Flashings

OSHA introduces interactive recordkeeping web tool

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has introduced a new interactive web tool, the OSHA Recordkeeping Advisor, to help employers determine whether injuries and illnesses are work-related and recordable under OSHA recordkeeping rules.

The interactive web tool simulates an employer's interaction with a recordkeeping rules expert. The tool relies on the employer's responses to questions and adapts to the situation presented. Responses entered into the program are confidential, and the system does not record or store any of the information.

The tool helps employers determine whether an injury or illness is work-related; an event or exposure at home or during travel is work-related; an exception applies to the injury or illness; a work-related injury or illness needs to be recorded; and which provisions of the regulations apply when recording a work-related injury or illness.

OSHA's Injury and Illness Recordkeeping Web page, www.osha.gov/recordkeeping, links to the Recordkeeping Advisor and other guidance materials to help employers understand and comply with federal recordkeeping and reporting requirements.

Additionally, OSHA has updated and revised two aspects of its recordkeeping and reporting requirements for work-related injuries and illnesses.

OSHA's current regulation requires employers to report all work-related fatalities and in-patient hospitalizations of three or more employees to OSHA within eight hours of the incident. Under the revised proposal, employers would be required to report any work-related fatalities and all in-patient hospitalizations to OSHA within eight hours and work-related amputations within 24 hours. Reporting amputations is not required under the current regulation.

OSHA also is proposing to update Appendix A of the recordkeeping rule that lists industries partially exempt from the requirements to maintain work-related injury or illness logs. These industries received partial exemption because of their relatively low injury and illness rates. The current list of industries is based on the Standard Industrial Classification system.

OSHA is requesting public comments on the proposed revisions and has included in the proposed rule's preamble specific questions about issues and potential alternatives. Comments must be submitted by Sept. 20. Those wishing to submit comments can get details from the June Federal Register. A link to the proposed rule is available at www.osha.gov/recordkeeping.

RRCI announces solar reflectance study results

The Reflective Roof Coatings Institute (RRCI) has released the results of its three-year solar reflectance field study. The study measured the effects of various factors on roof coatings' loss of solar reflectance over time. The study's purpose was to measure the effects of roof substrate type and texture, roof coating chemistry and roof coating thickness on roof coating solar reflectance with aging.

As a result of the study, RRCI has recommended to the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) that aluminum test panels continue as the substrate of choice for testing field-applied roof coatings' solar reflectance change over time. RRCI also recommends CRRC reduce the testing exposure time for field-applied coatings from three years to one year.

Tecta America appoints senior vice president

Brynne Smith has been appointed senior vice president and chief operating officer of Skokie, Ill.-based Tecta America Corp. Smith will lead all operational aspects of the company, drive process alignment and build bench strength to support the next phase of Tecta America's development.

Smith previously worked for Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., Arlington, Va., for more than 18 years during which he held positions of increasing responsibility. He most recently served as vice president of program and construction management, responsible for buildings and infrastructure; he led a group of 1,500 employees whose efforts resulted in more than $350 million in revenue.

Tecta America is one of the largest commercial roofing contractors in the U.S. and provides roofing solutions nationwide. The com-pany's services include roof system installation, roof system replacement, new construction, disaster response, repair, restoration, maintenance, green roofing, solar, photovoltaics, daylighting and full service national roof asset management.

"Tecta America is an exciting company in a highly fragmented industry, and I foresee growth opportunities by aligning the strengths and synergies of our local and regional businesses," Smith says.