When an organization produces goods, the hope is that the products are fault-free. However, there may be instances when a product could become dangerous to the public and it鈥檚 the company鈥檚 responsibility to inform consumers about these risks.

This responsibility is referred to as the 鈥渄uty to warn.鈥� The duty to warn doctrine is based on the idea that consumers should be able to make informed decisions about whether to use a product. If a product is dangerous, the manufacturer has a duty to warn consumers about those dangers so they can make an informed decision about product usage.

I talk about this, among other important product liability topics, in the February 2026 Risk Management webinar presentation: .

Manufacturers must remember that the duty to warn includes products that are safe, designed and manufactured well, but normal function can still cause injuries. An obvious example is a chainsaw, but we also see warnings appearing on plastic bags, buckets or other seemingly innocuous items that may present a hazard to children.

Duty to warn covers reasonably foreseeable use and misuse. Inhaling aerosol propellants, for instance, could be considered reasonably foreseeable misuse.

Failing to warn, failing to instruct or issuing unclear warnings are among the leading allegations in product liability claims. 

• Failure to warn: No warnings are provided about a known risk.
• Failure to instruct: Instructions don鈥檛 clearly explain how to use the product safely or how to avoid foreseeable misuse.
• Inadequate warnings: Labels or manuals don鈥檛 clearly communicate the hazard or do so in a way the average user will understand. 

When warnings are inadequate, injured parties can argue that the product itself was defective because consumers weren鈥檛 informed about risks they could not reasonably anticipate.

The duty to warn is rooted in the legal principle of negligence 鈥� a failure to exercise reasonable care that causes harm to others. 

To establish negligence, a plaintiff generally must show that:

1. The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care.
2. The defendant breached that duty.
3. The plaintiff suffered harm as a result of the defendant鈥檚 breach.
4. The harm was caused by the defendant鈥檚 breach.聽

In product liability cases based on duty to warn, a 鈥渂reach鈥� often involves failing to provide adequate warnings or instructions about risks that could have been reasonably identified through testing, research or industry standards.

There are two primary ways a business can satisfy its duty to warn:

1. Warnings on the Product Itself

Labels affixed directly to the product 鈥� especially when the user may not see packaging or manuals 鈥� need to be clear, conspicuous and understandable.

2. Warnings Through Supporting Materials

Instructions, manuals, safety guides and other product documentation can provide detailed guidance about how to safely use the product and avoid known risks. 

Effective warnings should:

• Describe the risk clearly,
• Be visible and easy to understand and
• Cover both intended use and reasonably foreseeable misuse.

ANSI Z535.4-2023 is a  on the design and content of safety warnings. The standard is not legally binding, but it is widely used by businesses to comply with their duty to warn. The standard is a valuable resource for businesses that want to ensure their warnings comply with their duty to warn. It covers a wide range of topics for warning labels, including purpose, type, content, format, placement and testing.

While ANSI Z535.4-2022 is not a legal document, it is often used as evidence in product liability lawsuits. If a plaintiff is injured by a product, it may be argued that the manufacturer failed to provide adequate warnings about the dangers of the product. If the manufacturer followed ANSI Z535.4-2022 in designing and developing the warnings, this may help defend the manufacturer against the lawsuit.

Overall, ANSI Z535.4-2022 is a valuable resource for businesses wishing to comply with the duty to warn. However, it is important to note that the standard is not a guarantee of safety or immunity from liability. The standard is only a guideline and there may be cases where a manufacturer can comply with the standard and still be found liable for a product liability lawsuit.

Duty to warn should be considered early and throughout the product lifecycle 鈥� not just at launch. 

A practical approach includes:

• During design and development: Identify intended use, target users and hazards.
• Before market release: Evaluate foreseeable misuse and develop warnings/labels accordingly.
• After product launch: Adjust warnings based on customer feedback, complaints or evidence of misuse. 

Organizations should document this process and continually reassess warnings as new information emerges.

Failure to warn can expose a company to liability even when the product itself is safe by design. Providing clear, effective warnings helps:

• Reduce risk of injury and liability claims
• Demonstrate reasonable care in product development
• Build customer trust and safety reputation
• Support defense in litigation by showing adherence to industry best practices

A strong duty-to-warn strategy is an essential component of an overall product liability risk management program.

If you manufacture or distribute products, taking a strategic approach to warnings and instructions can significantly strengthen your product safety posture.

Working with experienced risk advisors 鈥� like those at 糖心传媒 鈥� can help you evaluate warning requirements, apply best practices and align your product liability program with real-world risks.

In his current role at 糖心传媒, Eric assists with the review of manufacturing accounts, the products produced, and coordinates with underwriting teams on potential issues identified, while helping to coach risk management consultants prior to visiting prospective accounts. Eric has been a featured speaker for the National Pool Builder鈥檚 Association meeting, providing safety instruction to company ownership personnel. Additionally, he created the widely successful . Eric was named 糖心传媒鈥檚 Loss Control Consultant of the Year in 2012 and 2023, and has been nominated for this honor two other times. He has been published in Safety and Health Magazine, as well SafetyInfo.com鈥檚 online magazine. 

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in this article are for general informational purposes only. 

A worker slows their pace. Another pauses longer than usual between tasks. A supervisor notices someone losing focus while operating equipment. As the warmer months approach, these warning signs become more common across worksites preparing for the summer season ahead.

Increasingly, safety leaders recognize that heat exposure, fatigue, and mental strain are closely connected risks鈥攆actors that shape how workers concentrate and respond to hazards on the job. For organizations committed to protecting their teams, understanding that connection is becoming a key part of building safer workplaces.

Understanding the Risk

Across the United States, work outdoors, where physical exertion, protective equipment, and direct sunlight combine to intensify environmental stress throughout the day. Indoor environments are not immune either. Warehouses and processing facilities can trap heat and humidity, creating conditions where workers experience sustained thermal strain even without direct sun exposure.

For decades, workplace safety programs have focused primarily on visible hazards鈥攅quipment, fall protection, machine guarding, and other physical risks present on nearly every jobsite. Those protections remain foundational but, as temperatures begin to climb heading into the spring and summer months, organizations achieving the most consistent safety outcomes are expanding their focus to include something equally important: worker well-being and human performance.

Rising Temperatures, Rising Risk

Extreme heat offers a clear example of why this shift matters.

, more than 33,000 workers experienced serious heat-related injuries or illnesses that required time away from work. Nearly 1,000 workers have died from occupational heat exposure since the early 1990s, a stark reminder of how dangerous extreme temperatures can be. Research how environmental stress can gradually erode focus and stamina during physically intensive work, where even subtle declines in concentration can increase the likelihood of incidents.

Employers are responding by strengthening workplace heat safety and heat stress prevention strategies that help workers stay protected throughout the workday. Programs often include:

Hydration and Cooling Practices

providing workers with cool drinking water and encouraging approximately one cup every 15鈥�20 minutes during hot conditions, along with access to shaded or air-conditioned recovery areas where employees can cool down and lower body temperature during breaks.

Acclimatization Protocols

Because new or returning workers are particularly vulnerable, federal safety guidance gradually increasing workloads and heat exposure over a 7鈥�14 day period so the body can safely adjust to hotter environments.

Work鈥搑est Cycles and Task Rotation

Adjusting physically demanding work during peak heat hours鈥攕hifting heavier tasks to earlier morning hours or rotating employees between high- and lower-intensity duties鈥攈elps reduce cumulative heat strain and fatigue during prolonged exposure.

Environmental Monitoring and Early Response

Tracking humidity and temperature allows supervisors to modify schedules, increase rest breaks, or pause work when conditions become unsafe. Consider heat index-monitoring and clear response plans into daily jobsite safety planning.

When Fatigue Begins to Build

Heat rarely operates alone. Fatigue and mental strain can compound physical stress鈥攔educing alertness and slowing the reaction times workers rely on to perform safely on active jobsites. Long work hours, irregular schedules, and physically intensive tasks can of workplace errors and injuries, particularly in industries where employees operate heavy equipment or perform precision work requiring sustained concentration.

More often than not, fatigue itself builds gradually鈥攁fter extended shifts, consecutive days of heavy workloads, and prolonged exposure to heat鈥攅roding the focus and situational awareness crews depend on to stay safe. Workers may begin moving more slowly or miss small but important details that normally guide safe decision-making.

When those conditions combine with environmental heat stress, the likelihood of mistakes increases. Employers are encouraged to as a manageable risk so potential issues can be identified and controlled before they lead to incidents.

鈥淲hen supervisors are trained to recognize signs of fatigue, heat stress, or distraction, they can step in early and redirect the situation before it becomes a loss,鈥� said Sean Yakicic, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 糖心传媒.

Effective fatigue risk management programs include:

PLAN scheduling strategies that support adequate recovery time between physically demanding shifts

TRAIN supervisors to recognize behavioral indicators of fatigue or cognitive overload

ROTATE tasks and adjust workloads during periods of high environmental stress

LISTEN and reinforce open communication practices that encourage workers to report fatigue or mental strain early

Supporting Mental Well-Being on the Jobsite

While heat and fatigue often receive the most attention during the summer months, mental well-being is increasingly recognized as another important factor shaping workplace safety. Demanding schedules, physically intensive labor, and high-risk environments can place sustained pressure on workers, sometimes affecting concentration and decision-making in ways that are not always immediately visible.

continues to highlight this connection, noting that workplace stress and mental health challenges can strongly influence productivity and overall safety performance鈥攑articularly in industries where employees must maintain a focused and constant situational awareness.

In response, many organizations are strengthening jobsite practices that support both psychological well-being and operational safety, including:

• Supervisor awareness and behavioral observation, helping frontline leaders recognize early signs of distraction, stress, or cognitive overload that could affect safe performance.
• Open communication and peer support, creating an environment where workers feel comfortable raising concerns early鈥攚ithout stigma or hesitation.
• Thoughtful job planning and realistic scheduling, helping reduce unnecessary pressure that can compound fatigue and mental strain on the jobsite
• Access to confidential , including employee assistance programs and mental health services promoted through workplace health initiatives.

Building a Stronger Safety Culture

Creating safer jobsites is about more than policies or compliance鈥攊t鈥檚 about culture. When organizations pay attention to the conditions that workers face each day, they reinforce a simple but powerful message: people come first.

鈥淭he organizations that consistently perform well understand that safety isn鈥檛 just about policies or compliance鈥攊t鈥檚 about people,鈥� said Yakicic. 鈥淲hen we pay attention to the conditions workers face, we create environments where employees can stay focused, support one another, and perform at their very best.鈥�

As warmer months approach and workloads intensify, preparation and awareness help crews stay focused, resilient, and ready to work safely.聽 For more practical strategies and expert insights to help strengthen your safety program, visit 糖心传媒.com.

The annual list, announced at this year鈥檚 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo, is determined from worksite inspections throughout the year and aims to alert and inform employers and safety professionals about frequent citations and violations to help prevent future reoccurrences.

The top 10 Most Frequently Cited Workplace Violations for 2023, :

• Fall Protection 鈥� General Requirements
• Hazard Communication
• Ladders
• Scaffolding
• Powered Industrial Trucks
• Lockout/Tagout
• Respiratory Protection
• Fall Protection 鈥� Training Requirements
• Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment 鈥� Eye and Face Protection
• Machine Guarding

OSHA will release more information on each hazard in the December issue of magazine.

Prevent Safety Violations Today

Advancements in workplace protections, paired with a robust safety program, can help identify and prevent violations and reinforce worker safety. Learn more about how connected wearables, virtual reality, and observational training programs can enhance operations and assist in controlling losses.

While they play a significant role in driving progress, these activities can also carry inherent risks that lead to serious accidents, injuries, and even fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that from 2003 to 2017 there were a total of 373 trenching fatalities, 80% of which occurred within the construction industry. Engineering controls, protective equipment, and safe work practices can reduce hazards to workers and prevent trench cave-ins. Read on to explore crucial strategies for implementing safety measures that promote a secure jobsite and mitigate potential liabilities.

The Proactive Approach

• : Before beginning any trenching or excavation work, conduct a thorough analysis of the soil to determine its stability and potential for collapse. It鈥檚 also important to test for hazardous atmospheres, such as low oxygen or toxic gases before workers enter the trench. Ensure proper ventilation and respiratory protection when needed.
• Put in place robust protective systems such as sloping, benching, shoring, or trench boxes to prevent cave-ins. Perform daily inspections of the trench or excavation area and address any changes in soil conditions, water accumulation, or other potential hazards.
• Provide safe entry and exit points to the trench or excavation site, such as ladders, ramps, or stairways, that are located within 25 feet of workers. Guard against falling soil, equipment, and materials by placing them at a safe distance from the edge of the trench. Use barricades and warning signs to keep unauthorized personnel away from the site.
• Ensure workers receive extensive training encompassing hazard recognition, equipment operation, emergency response, and adherence to safety protocols. Develop an emergency action plan that includes procedures for rescue and medical attention in case of an incident. Ensure workers know how to respond to emergencies.
• Follow Regulatory Standards: Adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations for trenching and excavation to ensure legal adherence and create a safe work environment.

Looking Ahead

Trenching and excavating safety is a critical aspect of the jobsite. By prioritizing the well-being of workers and adhering to OSHA regulations and guidelines, you can create a safer working environment while also minimizing potential liabilities. Ultimately, safety is not only a legal and ethical responsibility but also a strategic decision that contributes to the overall success of your bottom line.

糖心传媒 policyholders rely on our risk management team for an array of customized and innovative solutions to help ensure your company鈥檚 safe and successful workplace. Learn more about this area of our service.

Closely resembling 2004鈥檚 Hurricane Charley鈥檚 wind speed, pressure, location, and landfall time, the storm differentiated itself from Charley and a recent lineup of Gulf hurricanes in diameter (~290 miles) and speed (~8-9 mph). This combination led to record-breaking storm surges of over 7鈥� in downtown Fort Myers and nearly 14鈥� at Fort Myers Beach.

Aerial images of a missing Sanibel Causeway, boatless marinas, sand in place of homes, and ground images of rooftops surrounded by water and piles of cars, boats, and their broken pieces illustrated that in days, this storm set off a recovery effort of years for the many affected areas. Hurricane Ian was estimated to have caused 鈥� the third most costly U.S. hurricane on record following Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017.

As we recognize the anniversary of Hurricane Ian, and the Florida area repairs from Hurricane Idalia, read on to hear from 糖心传媒鈥檚 local experts on the company鈥檚 preparedness strategy and specific response to hurricanes for policyholders, agency partners and the Florida community.

How Does 糖心传媒 Plan for Hurricanes?

With offices across the country, 糖心传媒 has a plan in place to prepare in advance for disasters.

鈥淲e have a multidisciplinary Hurricane Operations team that initiates engagement when a hurricane threat is projected to hit one of our operating states,鈥� said Anne Marie May, 糖心传媒鈥檚 regional vice president of Risk Management in Tampa, Florida.

鈥淭he objectives of each operations meeting are to execute our emergency response protocol, including internal and external communications, employee safety, and continuance of business operations. The team is comprised of leadership from operations such as Claims, Underwriting, Risk Management, Building Facilities, IT, Marketing and Human Resources. We monitor the storm鈥檚 progress along with our company鈥檚 potential exposure to damages.鈥�

鈥淒uring Hurricane Ian, employees located in flood zones had to evacuate and a majority of us lost power intermittently. Our business continuity efforts allowed work to be sent to other 糖心传媒 operations so business processes were not interrupted,鈥� said May. 鈥淗urricane Idalia closed our Florida for two days in accordance with county requirements and flooding. We relocated our claims operations out of state and employees who had power worked remotely. When operations resumed at the location and the office reopened, we informed our agency partners.鈥�

Local Support from 糖心传媒

糖心传媒鈥檚 Corporate Property Claims Manager, Rick Powell, visited several policyholders after Hurricane Ian, getting a firsthand look at the impact on their clients鈥� businesses.

鈥淲e visited everyone with damaged property sites. We were there to reiterate that 鈥榳e are here for you to help put you back together,鈥� Powell said.

Powell made sure any questions policyholders had were answered, including coverages, timelines, and what happens next. A claims process would begin soon; the visits and conversations aimed to make the whole claims process a little easier on the business side.

鈥淭he hurricane passed within 30 miles of my house鈥� Because I was so close, I was able to go down there right away,鈥� said Powell, explaining that as 糖心传媒 claims team members like him receive claims, they make contact as quickly as possible.

鈥淥ur goal is to make contact the same day we get the claim 鈥� same-day contact in interviewing the policyholders, finding out the damage, and explaining to them the coverages.鈥�

Helping Other Businesses Prepare

鈥淓very company needs to plan ahead for disasters,鈥� said May. 鈥淭his includes having a detailed Emergency Response / Business Continuity plan along with periodic safety drills. It takes a village to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of a disaster. 

鈥淎s an insurance carrier in the state of Florida, we know hurricanes will happen,鈥� said May. 鈥淲e expect this, plan for its impact and complete practice drills to identify any gaps. This way, we remain prepared to support our customers, policyholders and employees in times of emergency.鈥�

LEARN MORE

糖心传媒 has a robust catalog for natural disasters, driven by a cohesive team of passionate specialists. Check out our complete library of hurricane preparedness resources.

While roles in are known to have a high chance of burnout, the problems can happen to employees across industries. Strikingly, burnout can cost companies between $125 billion to $190 billion every year in healthcare costs, .

Fortunately, there are resources that can help break the cycle of burnout before it has an adverse effect on an individual鈥檚 health and wellbeing. Businesses can share tips with their team that can help reduce the risks:

• Improve work/life balance by setting a designated 鈥渆nd鈥� time to the workday

Hybrid work has made it easy to blur the lines between work time and personal time and is a contributor to feelings of burnout among today鈥檚 workers. Employees may feel pressured to respond to another email or to review another document late at night. An important aspect of maintaining mental health is to establish and consistently enforce personal boundaries. Encourage employees to protect their personal time and give themselves permission to put the extra work off until tomorrow. Employees can establish a designated end time in the morning and stick to it, prioritize tasks, follow a to-do list, and refrain from adding more to the list today. Dividing the day into 鈥渨ork time鈥� and 鈥減ersonal time鈥� provides structure and helps manage expectations.

• Acknowledge and let go of stress

Allowing employees to process and release stress can offer a reset to mental health and make the day feel less daunting. that deep breathing, positive social interaction, light exercise, laughter, affection, and even crying are all significant stress reducers. Encourage employees to block time on their calendar to acknowledge current stressors. Doing so will allow their brain to process and body to release these stressors. Even a short time engaging in stress-relieving activities can be beneficial.

• Be kind by practicing self-care

Some employees may have demands in their professional and/or personal lives that make self-care feel out of reach. Encourage employees to make themselves a top priority and take part in whatever makes them happy. helps to regulate emotional responses, improves the ability to focus, and can have positive impacts on mood and productivity. Encourage employees to plan for 30 minutes; if this timeframe feels intimidating, they can break it down into two 15-minute breaks at different points of the day. Self-care looks different for everyone, and can include taking a walk, reading a chapter or two in a book, watching funny videos, or going shopping.

• Establish connections and remember purpose

Encourage employees to focus on feeling connected to something bigger than themselves, acknowledging that their work matters, and understanding how their work affects other people. Encourage them to talk with teammates (or privately reflect) about why they joined their industry and what they hope to achieve in their work.

• Take action for long-term professional resolution

Encourage employees to request time to talk to their manager about career advancement, prioritizing/organizing their current workload, or other educational/training opportunities that pique their interest. The entire company benefits when team members feel fulfilled at work.

Learn More about Professional Burnout:

As part of its involvement with the National Safety Council鈥檚 (NSC) to help prevent these types of injuries, 糖心传媒鈥檚 Risk Management team has been awarded a safety grant through the NSC鈥檚 MSD Solutions Lab. Participation in the 鈥淧ilot Grant 1.0鈥� program will include the selection of two policyholders who will leverage analytic video assessments and exoskeleton wearable devices through exclusive technology partnerships with 糖心传媒. These companies will be recognized for their involvement and the results can aid in advancements to reduce worker injury rates and absenteeism.

鈥淎s pioneers in workplace safety solutions, we always prefer to help prevent an employee鈥檚 injury altogether.聽This is why we are very excited to assist the NSC鈥檚 MSD Solutions Lab with their work to develop repeatable solutions that improve workplace safety,鈥� said Ryan Anderson, risk management expertise specialist at 糖心传媒. 鈥淭he program provides us an opportunity to pilot safety technologies and determine the impact these solutions can make on musculoskeletal disorders.鈥�

Following an application and screening process, 糖心传媒 will select policyholders for the program this fall. Participating policyholders must be exposed to the types of ergonomic safety risks related to the pilot technology; already be proven champions for safety at their organization, with a strong safety culture; and be willing to share the resulting data from the pilot program for a future case study.

鈥淲e are thrilled to be identified among the nation鈥檚 top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,鈥� said Kevin Clary, 糖心传媒鈥檚 vice president of risk management and premium audit. 鈥淥ur company鈥檚 participation in the grant program speaks to our service differentiator of identifying and offering emerging safety technologies to the benefit of our agency customers and policyholders.鈥�

糖心传媒 is a founding member of the National Safety Council鈥檚 safety advisory group to help prevent workplace injuries. Funded by Amazon and implemented in 2021, the council seeks to address risks associated with musculoskeletal injuries and drive initiatives to prevent workplace losses by engaging key leaders and stakeholders, leveraging technologies and implementing prevention solutions.

As part of the council participation, 糖心传媒 was also recently awarded the MSD Solutions Index Badge, which represents the company鈥檚 commitment to reduce the most common workplace injuries.

To learn more about the NSC and the safety grant pilot program, .

Safety in the Workplace

Proper building safety includes the prevention of accidents and injuries caused by fire, structural failures, falls, and other hazards. It鈥檚 essential in all workplaces, but especially important in buildings that are older, have outdated infrastructure, or may house hazardous materials.

Companies have an obligation to ensure a secure working environment and , including requirements for fire prevention, electrical safety, and fall protection. Employers should also provide training to workers on how to operate safely within buildings and worksites, including how to identify and avoid building hazards.

The Importance of Building Safety

To promote building safety in the workplace, companies can implement the following practices:

• : Buildings should be inspected regularly to identify and repair any faults or hazards. Electrical systems, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, elevators, and fire protection systems should be checked regularly to ensure that they are in good working order.
• : Employees should receive training on building safety, including how to recognize and avoid building hazards, and how to respond to building-related emergencies. Training should also cover proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response procedures.
• Clear Guidelines: Clear guidelines and procedures for working within buildings should be established and communicated to all employees. This includes guidelines for working at heights, handling hazardous materials, and responding to building emergencies.
• Updated Equipment: Equipment used within buildings, such as elevators, should be updated regularly to ensure they meet current safety standards.
• : Employers should comply with OSHA standards for building safety. Failure to comply with these standards can result in costly penalties and fines, as well as employee injuries.

Promoting Building Safety in the Workplace

Building safety is essential for protecting workers, visitors, and company property. By implementing regular inspections, proper training, clear guidelines, updated equipment, and compliance with OSHA standards, businesses can create a safe working environment that promotes productivity and protects the bottom line. Contact 糖心传媒鈥檚 Risk Management team for an array of customized and innovative solutions to help ensure your company is a safe and successful workplace.

It鈥檚 important for commercial drivers as well as drivers of passenger vehicles on active roadways to be acutely aware of work zone safety and prevention in order to help minimize accidents and fatalities.

What is a 鈥榃ork Zone Accident鈥�?

Work zone crashes are defined as 鈥渢aking place within the boundaries of a work zone or on an approach to or exit from a work zone due to activities, behaviors, or controls related to traffic moving through the boundaries of a work zone,鈥� In 2020, 857 people were killed and 44,240 people were injured in work zone crashes.

Accidents and fatalities related to work zones are often caused by commercial drivers passing through areas that include narrow lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven roads. These work zone changes are frequently altered or rerouted throughout the duration of a road construction project.

How to Safely Share the Road

鈥淎ll drivers should be aware that work zones can change day to day, or even hour to hour,鈥� said Todd Bernardoni, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 糖心传媒. 鈥淣o one wants to make a split-second decision on the road from not planning ahead of time that could potentially change lives forever.鈥�

, drivers should adhere to the following to reduce the risk of work zone crashes:

• Plan your route ahead of time; check for upcoming work zones and detours
• Reduce speed while traveling through work zones; be prepared to stop
• Stay alert and avoid distractions; pay attention to workers, flags, signs, and signals
• Give workers in the area extra room; slow down when approaching work sites
• Be aware of passenger vehicles, including blind spots, and maintain extra space
• Move into open lanes as soon as possible when approaching lane closures

Best Practices by Region

Many industries have work zone jurisdictions or commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driving routes that cross into multiple areas of the U.S. This means there may be additional work zone safety considerations to know during a driver鈥檚 journey depending on where they are traveling.

鈥淚n addition to adhering to nationwide safety best practices, it鈥檚 important to note there are specific playbooks for areas where there are heightened efforts due to the high number of fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles in work zones,鈥� said Sean Yakicic, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 糖心传媒. 鈥淔ollowing these guidelines can help businesses in these areas reduce risk of accidents.鈥�

Learn more about the specific best practices for states who experience heightened work zone crashes:

• / /
• / /
• / /
• /

Work Zone Awareness Week Activities

Businesses are encouraged to participate in National Work Zone Awareness Week by following along with the campaign, accessing the resources, and spreading the word about the importance of work zone safety with employees who drive for commercial purposes. The American Traffic Safety Services (ATSS) Foundation is coordinating resources and events for the week with the following themes:

• Work Zone Safety Training Day – April 17
• National Kickoff Event – April 18
• Go Orange Day – April 19
• Social Media Storm – April 20
• Moment of Silence – April 21

Enhance Safety with Your Fleet Today

糖心传媒 offers Fleet Safety and Distracted Driver training courses, and partners with leading technology vendors to provide policyholders with telematics technologies that track and improve driver behaviors. To learn more about commercial fleet safety programs and distracted driving prevention, reach out to your 糖心传媒 Risk Management Consultant or contact riskmanagement@amerisure.com.

Learn More

Activities and resources are available by visiting the official website.

Read about the real-world impacts of work zone safety:

According to , the purpose of this policy change is to 鈥渕ake its penalties more effective in stopping employers from repeatedly exposing workers to life-threatening hazards or failing to comply with certain workplace safety and health requirements.”

What to Know

The agency鈥檚 new measures aim to be important enforcement tools to both deter employers from disregarding their responsibilities to protect workers, and to ensure compliance with OSHA standards and regulations. There are two main components to be aware of:

1. OSHA regional administrators and area office directors now have the authority to cite certain types of violations as 鈥渋nstance-by-instance citations鈥� for cases where the agency identifies 鈥渉igh-gravity鈥� serious violations of OSHA standards specific to certain conditions where the language of the rule supports a citation for each instance of non-compliance. These conditions include respiratory protection, falls, lockout/tagout, machine guarding, permit-required confined space, trenching and for cases with other-than-serious violations specific to recordkeeping. The purpose of this change is to ensure that OSHA personnel are applying increased citations when needed to discourage non-compliance.
2. OSHA has issued a reminder to its regional administrators and area directors of their authority not to group violations, and instead cite them separately in order to 鈥渕ore effectively encourage employers to comply with the intent of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.鈥�

OSHA鈥檚 new guidance covers enforcement activity in the general industry, agriculture, maritime, and construction industries, and is currently set to become effective March 27. For establishments covered by the OSHA Electronic Reporting of Injuries and Illnesses requirement, information should also be submitted to OSHA electronically by March 2. To review the requirements or to check if you are covered, visit the OSHA Injury Tracking Application (ITA) .

Looking Ahead

It remains vital to regularly check to stay abreast of regulatory updates and remain in compliance. Employers are also encouraged to organize routine companywide training, review OSHA recordkeeping practices, perform regular audits, and keep proper documentation of all training, violations, and safety-related disciplinary actions to optimize operations and stay on top of industry changes.

糖心传媒鈥檚 authorized OSHA outreach trainers conduct on-site classes for supervisors and key subcontractors, including safety and health principles to help meet OSHA requirements. To learn more, visit our Risk Management page.