of digital marketing through high-converting websites, automotive social media and online advertising and inventory syndication, now have more options with TK Carsites’ addition of the Automotive Advertising Network to their portfolio of digital marketing services offered exclusively to auto dealers.
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January 10, 2011
EPA 6H Rule Effective January 10, 2011
The EPA 6H Rule goes into effect January 10, 2011 making it illegal for collision repair painters to use certain paint products unless certified. The 6H Rule creates two classes of painters, "restricted" and "unrestricted".
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December 15, 2010
Study shows increased regulatory enforcement under Obama
The Obama administration has dramatically stepped up enforcement of workplace safety laws, according to a new study by OMB Watch that also finds evidence of stronger stances on consumer health and environmental regulations.
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November 12, 2010
OSHA to Hold Informal Hearing on Walking-Working Surfaces Rule
OSHA will hold an informal public hearing beginning Jan. 18, 2011, on the proposed rule revising the Walking-Working Surfaces and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) standards to improve worker protection from slip, trip and fall hazards.
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October 26, 2010
Woodland recommends KPA
Environmental Health and Safety
Help Protect Our Water Woodland Tractor & Equipment Company is very active in our environments health and welfare. As a petroleum products and hazardous material producer we have found many laws that effect us on a daily basis. Keeping educated on the ever changing laws and regulations is a full time job. We gathered this resource together so that you may also educate yourself to be sure you are also doing your part to keep California clean and safe.
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October 11, 2010
Some SPCC Facilities Get 1-Year Break on Deadline
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is extending the compliance date by one year for certain facilities subject to recent amendments to the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule. Some facilities will not be eligible for the one-year extension and will have to comply by the current date of Nov. 10, 2010.
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October 10, 2010
New Law to Strengthen Cal/OSHA Citation Process
New Law to Strengthen Cal/OSHA Citation Process
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October 03, 2010
OSHA fines Guardian Automotive, Team Industrial Services in July fire
OSHA fines Guardian Automotive, Team Industrial Services in July fire
Fines top $100,000 for serious violations
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September 15, 2010
KPA Partners Ford & Harrison LLP Named First-Tier by US News and World Report
Ford & Harrison LLP, a national labor and employment law firm, is pleased to announce the firm has received a national "First-Tier Ranking" for Labor Law - Management and Employment Law – Management from U.S. News & World Report – Best Lawyers.
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August 27, 2010
Prevent OSHA violations and keep money in your pocket
A recent Webinar on OSHA violations proved to be quite informative. The headline said it all: "OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Violations by Dealers."
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August 03, 2010
TK Carsites Appoints Vane Clayton Chairman of the Board to Oversee Day to Day Operations
Vane Clayton, an industry leader known for building profitable private and public growth companies joins TK Carsites, Inc. an Internet marketing company that focuses on SEO, Social Media, and website design for franchised and independent auto dealers.
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July 28, 2010
Proposed SPCC Compliance Date Amendment
On July 28, 2010, EPA proposed to extend the compliance date for certain facilities subject to the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule as part of EPA's multi-phased strategy to address concerns with the current SPCC regulation. Specifically, this proposed SPCC rule amendment extends the dates in §112.3 by which the owners or operators of certain SPCC regulated facilities must prepare or amend and implement an SPCC Plan, and reconciles the proposed compliance dates for new production facilities. The proposed compliance date for certain facilities is November 10, 2011.
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July 10, 2010
OSHA Unveils Dedicated Website for Whistleblowers
Reinforcing its belief that workers who "blow the whistle" on prohibited or unlawful practices in the workplace as well as safety and health discrimination play an important role in ensuring compliance with federal laws, OSHA has unveiled a dedicated Web address for its whistleblower protection program.
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June 24, 2010
EPA to Seek Employee Participation in Chemical Safety Inspections
EPA has released an interim guidance that would provide greater transparency in the agency’s chemical safety inspections process. Under the interim guidance, EPA inspectors will offer employees and employee representatives the opportunity to participate in chemical safety inspections.
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June 22, 2010
Tireman Auto to contest $177,000 OSHA citation
Tireman Auto Service Centers Ltd. will contest a $177,800 citation from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, according to an OSHA spokesman in Chicago. OSHA issued the citation April 28 in connection with an October 2009 accident at a Tireman Auto outlet. Four employees were injured when an agricultural tire they were servicing exploded, according to OSHA.
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May 27, 2010
OSHA assistant secretary Michaels Outlines Big Agenda, Cooperative Plans
Michaels hopes to accomplish better targeting of OSHA's enforcement within three years, as well as having an injury and illness prevention program (I2P2) standard in place and to have encouraged U.S. employers to embrace electronic recordkeeping of injuries and illnesses.
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December 22, 2009
OSHA proposes more than $60,000 in penalties against sign manufacturer for 19 safety violations
OSHA proposes more than $60,000 in penalties
against Waukesha, Wis.-based Baird Display for 19 safety violations
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May 18, 2010
Complaint to OSHA Leads to $135,900 citation for for Auto Parts Maker
OSHA has cited auto parts maker Sewon America Inc. in LaGrange, Ga., for a variety of safety violations after receiving a complaint. OSHA initiated a comprehensive inspection of the company's facility in March. Penalties total $135,900.
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December 14, 2009
OSHA cites tire company for safety violations: $52,500 in penalties
US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Graham Tire Co. of Grand Island, Neb., for violations of OSH Act, Assessed penalties total $52,500
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April 28, 2010
OSHA to zero in on repeat violators
To reduce on-the-job fatalities, the government is launching an enforcement program to target repeat safety offenders and increase penalties.
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April 28, 2010
OSHA Fines Toledo Dealer in Ag Tire Incident
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined a Toledo, Ohio-area dealer $177,800 as the result of an October 2009 accident in which four employees were injured.
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April 20, 2010
New Notice Requirements for Dealers
New Notice Requirements for Dealers
Way back in December of 2003, President George W. Bush signed into laws the “Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003” (FACTA), which made significant changes and amendments to the “Fair Credit Reporting Act” (FCRA). Dealers felt the impact of this law most recently with the implementation of the Red Flags Rule. Come January 1, 2011, another rule mandated by FACTA, the Risk-Based Pricing Rule (RBPR), will change the way dealers handle their financing transactions by requiring them to provide many of their consumer customers with a “risk-based pricing notice.”
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April 07, 2010
TK Carsites Wins Dealers' Choice Award for an Unprecedented 6th Year in a Row
TK Carsites Wins Dealers' Choice Award for an Unprecedented 6th Year in a Row
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March 24, 2010
What Does the New Healthcare Bill Mean for Employers?
Healthcare reform has less effect on employers than you might think. This KPA blog post lists the major impacts that the new healthcare bill will have on employers.
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December 14, 2009
Tire Company to Settle Hiring Discrimination Case
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced it has resolved its gender-based hiring class lawsuit against Les Schwab Tire Centers of Washington and Les Schwab Tire Warehouse Inc. for $2 million and other corrective measures.
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March 04, 2010
15,000 High Rate Workplaces Receiving OSHA Letters
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified and sent letters (letter10.html) to approximately 15,000 workplaces with the highest occupational injury and illness rates and is urging the employers to take action to remove hazards causing the high rates.
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January 24, 2010
Getting Ready for GHS
Recently, OSHA held a public hearing to propose a new rule that would align their Hazard Communication System (HCS), with the United Nation’s Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Like most companies adapting to the new OSHA, you are probably wondering what this will mean for you.
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January 14, 2010
Georgia Car Dealership to Pay $140,000 for Racial Harassment
Georgia Car Dealership to Pay $140,000 for Racial Harassment. EEOC Said Augusta Car Dealer Violated Federal Race Discrimination Law.
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January 08, 2010
Auto dealer to pay $85,000 to settle racial discrimination and retaliation suit
Auto Dealer to Pay $85,000 to settle racial discrimination and retaliation suit
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January 07, 2010
Car dealer pays $1.5 million to settle discrimination suit
Arapahoe Motors, Inc., doing business as Ralph Schomp Automotive, will pay $1.505 million and furnish other relief to settle a sex and age discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
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January 04, 2010
KPA, TK Carsites Form Strategic Alliance
KPA and TK Carsites announced a strategic partnership today that combines the environmental, health, safety, and HR compliance and risk management services of KPA with the "front end" marketing and website development capabilities of TK Carsites.
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December 26, 2009
Dealers exempt from oversight in Financial Reform Bill
WASHINGTON — Led by NADA's strong grassroots efforts, auto dealers would be exempt from oversight by a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) under a sweeping overhaul of the nation's financial regulatory system passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on Dec. 11.
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December 22, 2009
COBRA Premium Subsidy Extended
The COBRA Premium Subsidy has been extended with President Obama signing into law on December 21st. The bill would extend the nine-month, 65 percent premium federal subsidy by six months. The change would apply to those who are involuntarily terminated through February 28, 2010, and would also would provide another six months of subsidized coverage for beneficiaries whose nine-month COBRA premium subsidy has run out.
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December 22, 2009
Improve Insurance Coverage and Reduce Premiums with Risk Management Programs for Dealerships
KPA and Insurance Consultants of America (ICA) have formed an alliance to provide clients risk management and insurance consulting, along with EHS and HR compliance solutions that will improve coverage and reduced insurance costs for dealerships, manufacturers, and automotive services companies.
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December 21, 2009
New Floor Safety Standard Released
Based on more than a decade of research by the National Floor Safety Institute, it is the first step in reducing pedestrian slip-and-fall injuries.
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December 04, 2009
Beefed-up OSHA increasing its inspections
The Obama administration is asking Congress for a $50 million increase in OSHA’s budget for the federal fiscal year that began Oct. 1 to hire an additional 130 inspectors.
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December 04, 2009
David Michaels Confirmed as OSHA Administrator
On Dec. 3, the Senate voted to confirm David Michaels as the assistant secretary of labor for OSHA.
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November 19, 2009
Department of Labor hires 250 Wage and Hour inspectors
U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued a statement regarding the increased enforcement of the department's Wage and Hour Division, announcing that she "hired an additional 250 new wage and hour investigators, a staff increase of more than one third, to ensure that we promptly respond to complaints and can undertake more targeted enforcement."
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October 30, 2009
OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Violations
The top 10 most cited OSHA violations were unveiled Oct. 27 at 97th annual National Safety Council (NSC) Congress and Expo in Orlando. Top items for dealerships: Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Electrical - Wiring, Electrical - General.
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