JANUARY SAFETY LINE NEWSLETTER
January 28, 2010 – Jerry Parkstone, UOSHThe following is the January Safety Line Newsletter from Utah Occupational Safety and Health at the Utah Labor Commission. This issue deals with Job Hazard Analysis, Permit Required Confined Spaces, and a Regional Fatality Update. It can be viewed by clicking the following link.
http://www.umaweb.org/i/5464January2010Newsletter.pdf
CREATING JOBS AND ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC GROWTH
January 28, 2010 – Jay Timmons, NAMPresident Obama’s State of the Union address mixed solid policy proposals on trade and energy with harmful plans for raising taxes on business, but his overarching theme was one that manufacturers will embrace – jobs and the economy.
Earlier this week, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a new report by the independent, nonpartisan Milken Institute, “Jobs for America.” This in-depth economic analysis reports that 11 million jobs can be created in this decade alone by reducing the U.S. corporate tax rate, establishing a permanent and better R&D tax credit, modernizing the U.S. system of export controls and making investments in energy, broadband and transportation infrastructure.
The “Jobs for America” study serves as a kind of instruction manual for economic growth. If a member of Congress declares, “My foremost goal is to get America working again,” we can hand the Senator or Representative the Milken Institute study and say, “Here’s how you do it.”
The President did indeed endorse policies that closely align with NAM’s agenda for growth. He called for doubling U.S. exports within five years, expressing support for U.S. trade with Colombia, Panama and South Korea (if stopping short of urging enactment of the pending free trade agreements). He also mentioned the need to modernize export controls, a welcome recognition of the issue’s economic importance.
President Obama reiterated his support for “safe, clean nuclear power plants,” clean coal technology, and Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas development. On taxes, he urged eliminating capital gains taxes on small business investment and “a tax incentive for all large businesses and all small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment.”
Other policies he promoted Wednesday would clearly discourage the manufacturing sector from creating jobs and economic growth, and the NAM will vigorously oppose them. Unfortunately, the President repeated the misleading characterization of the U.S. tax system, claiming, “[It] is time to finally slash the tax breaks for companies that ship our jobs overseas, and give those tax breaks to companies that create jobs right here in the United States of America.” The President called for an end to tax treatment that encourages oil companies to invest and, disturbingly, supported higher income tax rates that will directly hit many small businesses.
In the end, the President’s speech gave manufacturers and the NAM much to work with. The NAM’s agenda for economic growth, supported by the detailed analysis of the “Jobs for America” report, can accomplish the goals the President set forth in the State of the Union. After all, manufacturers are the ones who get things done.
NAM REPORT OUTLINES JOB CREATION AND GROWTH
January 28, 2010 The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) today released a major analysis that makes a powerful case that manufacturing can lead the United States into a renewed era of growth – if Congress enacts policies to promote U.S. competitiveness.
“Jobs for America: Investments and policies for economic growth and competitiveness” conducted by the respected Milken Institute will serve as an essential resource for the NAM in 2010 and beyond. We believe you will also find it a valuable resource for your company and your advocacy work.
The study’s great strength is its serious, substantive and detailed economic analysis. Through it, the authors demonstrate the critical need to reduce corporate tax rates, establish a permanent R&D tax credit, make major investments in energy and transportation infrastructure, and modernize the U.S. system of export controls.
As manufacturers, we commissioned the analysis to assess the effects of the recession on the nation and the manufacturing sector and our ability to recover in the face of fierce global competition. As the executive summary states, the severe downturn has left substantial underutilized resources in labor and product markets, and America must accelerate its economic growth in response.
“Unless sustainable growth is achieved, the unemployment rate will remain close to 10 percent in the immediate future and a portion of the nation’s manufacturing will continue to sit idle.
“Economic and tax policy changes, combined with targeted investments in infrastructure, could effectively stimulate the economy in the near term while positioning the nation for sustained higher economic growth over the medium and long term.”
The report attaches numbers to the policy prescriptions. The figures are striking:
· Reducing the U.S. corporate income tax to match the average of other industrial countries (OECD nations) would trigger new growth. By 2019, it could boost real GDP by $375.5 billion and create an additional 350,000 manufacturing jobs – total employment rising by 2.1 million.
· A permanent R&D tax credit, increased by 25 percent, could boost real GDP by $206 billion (1.2 percent) and generate 316,000 manufacturing jobs.
· Modernizing U.S. export controls could increase exports in high-value areas, enhancing real GDP by $64 billion by 2019 and creating 160,000 manufacturing jobs.
A separate section of the study also demonstrates the major economic impact that would result from investments in 10 areas of infrastructure – highways, waterways and aviation (NextGen), broadband and the smart grid, and such sectors such as nuclear energy, renewable, onshore and offshore oil and natural gas, and clean coal technology.
The proposed investments amount to $425.6 billion, creating 3.4 million construction- and R&D-related jobs. Accounting for ripple effects across other sectors, the total impact would add up to more than 10 million jobs. The impact on long-term competitiveness is just as critical. As the authors write:
“Many innovations have either been created or facilitated through infrastructure investment, both in the public and private sectors. Although the construction jobs created by infrastructure investment are typically only short-term, the new opportunities and economic activity fueled by infrastructure investment continue for years, if not decades, after the projects are completed.”
The Milken Institute’s study also reinforces the findings of another recent and important analysis commissioned by the NAM and its Council of Manufacturing Associations, “Manufacturing Resurgence – A Must for U.S. Prosperity.” Written by economists Joel Popkin and Kathryn Kobe, that report also substantiated the value of reducing the corporate income tax and making the R&D tax credit permanent, among other findings. (It is available at www.nam.org/popkinreport.)
We are providing this level of detail in today’s e-mail so you can see that the “Jobs for America” report applies not just to U.S. manufacturing generally, but more specifically to your industry and company. With its in-depth analysis of jobs and GDP, it should prove an effective resource for your discussions of manufacturing with employees, the media and elected officials.
The NAM is releasing the report today with major media. Each member of Congress is also receiving a hard copy of the “Jobs for America” report.
You can access the report online at www.nam.org
DECEMBER DURABLE GOODS RISE SLIGHTLY
January 28, 2010 – Today in Manufacturing.net
Commerce Department said orders for durable goods edged up a slight 0.3 percent last month, a much weaker showing than 2 percent advance economists expected... continue at this link http://www.manufacturing.net/article.aspx?id=238504
A BUSINESS TAX-CUT PROPOSAL THAT JUST MIGHT WORK
January 28, 2010 – BusinessBrief.comCapitol Hill tax-cut proposals for businesses are about as common as blue suits. There’s something different about the latest plan, and it just might work. More… at the following link. http://www.businessbrief.com/a-business-tax-cut-proposal-that-just-might-work/
January 28, 2010
Some in Washington are suggesting that Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) is essentially dead; and what’s more they are blaming Massachusetts labor for its demise. They argue that despite EFCA being big labor’s top legislative priority, 49% of the rank and file union members voted for Scott Brown over Coakley who garnered only 46%. .
EFCA was already on life support and the vote to put another Republican in the U.S. Senate gave Republicans the last vote they needed to block the vote on EFCA.
AIR POLLUTION
Enviro groups sue EPA to force action on state smog plans (01/27/2010)January 28, 2010 - Robin Bravender, E&E reporter
Environmental groups have sued U.S. EPA over the agency's failure to act on states' implementation plans for federal smog rules.
Sierra Club and WildEarth Guardians filed suit last week in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing the agency had failed to approve or deny 21 states' plans for compliance with the 1997 standard for ozone, a component of smog.
According to the lawsuit, EPA failed to act on state implementation plans, or SIPs, submitted by Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
EPA determined that the states had submitted complete plans by March 2008. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to approve or deny state plans within one year after they are submitted, but the agency missed the April 2009 deadline, according to the lawsuit.
Because EPA has not made final decisions on state ozone plans, it is unclear whether the plans afford the level of public protection required by federal law, the lawsuit says. The groups are asking the court to order EPA to take final action on the state plans.
Smog forms when a mixture of pollutants from industrial facilities, power plants, motor vehicles and other sources react in sunlight. It can cause respiratory problems, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest pain, and leads to increased risk of premature death in people with heart or lung disease.
EPA spokeswoman Cathy Milbourn declined to comment on the lawsuit.
MONTHLY ACG BREAKFAST PROGRAM – AN INVITATION
January 28, 2010 - ACGLittle America America Hotel
500 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, Utah
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Dean Randall has been a faculty member of the University of Utah's School of Accounting for the past ten years. He has been recognized and rewarded as a George Eccles Emerging Scholar, a faculty fellow, and currently holds a David Eccles Professorship. In 2003, Taylor became Director of the University Venture Fund. Under his management the fund has grown to be the largest independent student-run venture fund in the country, managing assets in excess of $18.3 million. He has also accepted invitations to serve as a visiting faculty member at distinguished universities such as INSEAD, the Wharton School of Business and Washington University.
Dean Randall's research focuses on the economic impact of operational strategies, strategic performance measurement and product variety management.
Randall holds a Bachelor's with Honors in Accounting from theUniversity of Utah and a Master's, MBA and Doctorate in Operations and Information Management from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. His professional honors include the Brady Superior Teaching Award and the Marvin J. Ashton Excellence Award, both from the University of Utah.
As Dean, Randall's vision includes elevating the school's national reputation as a place of innovation. In fact, he has already engaged in several large scale initiatives targeted to raise awareness and increase the school's footprint nationwide. Specifically, he has made significant changes in the student services arena, concentrating on the curriculum and career services offerings. Other tasks include leading the fundraising campaign and structural design efforts for a state-of-the-art business classroom building. Another priority for the Dean will be communicating the important faculty research that is currently being conducted at the David Eccles School of Business and the impact it has on the business community.
The economy has suffered through a difficult recession and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has suggested the recession may now be at an end. We all know that does not mean back to the good old days. The landscape of our economy has changed significantly. Our breakfast gatherings will focus on what the future may hold as the business world evolves to meet the challenges and opportunities of the new economy.
ACG Utah is recognized as one of the fastest growing chapters nationally and is generally comprised of business professionals, private equity and established mid-market companies with revenues between $10 and $500 million that are interested in more effectively accelerating the growth and profitability of their companies.
Please join us for this very special presentation by Taylor Randall.
Or call Linda Blake at 801.359.8613
ACG Utah's 2009-2010 monthly breakfast series is entitled "Evolution - Doing Business in a Changing Economy"
COBRA SUBSIDY NOTICES DUE FEB. 17
January 28, 2010 – BusinessBriefs.comBy now, you’ve undoubtedly heard that the Obama administration’s COBRA subsidy program’s been extended. What you may not have heard: Employers must send a new notice to affected employees by Feb. 17. More… at the following link. http://www.businessbrief.com/cobra-subsidy-notices-due-feb-17/
Avoiding Motor Vehicle Accidents
January 28, 2010 - by Greg Summerhays – Workers Compensation Fund
Employers are often surprised to learn that injuries sustained in a motor vehicle crash may be compensable under Utah workers compensation laws. Fleet exposure is one of the most overlooked loss sources of a company’s operations. This is even true when a company’s transportation needs are incidental to what the company does and the type of employees the company has.
While responsible trucking or transportation companies recognize the importance of carefully evaluating a prospective employee’s driving skills, knowledge and experience when considering a new driver, a company with an incidental fleet exposure may not. Motor vehicle crashes accounted for more than 50% of workplace fatalities in 2008.
Driving is one of most dangerous job tasks that an employee does. For this reason, it important that you do not overlook driving exposure when developing and implementing your company safety programs. By better managing driving exposure, you can reduce the odds of incurring motor vehicle crashes and high probability of workers compensation claims.
Here are a few fleet safety program tips for both you and your employees to better manage fleet exposure:
Driver Selection
Do an interview that asks specific questions about an applicant’s driving experience and type of vehicles they will be driving. Get a copy of the applicant’s motor vehicle record and then test the applicant. You may want to do some or all of the following: written exam, road test, skills test, pre-trip inspection test, psychological evaluation, credit and background checks, and physical exam.
Driver Training
Hiring is only the beginning. You should be training new and current employees concerning your company’s safety policies and procedures in accordance with any applicable regulatory standards. Training is a must if you want employees to be successful and perform safely.
Supervision
Once trained and on the job, implement an ongoing employee supervision program. Supervision can be done in many forms. Call in procedures, radio, wireless phone, satellite communications and onboard tracking systems, road observations, driver surveys, in-house spot radar checks and 800 number “How’s My Driving” programs are a few examples of supervision techniques.
Vehicle Maintenance
Well-maintained vehicles avoid costly down time, accidents, repairs, insurance costs and fines. Avoid operating your fleet in a crisis-maintenance or fix-it-when-it-breaks mode. A good preventative maintenance and inspection program that involves all drivers will save you money in the long run.
Vehicle Occupancy Protection Systems
Establish and implement a company seat belt policy. Require your employees to always buckle-up no matter how big or small their vehicle. Combined with other occupancy protection system devices in today’s vehicles, the seat belt is the main component in preventing death and serious injury that can occur from a crash.
Distracted Driving
Driver distractions are nothing new. The use of cell phones is a major contributor to automobile crashes. Between 4,000 and 8,000 crashes related to distracted driving occur daily in the United States. In a year, they contribute to as many as one-half of the 6 million U.S. crashes. Establish and implement a company driving and cell phone policy.
Federal employees are not allowed to use cell phones while driving, according to an executive order signed by President Obama last year. The order covers federal employees when they are using government-provided cars or cellphones and when they are using their own phones and cars to conduct government business.
A recently released study by the VirginiaTech Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a "crash or near crash event" than "nondistracted driving."
Driving may be one of the most dangerous tasks that employees do, but if you follow these simple steps this task can easily be performed safely.
Greg Summerhays is Director of Public Relations at Workers Compensation Fund. WCF offers ongoing safety training and UMA members are eligible for a 5% premium discount through a partnership with WCF. Visit www.wcfgroup.com for more information.
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